I've had my band in for 4 years now and lost 192 pounds. I still struggle with it, as its still teaching me how to eat properly (slower, and smaller amounts). Still working on those bad habits. But i was wondering how long does the band work for...is it just left inside you when no longer fit for purpose. That's one thing I never asked about when having it fitter.

You keep it forever. It is one of the things that will help you keep the lost weight off. Remove it and you'll soon understand its value...you'll be starving!

When I was banded in early 2006, we were told it was for life. This now seems less likely as more and more get removed. However, removal is rarely because the band is "not fit for purpose" in that the band itself should not degrade. Removals are usually because of slips or the build up of scar tissue.

So theoretically, it can stay there. And if it were removed, your chances of regain go back to that of non-surgical dieters - very high.

So I hope mine is forever! I have had it for nine years and it is still doing just what it is supposed to do. I do everything in my power to minimise risk - mainly by never keeping it so tight ur makes eating difficult. But it has become clear over the last decade that to keep your band fir life is far from certain. Even keeping it loose is no guarantee of longevity.

I also think the lap band is a lifetime committment.

I had my band for 10 years but it started causing issues about 6 years in. I had it removed on December 15th and had vsg done at the same time. So far so good and much happier with how eating feels. Lots of scar tissue had caused the band to slip and over restrict my eating.

I have had my band since October 2006.. I sure hope it last a lifetime.. It has been a wonderful instrument in my weight loss!! Love it ???? most days!!!!

I have had my band since October 2006.. I sure hope it last a lifetime.. It has been a wonderful instrument in my weight loss!! Love it ???? most days!!!!

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I've had mine since dec06. Doc says it is good for life when I saw him 2 wks ago. And yeah. She is a fickle bi@ch. keeps me FROM REGAINING

Happy about the head chatter way less than before too. Thinking TNT tuck since it seems time. That flab is not going anywhere it appears!!!!

Not TNT. Tummy tuck. Curse those Ms

How would you know if your band needs to be removed?

I was banded Oct 2009. I lost 80+ lbs. I actually reached goal and decided to up my goal weight to 175lbs. My issue now is severe burning in my upper back!!!! I mean, it hurts bad! I forgot to mention, I have zero CC's in my band. I had it deflated about a year ago and have not received any fills. I have been eating okay and maintaining without any fill. I have been having the gas/indigestion issue for over a year. I have taken Pepcid and am now taking Protonix. It seems like the burning sensation is getting worse. I am afraid to remove it but will if I have to... What do you all think?

How would you know if your band needs to be removed?

I was banded Oct 2009. I lost 80+ lbs. I actually reached goal and decided to up my goal weight to 175lbs. My issue now is severe burning in my upper back!!!! I mean, it hurts bad! I forgot to mention, I have zero CC's in my band. I had it deflated about a year ago and have not received any fills. I have been eating okay and maintaining without any fill. I have been having the gas/indigestion issue for over a year. I have taken Pepcid and am now taking Protonix. It seems like the burning sensation is getting worse. I am afraid to remove it but will if I have to... What do you all think?

I think get this checked out asap. Burning pain sounds like heartburn/ reflux. Even an empty band can cause proboems if there is a build up if scar tissue. Ongoing reflux is not only a symptom of band problems, it causes damage to the oesophagus which, if untreated, can be irreversible.

You need to see your bariatric doctor to get the band checked.

Do you have a galbladder? My pain n the back was caused from galstones

Getting removal this year after 5 years. Had too many side effects.

Mine lasted 10 yrs.