New and need southern comfort!

I wanted a lap band for all the same reasons folks have posted here... less risk, quicker recovery, reversable, less invasive procedure, etc.  Unfortunately my body and that dang pre-existing hernia wouldn't let me have what I wanted.  Except for sleep apnea, I had no co-morbidities... perfect BP, no cholesterol problems, no diabetes, etc.  If that's what you want, I hope it works out for you... We have little, some or severe complications.  That's always something that can happen with any sort of surgery, elective or otherwise.  Having WLS surgery, no matter what the procedure, is no easy fix and is a decision that one needs to fully understand and know well before making that final decision. 

And also as suggested, don't spend too much time on the memorial pages.  In the early stages of my research, I would read a (very) few of the posts in the main forum about someone who passed away, and it seems that many/most of those who lost the war had severe health issues that made them extremely high risk for surgery, but it was a risk they were all willing to take.  And often times, the death was from some health issue other than their surgery.  We take chances in our cars on the crazy highways every time we get out there, but we still get out there! You are doing exactly what you should be doing... asking questions and homework.  If you want and are able to be banded, great!  However, if you can't, for whatever reason, don't let it get you down.  I was ready for surgery one way or the other, so when I had to accept I couldn't be banded, I just moved on to RNY.  I have zero regrets and would do it over again in a nanosecond!  Just stay open to all possibilities until you've started the process, had reqruied pre-tests AND consulted with your surgeon for his/her advice on what is best for YOU. And DO stay in touch in here and keep us posted.