I am in the same situation. I had the band put in in 2007 and had some good initial success (went from 260 to 210 and I am only 5'6") but had constant problems with the band. Surgeon determined it had slipped so I had it removed in 2014 and quickly regained all of my weight and then some. High weight was 279. I have investigated the sleeve and have been approved for the surgery with Medicare covering most of the cost. I have been on pre-op diet and am now at 262. My wife would prefer that I try to continue to diet rather than have the sleeve. I have struggled with weight my entire life and remember the weight related issues my mother had in her late 70's so I feel that I have no choice unless I am willing to take the risk of similar weight related issues. At this point, I fell that I need to move forward before I get any older.
Surgery date is 7/3 four days before my 71st birthday. To say the least, I am very nervous about this but feel that the only rational decision is to go forward with the surgery.