I'm curious. Did anyone's surgeon tell them about the following information I found by reading Allergan's product information?

Special Notice

The manufacturer of the LAP-BAND AP™ Adjustable Gastric

Banding System has designed, tested and manufactured it to be

reasonably fit for its intended use. However, the LAP-BAND AP™

System is not a lifetime product and it may break or fail, in whole

or in part, at any time after implantation and notwithstanding the

absence of any defect.

http://www.allergan.com/assets/pdf/lapband_dfu.pdf

I don't think so, but I have all the Allergen info and they recommend you read it before you decide to have the surgery. Karen

Yes, i was made fully aware that there was a possibility of band failure - most likely the balloon part, at some point in time but that I would hopefully get 20 years out of it. Ive been banded six and a half so far.

Im honestly not phased by the possibility of revision surgery, its minor surgery compared to the major lifesaving ones Ive had.

Yup was informed of the above both verbally from surgeon as well as in the reading material. Since the band is just a tool...if i get a few years out of it before anything happens with it, im confident that I will have formed and kept the habits needed to continue to eat healthy portions and healthy foods, even if the band was no longer in place.

Thanks for posting tho, for those who may be browsing the forum before even talking to surgeon this could be helpful.

The same thing can be said of joint replacements. They are not lifetime guarenteed either.

In our litigation obsessed society, you will find that kind of "fine print" on virtually everything. The manufacturers have to cover their butts, just like McDonald's has to advertize that their coffee is hot!

yes... i was aware also. We just have to keep our finger crossed.... and pray to the band Gods for good luck....lol

I read somewhere, wish I could remember where and provide a link, that the average lifespan of a band is 8-10 years. I know people whose bands have lasted longer and some that fell much short of that. But, it is encouraging that so many people are being made aware of this before surgery.

I had several consultations and was never informed of this.

Thank you for your replies!