How long have you had yours...

[Twinsmommy0513 27]

Hi everyone...Im still in my pre-op nutrition appointments and getting really excited but my doc told me i have to let him know which surgery i want this next visit. Im 100% sure Im going with the band but have been reading things about it only last so long and you have to get it replaced. I was wondering if any of you have had to get it replaced due to age and how long have you all had yours?

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I've had mine for 20 months with no problems.

The band is meant to last, especially the newer models used by reputable surgeons. Statistically speaking, only 5% of all Lap Bands have complications by no fault of the patient. So, if you follow your doctor's orders and the band rules, the odds are definitely in your favor.

Here's a great link: http://www.futurity.org/weight-stays-off-long-after-lap-band-surgery/

[lellow 1,713]

I had mine for 3 years before it sprung a leak and had to be replaced. A leak is a band complication and NOT a foregone conclusion, so it was actually a defective band as opposed to it just 'wearing out'.

I expect my new band to last as long as I do.

[NaNa 878]

No one knows how long the band will last, it's a foreign object, there could be many reasons why someone may have to get their band replaced or removed.

Some have medical reasons, sometimes there are malfunctions with parts like leaks, some have very poor aftercare.

The best thing you can do is arm yourself with knowledge of how the band works:

Here are some things you may need to ask your surgeon:

1. How many lap bands has he/she has performed? greater than 500 is best

2. What is his/her complication rate? Do they convert many band patients to Bypass or Sleeve, if so, BEWARE.

3. Research the new eating habits of how to chew your food with the band to prevent frequent vomiting (frequent vomiting can cause lap band complications long term, like horrible reflux, bad enough to get the band removed).

I will be 8 years post op this month, however I had my older band replaced 4cc band, that is no longer used in the US due to higher complication rate from Pouch and esophageal dilation. However these same complications can occur with the newer bands, but they occur less often, as long as the patient don't keep it dangerously too tight.

The reason I got the band was because I can get it removed if something happens and I can always get it adjusted to help with weight loss.

I would do the band over again in a heartbeat.

Good luck.

[GoingforGoal 1,734]

Had mine 4 years, no issues. Told this would be good for life. Know people who've had theirs over 10 years w/ no replacements.

[Cocoabean 430]

5 1/2 years with no problems for me. I see my surgeon yearly for check-ups.

[Twinsmommy0513 27]

Thanks everyone. This makes me feel a lot better about my decision.