You got a wide range of answers, and a really good overview! Now I’m going to tell you my story:
I am a professional ditz. I like to be spontaneous. I would go out to dinner with friends on the spur of the moment, and guess what – I don’t have any insulin with me. One friend actually took me home to get it, but most of the time, I’d just go without, with predictable results.
I always hated fumbling with vials and syringes, and although the pen was somewhat better, I’m much happier discreetly bolusing with my pump (I have an MM 722) in my lap. One friend asked me if I was saying Grace! LOL!
As far as tubing, I just coil it up and tuck it in my pants. It really doesn’t bother me at all. I don’t want an Omnipod, because you can’t disconnect, whereas with tubing, you can disconnect at the site for showers, or for the endo to download your pump, or for MRIs!
VERY few people have ever noticed my pump, although it’s clipped to my pants, and does make a bulge under my shirt. (I’m a T-shirt and jeans kind of person). It’s very light, and doesn’t drag my pants down (good thing, huh?)
I’ve been on the pump for 12 years (as of March 17 – my pump needs an Irish name!), and have no scar tissue to speak of, and no absorption problems – this is a very YMMV issue. I have had one site infection, but it cleared up on its own – that’s another YMMV thing.
Since I joined the Flatliners Club, and have made the effort to cut way down on my carbs, I’m getting better control than I ever have after 17 years on insulin. It does take time to get all your basals and carb ratios and insulin sensitivity factors worked out, so in the beginning, you might have more problems, but as you work things out, that will improve.
I find the pump to be far less work than shots, and I’m with acidrock – I hate logging, and the pump keeps good records for me!
So I’m going to say the same thing as everyone else – best bet is to see if you can get loaners to try out with saline, and choose the method which fits YOU best – and no one knows better than you do!