I'm considering lap band but wondered how long many people have had with their band...most people posting on here seem to be within the past few years. I'd like to know how people are doing 5-10 years down the road and whether or not they've been able to make lifetime lifestyle changes and remain successful with the LapBand as a weight loss tool.

Just curious and I figure others who are considering this procedure would be interested too.

Thanks,

OK Twigs

You won't find too many people since it is a relatively new (in the US) procedure. I know sisters who were part of the FDA trials and they've had their bands... about 6 years now. So you'll probably have to look overseas (maybe one of the international forums here?) for anyone farther out than 2001.

I know a lsy here in Dallas who was part of the FDA trial and she has had her band about 7 years. She is doing great and looks like your average lady. I never would have thought she was once bigger than I was! She has proven to me that the band is a long term solution to my weight issues. I even used her plastic surgeon!

Most of us on here are either newly banded or WAITING! A few vetrans post because they are AWESOME people! Most are out living their lives and the weight is no longer a forefront issue for them.

Hi, Actually Australia and Europe have been banding patients since the early 90's. I am not sure about Mexico. The head of my clinical surgical practice performed his first surgery in Australia in 1994, and helped to design one of the first bands in 1991. Susannah