OP, you will have a lot of people who really know nothing about obesity, weight loss or gain and surgery who will 'advise' you
What you need to do is look at all the options for getting to a healthy weight, many of which you may have done before, some worked Im sure, some didnt, some might have worked but were not sustainable for you
You will hear lots of people saying that over eating is psychological and I believed this applied to me for many years, I would cite that I was 'an emotional eater' and I really believed this. Unfortunately and rather embarrassingly this was not the case and I wish I had realised this decades ago, I am simply greedy with cravings connected to carbs. Once I had methods to shut down the food noise (as other posters have mentioned), I didn have cravings or any emotional need to overeat. Years ago lowered carb ways of eating managed this but I never kept it up. I achieved this last year initially with wegovy but didnt want to continually use that. I then ate a very low calorie diet, focusing on high protein and lowish carbs prior to having a sleeve. I researched every inch of what my options were and what I would need to do and fully prepared myself for what my life would need to entail. I believe that not everyone does this.
I personally went for a sleeve as apart from having a smaller stomach, you are virtually the same, whereas a bypass changes all your plumbing for life and I didnt want that or the restricted absorption of vitamins etc. I didnt want a band as that seemed a lot of faffing about, getting refills and defills etc etc, couldnt be doing with that. I didnt get a balloon as that is for people with less to lose than I needed. I had 10 stone to lose in total although just over 7 once I got round to the operation.
The op is nothing in comparison to life afterwards. You have to accept that you will probably be on supplements for life. You need to ensure your company has an aftercare package and will communicate with your GP and offer you bariatric support, nurses, nutritionist,, exercise advice etc etc
The weight wil not necessarily fall off either, you may have to accept slow weight loss, Im one of these! But my age means that its quite slow. You might get saggy or loose skin, you might not, it depends on your age, time you've been overweight, elasticity, ethnicity etc, its nothing to do with the speed it comes off and if you're going to get loose skin from weight loss you'll get it no matter what method you use
You might be at higher risk of gall stones, but most overweight women are at high risk of gall stones anyway, its another risk of obesity
You will risk some hair loss, starts around the 3 month period, worsened in my case by menopause, usually starts righting itself at the 6-12 month period, you have to expect this and not panic. Also big ops with general anaesthetic can also result in some hair loss afterwards but most people dont notice that because they arent losing weight at the same time
Ive had my 6 month bloods,, which came back perfect, apart from a bit too much absorption of iron, which surprised me. No deficiencies and thats because I am rigorous with my supplements. You will probably also need ant acids, surgeons differ about whether that is for life, ant acids over a long period of time come with a risk of bone density loss, something that can be mitigated by weight bearing exercise and ensuring your supplements are sufficient.
Ive now lost over 7 stone in total, very slow unfortunately, you'll see on various groups and communities it dropping off people but you mustnt compare if you are a slow loser, by the 2 year mark its virtually the same I believe.
I can sort of eat virtually normally now except its very very small portions, I dont respond well to carby foods, I hadnt eaten bread for many years due to joint issues and bloating, or bready products but away on holiday I do tend to eatsome and it makes me feel unwell so tomorrow back to my normal routine. I find that it really highlights just how crap food is available when you're eating out, or need to grab something on the road or for a snack, Im left with just a drink as an option or walking round supermarkets with huge sections that Im just not interested/applicable to me, shopping is now very cheap!
I had terrible problems really until last month (month 7) in eating and getting enough food down me, it would feel uncomfortable, that is getting much better now in the last month so my calories have naturally gone up which is a good thing, I was on less than 1k cals for months and months without the ability to eat more but that is improving. I should be on about 1200 now with 90g of protein (that is hard getting that amount in).
I track and log everything to ensure the right nutrition and protein plus my liquids as Ive never been a big drinker and struggle to get in the liquids, Im never thirsty, never have been so I have to force myself as you need to make sure you have the right level of fluids.
My blood pressure has plummeted, pulse slower,, cholesterol better, movement better, travel insurance is cheaper, skin is softer (not sure how that has happened), blood tests coming back perfect, hair coming back a bit thicker but that will take time.
My bike is more comfortable, getting in and out of the car more comfortable, less sweaty all the time! Balance is a bit better, apparently my teeth look bigger - not sure how that has happened either! Eyes look bigger too, probably less fat round them! Stopped snoring, honestly the list of improvements is too long.
Wish I had never got as fat as I did and that I did this sooner.