Magnifi8

Your post voices exactly my main concern! That for a device that is supposed to last forever, once you've had it put in that is, it's starting to show higher incidences of complications the longer you go with it. I've yet to be banded as I'm still researching my options. I noticed that a majority of the folks on this forum are not senior bandees meaning 10+ years with the band. And I understand that it's still new for the United States so I continue to plug away with my research... thanks for posting! Hope all goes well for you!

Hello troubled bandsters! I was just diagnosed with a slipped band. I was banded March of 2006, and I know that my band was fine in 2008. I know it's futile to try and pinpoint a cause, but all of my problems seem to be associated with a pregnancy in 2008. In fact, I have neen researching the band + pregnancy since about 2007 and the more I read, the more I found it almost common for slips or other complications after childbirth.

My slip is a bit atypical. I wasn't particularly symptomatic except for a "new" band sensation that I didn't have previously, which would lead to nighttime reflux. All night long. And sometimes the next night too. I didn't have crazy restriction, I was not a frequent PBer (in the last 3 years I've probably had 2 PBs), I didn't have a sudden change in restriction, etc. And I don't fall into your typical "high risk for a slip" cartegory -- again, infrequent PBs, I maintained conservative restriction for most of my banded time - was only too tight once and I got an unfill the next day, I followed the rules that worked for me (not meaning I followed them selectively, but sometimes I had my own more restrictive rules... e.g. I was never able to tolerate a.m. foods/drink so I didn't try), etc.

I'm not surprised I have a slip because something about such significant changes in my band (the "new" sensation I mention earlier was pretty significant) this far out certainly didn't seem normal. I also sort of went into this expecting to have a complication of some sort some day. And now that more data is available than when I was banded, and I see the increasing rates of complications, I just sort sort of expected it. (In other words, I went into this knowing it was a forever comittment, but also knowing that forever might be cut short).

I've been given 3 options:

1. Since my only presenting symptom is occasional reflux (maybe once every month or two), and even completely unfilled I still have some restriction, I can ride it out and see what happens. This may well work, but I have concerns about dysmotility consequences... and while I'm maintaining my weight, and have since my daughter was born in 2008, I'm not losing. That's not a good thing.
2. I can go in for repositioning or rebanding, which I know tends to have lower and lower success rates as more long term data becomes available. I've had a band for a while - long enough to develop a love/hate relationship with it, and I'm hesitant to sigh up for another procedure that may or may not work properly.
3. I can submit for revision to another procedure. My surgeon recommended the vertical sleeve. I've always been hesittant to do anything that permanently removes part of my stomach because, if it doesn't work, what then?

Guess I have some thinking to do, but figured I'd say hi to y'all.

BTW, I was 380 lbs when banded. About 215 when I got preggers. About 280 at delivery, and about 265 today. That's with a goal weight of 180.

This is all good info to know since I've yet to be banded. Hope everything works out for you... because I'm an emotional eater (constantly "head hungry") your post, Kieras, helps me to be prepared for situations such as this that may arise. I pray that all goes well with you and that you "recover" quickly from this.

~ Compassion, empathy and helpful knowledge can go hand in hand in times of uncertainty and fear.

Yes, I went from a women's size 12W to a 10R when I went from 329 lbs to 214 lbs back in 2009. So yeah, expect to buy smaller sized shoes when you lose more and more weight! Amazing isn't it? LOL

Thanks so much for all the info! Trying not to rush things but I've been living with this "issue" for most of my adult life... it's been so long of a journey and I've come to a place where I am now ready to make the "lifestyle commitment".

All of these "survival tips" for the early post-op phase is so helpful... taking notes as I've gotten approved for a referral yesterday by my primary dr. Excited/nervous/anxious/and a little scared all at once but looking forward to this journey to better me.

For someone in my position (my primary yesterday approved my referral for the band), it's absolutely critical to hear as many different experiences with this procedure so that I can make a sound decision for ME. Knowing what my risks are as well as the benefits will help me to do so. If I only heard one side of the story, I couldn't make the "right choice" now could I?

Hopeful still...

I had my surgery June 6th. I'm reading all these different experiences. I know so many positive stories are on here but there are also some really scary and discouraging stories. Im seriously wondering if I should stay off this board.

Hi - can you please post the source for this RESULTS data that you posted as I'm planning to attend my first seminar this Saturday and would like to present the findings to the seminar team and be able to at least name the source from where it came. Just this alone would make me not want to go through with the procedure because it sounds like there's almost an "expiration date" for the band, tubing and/or port. My insurance will not cover a removal. This is something to think about as I'm only 40 and I'd like to think that the likelihood of this band lasting would be much longer than say 5-10 years, you know... *much to contemplate EVEN more! But I sure do appreciate you posting this. Thank you!

