I've been hearing conflicting things on how long the lap-band will actually last around my stomach. I've heard it isn't meant to be permanent and might need to be replaced. I'd like to know others opinions on this and the years everyone thinks it will last. I am wondering if it is like the breast implants that should be replaced every 10-20 years.

The band is designed to last your whole lifetime. Although there may be instances where you will need to have a port replacement, a slippage, or even a possible erosion. There are several different reasons why it may not last forever but it all depends how you treat your band. I hope this helps.

It really hasn't been around long enough to know, I would suspect. You might be able to find some studies done in Europe in the last decade, but I don't even think the band has been around prior to the 1990's there either.

My doctor told me its meant to be a life time thing.