I'm debating band vs sleeve and was wondering about this. Can the band work for 20 plus years or will it have to eventually be removed?

I've had mine for 7 years with zero complications.

The first Lapband surgery was preformed in 1993. 20 years is not a long time when you are planning on a lifetime. I guess time will tell.

Lapbands of 20 years ago are not the same as the ones placed now. They have improved by leaps and bounds, and issues with earlier bands have been addressed to try to mitigate against some of those earlier complications.

Comparing sleeve and lapband, to me is like comparing apples and oranges. The sleeve has a complication rate of 2% (to date) and the lapband over 5%, but complications from the sleeve tend to be more severe due to the inability to reverse the effects of the sleeve, whereas lapband complications, for the most part, can be corrected, either with an unfill or with further surgery. However, the sleeve is very much 'set and forget' whereas frequent aftercare is absolutely crucial with a band. Weight loss with a sleeve is much easier to achieve, but on average the weight loss of both is comparable 5 years out, you just have to work harder (imo) with a band. So the two aren't really easily compared.

As for longevity, in Australia where the band has been in use (and I believe is still the most used WLS) for over 15 years, we actually have studies that show a good prognosis for long term use. But I think as with every surgery, you have to go in expecting that you might be one of the unlucky ones who will have a complication, and if you do, to weigh up the avenues that you have available to you to fix your issue. My first band wasn't for life, and was replaced after 5 years due to band failure (a leak) but I'm hoping my new band lasts a lot longer than that.

Lapbands of 20 years ago are not the same as the ones placed now. They have improved by leaps and bounds' date=' and issues with earlier bands have been addressed to try to mitigate against some of those earlier complications.

Comparing sleeve and lapband, to me is like comparing apples and oranges. The sleeve has a complication rate of 2% (to date) and the lapband over 5%, but complications from the sleeve tend to be more severe due to the inability to reverse the effects of the sleeve, whereas lapband complications, for the most part, can be corrected, either with an unfill or with further surgery. However, the sleeve is very much 'set and forget' whereas frequent aftercare is absolutely crucial with a band. Weight loss with a sleeve is much easier to achieve, but on average the weight loss of both is comparable 5 years out, you just have to work harder (imo) with a band. So the two aren't really easily compared.

As for longevity, in Australia where the band has been in use (and I believe is still the most used WLS) for over 15 years, we actually have studies that show a good prognosis for long term use. But I think as with every surgery, you have to go in expecting that you might be one of the unlucky ones who will have a complication, and if you do, to weigh up the avenues that you have available to you to fix your issue. My first band wasn't for life, and was replaced after 5 years due to band failure (a leak) but I'm hoping my new band lasts a lot longer than that.[/quote']

Thx Lellow

The manufacturer states in the disclaimer that it is NOT a lifetime product.

The BAND itself will most likely be fine. It's made of an inflatable silicone material that doesn't "break" easily. The problem is our bodies. The band is a high pressure system and affects the esophagus greatly. It also can damage the diaphragm and the nerves that run through it. The band causes scar tissue to build up around your internal organs. That can affect your body's ability to function well and normally.

I personally had two bands. Both caused serious damage that has become permanent.

The manufacturer states in the disclaimer that it is NOT a lifetime product.

The BAND itself will most likely be fine. It's made of an inflatable silicone material that doesn't "break" easily. The problem is our bodies. The band is a high pressure system and affects the esophagus greatly. It also can damage the diaphragm and the nerves that run through it. The band causes scar tissue to build up around your internal organs. That can affect your body's ability to function well and normally.

I personally had two bands. Both caused serious damage that has become permanent.

Wow. Thank you guys so much. I'm interested in the sleeve, but my dr recommends the band for me. Doing my due diligence.

from: https://www.lapband.com/

Important LAP-BAND^® System Safety Information

Indications: The LAP-BAND^® System is indicated for weight reduction for patients with obesity, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 kg/m² or a BMI of at least 30 kg/m² with one or more obesity-related comorbid conditions.

It is indicated for use only in adult patients who have failed more conservative weight reduction alternatives, such as supervised diet, exercise and behavior modification programs. Patients who elect to have this surgery must make the commitment to accept significant changes in their eating habits for the rest of their lives.

