Hi, I'm Kim and I've been here reading a posting for a little while...will be banded on 12-16-05 and after reading the posts about the slips and erosions, I must admit I'm scared and having second thoughts. I want to be in this for the long haul...I am self-pay and do not have an endless supply of money for all the tests or for further surgery should some of these things go wrong. Is there anyone that's had the band long-term without any problems? What are the statistics from the other countries that have been placing the band for 10-plus years? What happens 10 years down the road? Surely there must be more information available. I know the techniques are understandably better now than 10 years ago, but it disturbs me to read that so many people are having problems one, two and three years in. Is it that we're so desperate for help that we're willing to pay 15,000 dollars for something that might not last more than a few years? I tried to obtain some information from Australia where I was under the impression that they've been doing this for a long time and to no avail. Please, please help me with this dilemma. I need to have my gallbladder out anyway and my thinking was that I might as well put it in at the same time. I'm scared and need some advice!

Hi Kimberly,

Here in the U.S. we're hampered by the fact that there are no long-term bandsters. And even in other countries there wouldn't be anyone who has had the band for more than 10 or so years, since the band was only invented in the early 90s.

I looked at it like any other medical implant, though. New ones are coming out all the time, improving on old models and old techniques. If I needed an artificial knee or hip, or a heart valve or something to stay healthy and stay alive, I'd do it! Even if it meant that the implant would need maintaining or replacing years down the line. The improvement in my health and quality of life has been and will continue to be so substantial and it's worth investing time, money, and effort in this little piece of plastic to help me stay the course.

If I had been ten years younger, 50 punds lighter, or had no children I may very well not have made the same decision, though. Obviously every person has their own calculus to make.

Alex, thanks so much for your thoughts. It's a different perspective that I hadn't thought about - it being like anything else we would need to have implanted. Question - I see you have been banded for two years - have you had any issues? Maybe I'm just having pre-surgery jitters...some days I feel absolutely confident in my decision, my doctor who I really, really love, and the excitement of the opportunity. Other days....well, it's a great deal of money and the fear just creeps in that this is just a temporary fix. I've HAD the temporary fix...if I didn't need something more permanent, I wouldn't do this. But I appreciate your feedback and any more info you can give! Maybe I'm just reaching out for some assurance....Thank you!