Maybe I'm doing to much researching about this procedure because now I'm reading about the studies they are doing about people who are having bad complications after 7+ years of having the band....a lot of erosion issues etc. Has anyone's doctor discussed this with them? Has anyone else read about this? I'm driving myself crazy aren't I? The purpose of me getting the surgery is so that I'm healthy and active 10, 20, 30 years down the road, not opening myself up to more complications like stomach erosion??????

How is everyone doing if you have had your band for more than 5 years?

I need to get off the internet but I'm really trying to be as informed as possible before I stick out my arm for the happy-go-to-sleep medicine.

I discussed this with my surgeon prior to having surgery. He explained to me that surgeries performed that long ago used different products and that the new bands are made to last for the life of the person. I laughed and said, I guess I'll take it to the grave and he said, that's exactly what should happen. But, honestly, there's no such thing as too much research as long as you are comparing apples to apples (same products.) Good luck with your decision, it's the best thing I ever did for myself!!

Exactly what she said. The new and improved Bands, plus the differences on how the surgeries are done have improved the amount of complications dramatically. Keep researching...everything you learn now will help with your success. One word of warning...most successful Banders no longer post at all...so there is a disproportionate amount of long-term banders with problems here as they are the ones coming back to research and get help with their problems...just something to keep in mind.

Exactly what she said. The new and improved Bands, plus the differences on how the surgeries are done have improved the amount of complications dramatically. Keep researching...everything you learn now will help with your success. One word of warning...most successful Banders no longer post at all...so there is a disproportionate amount of long-term banders with problems here as they are the ones coming back to research and get help with their problems...just something to keep in mind.

I agree with Band Groupie - newer bands and new techniques on how to suture them in have reduced the amount of slippage in lap bands in recent years. Not to say that something can't go wrong...my biggest concern would be a major illness or a bad case of the flu where vomiting is frequent for forceful. Honestly, knowing what I know now - if I had a weak stomach (luckily I don't), but if I did or know of someone contemplating the lap band who had a weak stomach - it is not a surgery I would recommend for that reason.

I think it's important to have at least an annual checkup - complete with a flouroscopy/barium swallow to check the band. Also to notify your physician anytime you notice a change in order to stay on top of potential issues. For instance, if you have a bit more than a mild dilation - you may need to have your band deflated for a period of time and then gradually re-filled - as opposed to waiting until you really notice a major problem and the only way to fix it is with surgery.

All I know is that life is not certain and while I'm here I want to enjoy it. I don't regret getting the band for 1 second despite the risks/complications, because it got me where I am. Anything you do is going to have some risks, and remaining obese to me carries more risk than the band will ever have.

So, try and weigh (no pun intended) the good and the bad, research all other WLS, and see which one is right for you. And whatever you do - I wish you the best!