As I said in my earlier post, what I needed was a tool to help me to feel fuller quicker. I was told BY THE MD that this was the tool to do that. Also as I said in my post earlier, I won't eat if I feel full. I hope this answers your question and if not, here is some food for thought:

RESULTS: Between June 1997 and June 2003, LGB was performed in 317 patients, 43 men and 274 women. Mean age was 38 years (19-69), mean weight was 119 kg (79-179), and mean BMI was 43.5 kg/m(2) (34-78). 97.8% of the patients were available for follow-up after 3 years, 88.2% after 5 years, and 81.5% after 7 years. Overall, 105 (33.1%) of the patients developed late complications, including band erosion in 9.5%, pouch dilatation/slippage in 6.3%, and catheter- or port-related problems in 7.6%. Major reoperation was required in 21.7% of the patients. The mean EWL at 5 years was 58.5% in patients with the band still in place. The failure rate increased from 13.2% after 18 months to 23.8% at 3, 31.5% at 5, and 36.9% at 7 years. CONCLUSIONS: LGB appeared promising during the first few years after its introduction, but results worsen over time, despite improvements in the operative technique and material. Only about 60% of the patients without major complication maintain an acceptable EWL in the long term. Each year adds 3-4% to the major complication rate, which contributes to the total failure rate. With a nearly 40% 5-year failure rate, and a 43% 7-year success rate (EWL >50%), LGB should no longer be considered as the procedure of choice for obesity. Until reliable selection criteria for patients at low risk for long-term complications are developed, other longer lasting procedures should be used.

This thread has left me to reconsider my decision to have this procedure performed because there doesn't seem to be enough feedback from those who've lived longer with the lap band. The majority of the posts/comments tend to be from bandees who only had this performed under 5 years time. I'd like to hear from the veterans so to speak. To see both sides of the spectrum is VERY eye-opening as I'm seriously contemplating this procedure myself. I know that this may not work for everyone but the fact that down the line complications can arise and my insurance won't cover a removal? Scary!

Hi I am not banded yet and have been researching the band for over a year. Probably too much. I have read some discouraging things about the band as well as some good things. Some bandsters on this site that are not happy with their band say it is all about will power.......and receive no restriction whatsoever from their band. this is quite discouraging as I have never had will power to lose weight and need help. That is why I am chosing to go thru surgery for this. Does the band really help you lose the weight? Also, would you do it again knowing what you know now? Sorry for the negatives but I am nervous about my decision. As you all know it is not an easy one. thank you for your honest replys.

Thanks Kay! That's good info. I'll definitely be pushing my surgeon to try and expedite this if my insurance doesn't require the 6-month diet. My primary dr felt that it was totally pointless (the 6-month diet) and a waste of my time and money as she feels that I'm in the right mindset for the commitment to a new lifestyle and am fully aware of all of the possible risks/complications. Appreciate your help!

It all depends on your insurance. some require that you complete a 6 month dr supervised diet. So it could be 6 months from your visit with the doctor today. Or it could be about 2 months away if you work diligently at getting your testing done and the psych eval. It is possible to do all of that within 2-3 months if you can get the appointments scheduled quickly enough. Find out what your insurance requires as far as their requirements and that will give you a better idea. Hope this was somewhat helpful to you.

Forgot to mention that I'm from California.

...she stated that some insurances require the 6-month diet and weight loss period. Does any with this insurance know if this is a requirement and also for an idea for out of pocket total cost. My insurance will pay for 80% with a lifetime max of $16,000.00 -- any help is greatly appreciated!

...she stated that some insurances require the 6-month diet and weight loss period. Does any with this insurance know if this is a requirement and also for an idea for out of pocket total cost. My insurance will pay for 80% with a lifetime max of $16,000.00 -- any help is greatly appreciated!

Excited for you! Today was my very first day to taking the step to get this procedure done. Met with my primary and she gave me the green light for this. Can you tell me how long from the time you went to see your primary to your scheduled op date did it take? I'm anxious to get this done and over with.... tired of living a poor quality of life with this excess baggage on my body. Thanks! And praying all goes well for you!

I am so excited! I am scheduled to have my band installed on June 28th. My husband and I were joking the other day about our anniversary which is on Friday. I told him he needed to get a new model and he said he didn't need one because he was getting an upgrade. I am a bit nervous because this is so life changing but I feel like I am getting a new life. I hope all of you that are waiting to have yours don't have to wait to long!