Hi, I'm fairly new here and I am strongly considering the band. I have been lurking around this board for a while and I have learned a lot. But I do have one question. Is there anyone here that is three years or more out that has had no complications (slippage, erosion, port problems, etc.). I know you hear more about people WITH problems than the ones without, but I would really like to hear from the ones who haven't had any problems.

Thanks~Lisa

Hello Lisa, my DH is just over 3 years out with his band. Zero complications. I'm a year and a half out with zero complications, but the band doesn't work for me. (brain tumor)

I got banded back in August, 2005, I've lost almost 130lbs and had zero "real" complications.

I did have 2 incisions under my boobs that got irritated because they rubed together because of my obesity.

Other than that I have been great.

Hubby was also banded by the same doctor and has had zero problems.

The key is to find the surgeon that is right for you. Once you have surgery you are in a way "married" to the doctor and this person needs to be supportive and have the expertise to make you surgery a success.

Best of luck to you!

Carrie, have you put up some B&A pictures yet? I can't believe that you only need 15 more....wooooohoooooo, you go, girl!!!!

I think the biggest complication most people have is trying to get the band at the fill that is right for you. Once that is accomplished your on your way to total bliss. Also trying to adjust to the changes you have to do with a band now living inside of you.

Good luck

I have been banded over a year with no complications, well I forget that I can't have rice and PB it but no real complications. ~Mandy (down 75 pounds)

2 years for me and so far so good. Keep in mind that a lot of folks only post when looking for information and support during a problem. Folks without problems may never post at all. Hence the appearance of more problems than not.

I've had my band just over three years and have had no serious complications. There have been effects and some irritation/reflux symptoms that required testing, but the tests all showed that my band is in good shape and good position. I've had no infections or surgical complications at all.

It's not realistic for anyone to expect the band can be installed and then forgotten about. It inflicts significant changes on our eating habits and requires attention and followups with doctors. But it's also not true that most people have complications. In my experience, MOST bandsters don't have what I would call "complications."