This is probably a silly question, but what happens when you loose all of the weight? Do you go back for surgery so they can take off the band?

Also, what is a port?

Also, what about sex? Is that dangerous once you have this surgery? I knew yall were going to think my questions were silly!

This is probably a silly question, but what happens when you loose all of the weight? Do you go back for surgery so they can take off the band?

Also, what is a port?

Also, what about sex? Is that dangerous once you have this surgery? I knew yall were going to think my questions were silly!

Perfectly reasonable questions, so don't feel silly. After you reach goal you can have a little of your saline removed, if you like, but the band stays in place. Otherwise you would soon begin to eat like a lumber jack again. The band does not "cure" whatever defect it is that makes us want to overeat. It just keeps us from fulfilling that desire.

The port is the mechanism for adding/removing saline. It is stitched to muscle just under the skin and feels a bit like a 9 volt battery, if you press on it.

Sex is no more dangerous with the band than without. In fact, it's probably safer, once you lose some of those extra pounds. It's certainly more enjoyable. (I would know this because I have lost 97 pounds and my husband has lost 74.)

That really helps. If we wanted to though, could it be removed? I hate having extra things in my body if I don't need them.

The band is removeable, but you would need to undergo another surgery to have it removed. I wouldn't want to have mine removed, because if I started to regain, that would require a third surgery to place a new band. It will be nice to know that it is there and can be filled and unfilled as needed.

That is really good info! I am just worried about infection or what if it grows into your stomach? Can it get buried in there somehow and rupture it. I would imagine it is always a possibility, but we have to take our risks.

If this will be an ongoing concern for you, I think you should rethink your options. Maybe the Lap Band is not the best choice for you. Have you looked into other weight loss surgeries? The LB is the safest and least intrusive, and the only one that is completely reversible, but I think it would be counterproductive if you had it done and were miserable from worry about what might happen.

Also, most doctors require a pre-op psych evaluation and I'm not sure you would get a green light.

To be a successful bandster, you have to make peace with your band. You really do. It will control what you eat, how much you eat, etc. Sometimes it will keep you from eating something that went down just fine yesterday. No one seems to know why. If you are easily frustrated, the band will make you crazy.

That is such good advice. It is not always what you want to hear, but you are absolutely correct. I really have to think things before I do anything. However, ever since i was a little girl, I was always fustrated with my weight.

I wasn't even fat. I look at pictures and I was so skinny, but I was always the one that was a little bit chunkier than my 2 sisters so I was always called fat. Somehow, I am that right now. I have always thought I was fat though. So right now, I wish I was back to my regular weight 120 and I am 200.

Hi I haven't been banded yet - still researching. How long can I expect the band to last, assuming no problems?

Assuming no problems, its supposed to last forever. However its only been done for around a decade in Australia, much less in the US. There's simply no data to show that it can or will last that long. Many people in Australia who have had their bands for 10 years have had revision surgeries, but you have to weigh up that they were the original guinea pigs and techniques and knowledge are improving all the time.

I fully expect to have further surgery related to this band some time way ahead in the future. Its just something I accepted when I made the decision to have it.

The band is intended to last a lifetime. However, as others have stated the statistical data on that isn't available. Personally, I intend it to stay unless I need it out for medical reasons.

If you have "issues" with things inside your body, I'd reconsider the lap band as your #1 choice. Unless of course your "issues" stem from simply not knowing all the information that would make you more comfortable. Remember, that other than the changes in your eating you really don't know it's there. The port is the only thing that you can physically feel and that's only if you make an effort to feel around for it.

There have been cases where a psychological condition causes people to have a reaction to artificial devices in their body therefore rejecting the band. It's fairly rare, thanks to the pre-op psyche eval that most surgeons require. But it does happen.

Once again, knowledge is power. Know the band, the procedure and the post procedure lifestyle. Know yourself and what you believe YOU can handle.

Jachut and Ddiedre, thank you so much for your replies. I understand that the results aren't in yet for the actual longevity of the band. And I don't have a problem with implanted artificial devices. I actually had a porta-cath for about a year about 20 years ago when I was being treated for cancer. I am just the type of person who tries to look at all the options and all the information before I make a decision. Sometimes I over-analyze to my own detriment. Anyway, this site is a wealth of very good information and I am so glad I found it. Thanks again, guys.