I have had my band in almost 5 years in June. I am filled to the brim. I have been having gas pains and numbness, tingling and pain in my left shoulder that goes up to my neck. It gets so bad that I'm in a ball and in tears. Yes the band has worked for me. I weighed 233 when I first got the band and I'm now 165. No I have not reached my goal although I was close 3 years ago but was diagnosed with cervical cancer. So I'm back on track and just not seeing the results anymore. I stopped going to the gym bc I'm doing Insanity (which I love by the way). My port hurts a lot when I'm doing some stretches. I just feel like I don't need this crutch anymore. But I just didn't know if I should keep it in or take it out. Has anyone had it removed and if so is there any ups and downs?

i would suggest that you have a complete unfill and see if you can cope without the help of a band, if you can then u are better deciding to remove it or not .. good luck to you .. at least by unfilling u will get a reminder of what it was like pre-band

I would agree with cazzy....I wouldn't have it removed unless I was experiencing significant issues. But if you really would like to remove it, I would do as she suggested and have a unfill first just to make sure the band isn't a lifesaver instead of a crutch.

Hi, I had my lapband put in January 2012. I was doing great and down almost 20 lbs when I had my first fill. Don't know how much was put in but I was never the same after that. I kept burping and throwing up mucus and was hardly eating. Thank God for those protein drinks or I would've starved. Had all the fill removed but then still had same symptoms. Then for some reason, I couldn't eat anything solid and the pain in my chest was terrible and when I tried to sleep on my stomach, I felt so much pain. Two weeks ago I had a scope and my dr. didn't see anything terrible, but he suggested I have the band removed. Last week I had the band removed and the surgeon said there was so much irritation and inflammation. Haven't eaten much solids yet, but overall, most of the pain is gone. Funny, I still get the pain in my left shoulder if I drink too much and I have been because I am thirsty. Don't know why that is still happening. Following up with surgeon tomorrow. I would definitely have the fill removed completely first and see if that helps. Good Luck.

Wow, I got banded in January 2012 too, I have had opportunities to get fills but in agreement with hubby who has been my rock we have opted not to get any fills yet. Losing the weight I have lost has been all me (with help from the lapband of course!) I get chest pains when I eat too fast or too big of bites. Not understanding, though, it said you had lapband removed, but you are going to have fill removed? so you still have it? I'd be interested in knowing what you find out, thank you!

When I got my first fill, it wasn't an option even though I was very happy with my weight loss. I ended up having all the fill removed within 2 weeks. Then I had the band removed completely.

I know I had looked at that with my insurance before, unless it's medically neede (the removal) it would be out of pocket for me if I wanted to have it removed. There's days I do and then theres days I'm happy with my weight loss. Hubby said we'll see in a year how things are, who know's in ayear I won't even think about it anymore.

good luck!