I have had my band for 3 years now, and since day one I have had pain where the band is, I honestly wished I never got it but I do not know if getting it out will be the right decision either, "what if I gain lots of weight". Does every one know if I can get it out and have the gastric by pass surgery at the same time? This is the only way I see to be pain free of band and not gain weight back.

Have you talked to your doctor? Have you had it checked via barium swallow under x-ray?

You say you have pain where the band is, the band is around your stomach, do you mean you have stomach pain? And if so, have you seen an internist to make sure it is from the band?

I was also wondering what you mean by pain where the band is?

my dr said i would not be able to (feel my band)....kinda curious about this.

hope you are well just the same.

Yes, you can get a bypass when they remove the band. May I give you some advice? The bypass is pretty final. EVERYONE that I have talked to has had complications but they also say they would do it again. I myself never once considered the bypass because it is so invasive. I got the band in March 2010 and am having it removed July 9 due to not feeling well, intermittent nausea, tummy issues, etc. I, too, am worried about re-gaining weight but if I do, then I do. I think I won't though. You have had your band longer than me so you must have lost weight and learned to eat differently. Just try very hard to continue that.

Can you tell I am very much against the bypass?? LOL But seriously, think about it beforehand. It's a big move. Good luck!