what's the longest with the band

[Muñekita 36]

Just wondering whe has had the band the longest?

[Terry Poperszky 2,784]

there are at least a couple on here who have passed their 9 year mark.

[Jack 855]

A few years ago on LBT there was someone who said they were in the original USA 'test group' circa early 1990s with a silicon band.

I lost track of who it was, but after the then-record AFAIK sucessful Band placement, they sounded satisfied.

I'll do a bit of minor research to see what I can find on the subject & report back.

[Jack 855]

My google-fu shows there is considerable material to review. Scanning random links produces a wide variety of opinions.

Here's one study; http://thinforlife.med.nyu.edu/news/2013/new-lap-band-data-shows-long-term-success

For myself, now in year 10, the Band so far has saved my life, has improved my quality of life, and has taken me from being "Morbidly Obese' to being merely "Obese".

I Celebrate each day postOp.

[Muñekita 36]

10 yrs! That's awesome! So happy for your success

During all those years, have you had any complications? Or had days where you thought there was a possible complication?

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

any WLS has complications due to whatever reason.

and any WLS works also (again due to the patient helping the surgery itself).

just wanted to toss that out there so no one thinks one WLS is better than the other because it isnt.....whatever WLS one gets, do the best you can (and as dr advised for best results) but as in life, anything varies and sometimes things do happen......as jack stated, and i concur, this WLS i had, saved my life.....and i am now living again..

[Jack 855]

re: "During all those years, have you had any complications? Or had days where you thought there was a possible complication?"

I'm not sure what the standard notinn of "complication" actually includes, in the genearal Bandster population.

Given it's late, I'm tired, and the 'what-ifs' don't play much in my part of the realm.

More later if interested in 'complications'.

[Misty Johnson 0]

I have had mine 12 years will be 13 in July. I initially lost 50 lbs but never got down to where I wanted. I am now exactly the weight I was when I got the band and have been in pain for the last 2 years... I am planning on having it removed this year. Will never never never get a lap band again. I just don't think this was meant for long term and when I got mine I was not told this and I did my research...the other thing is I didn't expect to lose my insurance and not be able to maintain the band and it needs maintained!!!

[Jack 855]

"have been in pain for the last 2 years..." sorry to hear this

Do you have a current active surgeon or fill/unfill involved? I'd be interested in hearing more of your story if you want to share with us.

[kll724 3,055]

Sounds like you and Alex, our founder, adna few others are near the top of the list, Jack. congrats and best wishes. Karen..aka.kll724

[monymo 2813 66]

_{Hi, as of wednesday, I have had my band 12 years. To maintain weight loss it takes more work. sometimes it is not easy but it is worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Mona}

[Muñekita 36]

Hi, as of wednesday, I have had my band 12 years. To maintain weight loss it takes more work. sometimes it is not easy but it is worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Mona

In those 12 years have u had any complications?

[Jack 855]

Welcome & cheers to your continued success monymo....tips & details always appreciated.

[Misty Johnson 0]

I am set to see the surgeon feb 4th to have a barium swallow test he told me to prepare to have it removed immediately( as in that day) if he sees anything. I am preparing as I am in so much pain and discomfort. I am really scared. I was just reading about people having long term problems after the band is out, esophageal problems, pain, still throwing up, problems with the vergas nerve... I am praying having it removed will help me feel better I am so stressed and upset. I wish I had never gotten this.. Just my own feelings, I know people who are happy but have met very few past 10 years out.

[SandyM 1,956]

I truly believe the reason you see very few long time happy bandsters is that once they've lost their weight and learned to live harmoniously with their band , they eventually lose the need for support groups and forums and drift away. I know I've been on various forums for other things and eventually "life happens" and I have drifted away as well. Right now I need the support. We are all here for various reasons, some to get support, some actually feel an obligation to give back, some want to beat their chest and get patted on the back, some want to share their bad experiences because they had bad results and truly feel bad things against it. What ever reason brings us, we've learned to live harmoniously. I'm happy there are still long time vets out there that come and let us know that it's not an eventual failure. My band may not last forever though I hope it will, but I wasn't going to last forever on the downhill slide I was on. I was on the path of self destruction and my body was falling apart, so I guess you could say I had it Geri-rigged to give me more usefulness. I'm one happy bandster with 19 lbs to go to goal.