Hi Everyone!

My surgery was just scheduled for May 3, 2012! I'm very excited and also a bit nervous. Some things were brought to my attention and I wanted to ask and see if you all can maybe bring me some relief and ease my mind!

I have heard and also read on the internet that there are a lot of cases where within 1-5 years people are having to have their bands removed due to erosion and deterioration? and also that due to the constant pressure of the band on the esophagus are getting cancer of the esophagus? Is this true? Do any of you know of any of these things happening or has it happened to any of you? Also I'm worried that the band might not actually be long term...any thoughts on that? I am a bit on the worried side right now! Any information or advice on these issues are greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!!

Andriea

I know erosion is a risk, but statistically speaking it's less than 10% in five years.

I've never heard anything about esophogial cancer, I'll have to look into it.

If you research you will see that most erosion comes from excessive pressure placed on the band from over eating. As far as esophageal cancer goes I doubt that is from the band many people get it from having barretts esophagus which comes from years of acid reflux. Not from the band. Thats all I can say.

I just did some reading and found just the opposite:

"Obese people are six times more likely to have esophageal cancer than people who are not obese. Studies suggest that men whose fat is concentrated in the abdominal area are at greater risk of developing esophageal cancer."

Everything I'm reading states obesity as greatly increasing the risk of it. I found some blogs about it in Lap Band patients but no actual medical documentation. (and I put no merit in blogs whatsoever).

If I had to guess, based on what I've just read, that people getting it with Lap Band are because of being obese not the Lap Band, it just so happens the Lap Band draws attention to it sooner.

Thank you Mis 73 and Sanction. I have been a little concerned and wanted to ask. Kind of scary thinking about all of it. Especially since I will be going in for surgery here in a few weeks. Want to make sure I know absolutely anything and everything that could possibly happen or that I might have to deal with. I know it does say that at some point the band may have to be removed. I'm just really hoping that won't be the case at all! And I'm praying that I won't have any complications either! Really hoping this will last long term for me :-) Thank you all again so much!!!