Hi

I had a band put in 2 years ago in April. I have had it loosened and am able to keep the weight off. I am aware that eventually many of us need to have it removed for one reason or another.

My question: I would like a tummy tuck now, but I am afraid to get one and then, later, have a band removal and have scars that would have been covered by a tummy tuck if I had waited. Are the band removal scars large? are they in places covered by a tummy tuck? Thank you

Band removal scars should look just like the ones for it going in. I would make a final decision on the band before any cosmetic surgery.

It all depends...I've heard that it can come out laprascopically and some have had to have convert to open incisions due to scar tissue, etc.

What makes you think that most people eventually have to have their bands removed? Only 4% of lapband patients end up with band removal because of erosion or slippage. Unless something is wrong with your band you won't necessarily have to have it removed.

Thanks for the info -advice.

In answer to the question of what makes me think the band may malfunction -I got the impression that it may be removed- it was a combination of anecdotal evidence and studies.

For example:

http://www.ctvnews.ca/study-cites-high-lap-band-complication-removal-rates-1.624831

This news story cites a Belgian study that bands are removed at higher rates than the 4% you mentioned. Are you sure that the 4% is a figure from long term bands and not just bands one year out? I hope you are right but either way I love my band and I am glad I did it.

The problem is that long term studies use older bands. The newer bands have not been studied long term. They have not been out long enough to do a long term study.