Hi Folks -

I am a senior bander if you will. I was banded almost 12 years ago (January 17, 2004) I was lucky enough to conquer my weight loss goals to some degree....losing over 100 lbs in the first 18 months....but sadly I feel that my journey is coming to an end.

I seem to be experiencing constant acid reflux and indigestion and I am fearful that it is a result of the aging band. Back in the day when I was banded it wasn't as common as it is now. The doctor that banded me (now since retired) said that the implant had approximately a 10 year lifespan. And this is really my question to everyone today....does anyone actually know the lifespan of the these bands? Is there an opinion out there? I am worried concerned and quite frankly lost...I haven't been to a doctor for my band in literal years....(insert head shaking here)...so I for sure need to get this sorted. Does anyone have any advice? Good, bad or indifferent I am ready to hear it all.

Thanks for reading

Peace

Well, at my last check up this year, my doc examined my band and said it is good for a lifetime.

I believe it is a 5 cc band from 2006.i think inamed is the name. Not sure.

I keep it filled about 1.6 or so.

Just like you, I do NOT want this journey to end.... Even uninflated it was a bit tough to stay on my personal eating program.

I am maintaining a 75 lb weight loss for all these years, save one minor set back years ago.

Please tell me what happens. I don't have too much info on longer time with the band. Thanks and best of luck staying the course.

My lap band surgeon gave me the impression that the lap band is made out of silicon (plastic), and that the silicon will be a part of your body forever. He said there were no indications that the silicon itself will fail over a certain time period. He told me that the silicon would outlive me. Of course, if there are issues with the band, slippage, etc., this would change the picture. If women have breast implants, aren't they silicon too? I've wondered if they last forever. That's a strange comparison but all I could think of .

Good luck in your journey.

tracew:

My own Lap Band Celebration is now TWELVE years as of this week.

We can draw any conclusion we want, just by clip & pruning limited facts to support whatever conclusion we want.

There's a jillion reasons I'd rather never had done the procedure.

However, there's '2 jillion' reasons it was necessary.

Get yourself checked out thoroughly for the 12 year ride & let us know what you find on exam.

Frankly I'm more satisfied than ever, even with a small handful of 'A-AWAHs' that sneak in now & then.

I don't think I would have survived all my co-morbidity factors this long.

Cheers for the New Decade!!!

My surgeon told me my band is for life unless something unusual happens. I have only had mine almost 3 years but I have not had any issues with mine. My surgeon is really conservative with fills and asks me to check in with him at least every 6 months. I know had I not taken the step to surgically intervene I probably would be very unhealthy. The health thing scared me more than the appearance thing. But, I must say I sure enjoy looking better.

It's so nice to discover I'm not alone! The indigestion and acid reflux are TERRIBLE! I had my band removed a week ago, and it's still not gone! I've been on an all liquid diet for a month and I'm so frustrated. It doesn't seem like the band is gone at all! I'l really hope you get the help you need. It was certainly time for my band to go!

Best wishes!

Edited February 16, 201610 yr by UnderDaSea