Contraindications: The LAP-BAND^® System is not recommended for non-adult patients, patients with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or increase the risk of poor results (e.g., inflammatory or cardiopulmonary diseases, GI conditions, symptoms or family history of autoimmune disease, cirrhosis), who are unwilling or unable to comply with the required dietary restrictions, who have alcohol or drug addictions, or who currently are or may be pregnant.

Warnings: The LAP-BAND^® System is a long-term implant. Explant and replacement surgery may be required. Patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive nutrition may require deflation of their bands. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, should be used with caution and may contribute to an increased risk of band erosion.

Adverse Events: Placement of the LAP-BAND^® System is major surgery and, as with any surgery, death can occur. Possible complications include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical procedure, and the patient's ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body.

Band slippage, erosion and deflation, reflux, obstruction of the stomach, dilation of the esophagus, infection, or nausea and vomiting may occur. Reoperation may be required.

Rapid weight loss may result in complications that may require additional surgery. Deflation of the band may alleviate excessively rapid weight loss or esophageal dilation.

Important: For full safety information please visit www.lapband.com, talk with your doctor, or call Allergan Product Support at 1-800-624-4261.

so far no complications

my success so far, outweigh the risks that are clearly outlined

and if in the future something does happen, i will work with my dr then

and until then (i cant forsee that) but i am now living my life, healthier/happier

and no longer super morbid obese.......def worth it for me to take that small chance.

I met a lady that has had her Lap Band since 2001, so 12 years. She was one of the first to get her band after the FDA approved it for use in the US.

She's kept off all her weight for a decade and zero problems.

I look at like this: There is a 5% chance of serious complications by no fault of the patient. The chances I'd die from obesity related diseases and/or complications was almost guaranteed. For me, the choice was a no brainer.

Best wishes.

My Patient Activist at True Results (here in Austin) has been banded for 10 years with zero complications.

I have had the band for ten years and have had complications. The band is not designed for longer than ten years...google research studies that have been done that are NOT paid for by the band manufactuer. I highly recommend getting the sleeve and not the band. I am in the (long) process of appealing insurance so I can revise from band to sleeve. Do not buy what other say about "having to make lifelong changes..." etc. The band does not work long term no matter what changes you make. One study I found said that all the bands placed in a hospital in 2000 have all been removed. DO NOT GET A BAND.

I got my band about 11 years ago. My support group consisted of about 100 people who also got bands around the same time I did. I can think of four people who still have bands. Not the original ones, though. They had to have subsequent surgeries.

The band is not a lifetime device. It's not even a long term device, quite honestly. The damage it can do is for a lifetime, though. I am still on a multitude of medications to counteract the damage the band did to my body.

I got my band about 11 years ago. My support group consisted of about 100 people who also got bands around the same time I did. I can think of four people who still have bands. Not the original ones, though. They had to have subsequent surgeries.

The band is not a lifetime device. It's not even a long term device, quite honestly. The damage it can do is for a lifetime, though. I am still on a multitude of medications to counteract the damage the band did to my body.

I'm sorry you had problems, but saying "it's not even a long term device" simply isn't true. Just because you had problems doesn't mean all of us will.

Statistically speaking, it IS a long term and successful device with a very low rate of non-patient caused complications: http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/weight-stays-off-long-after-lap-band-surgery/

It's not a long term device unless you plan on only living for a decade. Not many human bodies will withstand the band's presence for that long, unfortunately. I am only trying to help the original poster in her research.

She is asking for opinions. She hasn't been banded yet. If people who have already gotten bands are happy with them, more power to them. But I believe it's important for people who haven't yet chosen the band to know the less "happy" side because the seminars don't give out all that information. Ultimately she'll choose for herself what is best for her, but I wish someone had told me BEFORE surgery that the advertising is just that- advertising-trying to sell a product. It's important to know the truth.

I realize no one likes to imagine that they'll have band issues and it makes people defensive. I'm used to being told that "just because it happened to you doesn't mean it will happen to me." And I always hope they're right.

The band has only been around in the US since 2001, making it impossible for longer term studies in the US.

Furthermore, we already know there were major problems with the old 4cc bands. This is exactly why it's no longer used in the US. It's unfortunate but not surprising people continue to have problems with them.

To say "it's not a long term device" or "it's not designed for more than 10 years" is a flat out lie. It's one thing to share your personal experience and another to spew 100% false information.

Share your experience and share medically proven facts but stop spewing lies.