Hi,
My two boys (14 and 10) have had G-tubes for two years. They have the Bard style which is flatter than the Mic-key style button. It does stick out a little, but not bad. They both swim and play basketball with no problem. They usually keep a big bandaid over the button when playing (mostly because they don't want people to see it). There are pros and cons with both styles.
The Bard is put in during surgery with a one-step process and stays in place using a flat sponge on the inside of the stomach. It has to be replaced with another surgery. For the Mic-key, a tube is put in first and when the site heals it is replaced with a button. It stays in place with a small balloon that can be deflated to remove.
The Bard has a lower profile which is why my kids chose it. It has a rubber flap with a tip that closes the hole. When hooking up the feeding tube, we need to tape the connection because it DOES come apart in the night. The Mic-key has a twist connection so that this doesn't happen. One of my kids has had problems with his Bard, some leaking, some granulation tissue and a replacement. The other kid has had NO problem at all.
We weren't really given a choice whether or not to do the g-tubes. We really feel that we were pressured a little. It came at a very stressful time when both boys had been hospitalized and were pretty sick. It was very emotional for us. I'm glad you were given time to mull over your decision and to do ask questions. Looking back, it was probably for the best, but I wish it was handled in a different way. It does add a lot more to our daily routine, but both kids have gained weight so it's worth it. Another good thing is that if they need to take bad-tasting medicine or need an extra cup of fluid, we can just put it through the tube.
Good luck with your decision!
Jane