Just visited my clinic for a fill. I am 4 .5 years out and last two fills had to be removed. This visit, however, I was informed that my clinic in northern Minnesota no longer does lap bands!!!!!! Not one in 2013. Not one. They said that of all they have done in last 5+ years only a handful have been successful! They said that gastric reflux, which I have, has increased so much that people are having bands removed. Anyone else run into this?

Wow!!!

With all the negativity about the band, I make it a point to ask my lapband doctor at every appointment as to how her patients are doing. Unless she's not telling me the truth she's done very few removals and has been doing bands for at least 7 years. I know she does lots of deflates for different reasons and said that she has seen some slips, but, few removals. Her office is always full at my appointments and we all start talking during our wait. I have yet to hear of one patient that is there for a serious issue, unhappy or wanting their band removed. Maybe I just go on good days.

Just food for thought. I don't know your doctor's credentials or experience with installing the band, but, with that many failures could it be that the band was being placed incorrectly or maybe keeping the band too tight? I'm really not being judgmental, or defensive about the band, but 5 years and only a handful that have been successful doesn't sound quite right. I have experienced abnormal reflux before and got small deflates only to discover that my drainage from my allergies was causing this. To remedy this, I get a Kenalog injection every spring and have not had any problems since. Jake

Edited October 2, 201411 yr by jakealta

Wow!!!

With all the negativity about the band, I make it a point to ask my lapband doctor at every appointment as to how her patients are doing. Unless she's not telling me the truth she's done very few removals and has been doing bands for at least 7 years. I know she does lots of deflates for different reasons and said that she has seen some slips, but, few removals. Her office is always full at my appointments and we all start talking during our wait. I have yet to hear of one patient that is there for a serious issue, unhappy or wanting their band removed. Maybe I just go on good days.

Just food for thought. I don't know your doctor's credentials or experience with installing the band, but, with that many failures could it be that the band was being placed incorrectly or maybe keeping the band too tight? I'm really not being judgmental, or defensive about the band, but 5 years and only a handful that have been successful doesn't sound quite right. I have experienced abnormal reflux before and got small deflates only to discover that my drainage from my allergies was causing this. To remedy this, I get a Kenalog injection every spring and have not had any problems since. Jake

I have spoke to my surgeon about the same thing. My surgeon still says the lap band is the best thing going. I'm not knocking anybody's weight-loss surgery, to each his own. I think there are a large number of people out there who are noncompliant. Then they want to blame the band. Not always the case, but many times.

There seems not to be tons of information about what to do for us Veterans who are at goal and may have an issue or two periodically . I have been researching the 8 Golden Rules of Lapband and learned a couple of things. Reinforced many that I had slacked on. However it is mostly aimed at people not at their goal. Is there a Veteran Maintenance Chapter anywhere? I could use it! My 5 year success is due to this great tool even though it is an older tool. I do go to a support group religiously but note instruction for liquid WT. loss and newby Banders or Sleevers on the menu generally.

Yes. My support group is 99%sleevers. I am the only bandster present. Plus after 8 years I have a fairly compliant attitude. I too wish for a seasoned bandster group Maybe you could start one? I would be first to join. Like "5year banded". Or something like that?? Just a thought

I'm in the same boat, surrounded by sleevers in my support group. I'm 4 years out and at goal and they say I'm the exception. Nope...don't think so. We got this!

Hello I am 3 years out and still love my band. I have not had a fill in over a year but have one scheduled for next Monday as I have lost that great feeling of restriction that I have grown to love. I will say that although I don't have as much restriction I am well aware of the things I should do to be successful and put into practice those things everyday ( although sometimes I slip). My band is a tool to keep me in check and I appreciate it for what it is the choice is ultimately mine to make. I would like to be a part of a community of "lap band veterans" not just gastric surgery veterans. Good luck to you all I am proud of you and your commitment and keep fighting the good fight you are worth it.