I am very curious of the # of people that have had to have their bands removed for whatever complications. I am noticing that everyone loves it until about 2 years in and then everything goes down hill from there...Not real sure I want to do this with the little info on long term affects.

I had my first one removed due to slippage and a new one re-installed. I have had some esophageal issues due to restriction, but if I had to make a choice. I'd rather have the band than not. It has definitely been a help to me, to at least maintain my initial loss - that, and some change in my eating habits.

My band was removed last month after 3.75 years, but I am eagerly awaiting a date for replacement surgery. Having the band removed is really relatively easy; the only downside to it is the cost. Medically speaking, it was a very simple procedure and I could have gone to work the next day.

Removal is indeed a possibility, but to me that was one of the main attractions of the band. If something went wrong it didn't mean a lifetime of issues, malnutrition, major surgery, etc. The simple nature of the device and the fact that it doesn't permanently alter one's anatomy was, to me, the primary selling point.

I'm going for it again, absolutely, because I need help keeping off the 120 lbs I lost. But right now I am 100% the same as I was before banding surgery in the first place, except for being 120 lbs lighter.

I've been banded for only 6 mos. My sister was banded feb. 2005..(appx 2.5 yrs) she has lost 102 lbs and looks great.. she feels great and has not regrets.. She currently is 8 wks pregnant. She has not had any complications and neither have I. So far so good for me.. I'm planning on getting pregnant @ the end of the year... Good luck in whatever you decide.

Are there any people out here that have had it longer than 3 years? What has your experience been?