Thought I would you give an update. Saw the surgeon for pre-operative discussion. While I was there I checked the date I the band inserted and got a shock. It isn't ten years ago it's almost 14 yrs. As I have posted previously I have been concerned about gaining weight once the band is removed in a few days so I asked him to remove what fluid was in the band and he got only about 1/2 ml of dirty brown fluid. All the fluid has been absorbed. That gives me confidence that the band hasn't been doing a lot for me and I wont go into a feeding frenzy after removal. Neither of us want another procedure so that's good. I am getting myself emotionally and physically prepared for the removal. I will keep you all posted on how I go.