No hospital within 450 miles that does the ds soooooo

OK, I admit I don't know my Penn geography well, but there are DS surgeons in your state - have you checked the list at dsfacts.com? There are two in Warminster, PA, and they both have excellent reputations. There is also Dr. Greembaum in NJ, though again I don't know how far that is for you.

I agree with you completely about sleeve rather than band, but if the DS is really what you think is your best choice, the effort  involved in travel is worth it. See about transportation with friends or family. Call in some favors. Do what you need to do to get the medical care you need. Don't settle unless you have tried every resource you can think of first.

Larra

That is why God made airplanes.  Some of us traveled half way around the world to get our DS.  If I couldn't have had the DS I wouldn't have had surgery at all.  A sleeve would never have been enough for me.  I can (and do) eat the same quantity of food that I ate pre-op.  I have almost no restriction left.  Plus, I need the metabolic help that you can only get with the DS.

Look into traveling for your DS.  As for me, I had to stay in a motel for a week post op before I was allowed to drive home.  You do what you gotta do.

~Becky