I just got this reintroduction email -- totally forgot I was a member since the lapband has really become so much a routine part of my life that I don't think much about it.

I had the surgery in mid-2009 when I was 56, and initially lost 75 pounds in 4 months. Since then, I have kept my weight at about 185. I have learned how to eat with it and think it was the best thing I ever did for my health. My only complaint is that I wish I could eat more fruits and veggies.

I had one adjustment in 2011 and none since until this month. I see the surgeon every other year for a routine checkup and X-ray, and he considers me a success story. As I am now 72, I wanted a bit more flexibility so went to him this year to get the band loosened slightly, which he did as much as he could (turns out that over time the fluid leaked out, although I never felt much lessening of the band's restriction).

I don't see much on lapbands on this forum, and I know that they are obsolete and no longer done, being replaced by more effective methods. I will probably die with mine in place, happy that it did its job for decades.

I had the lapband surgery in April 2005 and it was nothing but trouble for me. When I would get a fill I could not eat or drink much of anything. I went to a surgeon a few years ago and had all the fluid removed from my band. It still occasionally causes me pain at the port site (I have a flipped port that I had revised and flipped again within a few months) and also at the top of my stomach where the band is attached. I am still somewhat overweight at 5'5" and weighing around 167. My doctor just prescribed Wegovy, so I will see if that can help get me to my goal weight of 145.

That’s a long run with the band. You’re right, there’s not much Lap-Band talk anymore. Most people either had problems or moved on to other surgeries, so stories like yours don’t get heard much. Sixteen years, almost no fills, still doing its job, and only now getting a small unfill is pretty rare.

Funny thing is, BariatricPal actually started as LapBandTalk back when the band was huge, so you’ve been around longer than most here.

Yes, pretty amazing. I suppose I am an outlier, which my surgeon said when he saw me the other day. He told me that many people went to something else, but he basically said "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." So I won't -- my only complaint is that I cannot tolerate more than a few bites of certain dense foods like brussels sprouts, apples, steak. I take home a lot of doggie bags when I dine out.

Hello! I got my band in 2011. I am what a person may call a success. I weigh 153 now and started at 259. Me weight has gone up and down over the years but been holding steady for awhile.

I am meeting a new bariatric surgeon next week to hopefully start the removal process. The band has become problematic. I suffer from severe acid reflux and cant get much food down anymore. I dont know if the band slipped but hopefully will know more soon.

I am not planning on a sleeve or bypass. Having part of my stomach permanently removed has never sat right with me which is how I ended up with the band in the first place.

I do understand why so many people have it removed but I wish my story could have ended like yours. I never planned to take it out but also cant live in this pain much longer

Sorry to hear. Yeah I am lucky. The surgeon, who checks it out every 2 years, asked me this last time if I get acid reflux, but I don't. The other thing I can only eat small amounts of is bread -- which probably a good thing!

I just posted my success story from 2011 and absolutely no issues ever since. I’m hoping a Dr. will see this or my story and also agree “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!” My only issues are wishing I could also eat more fruits ex: watermelon, grapes and cantaloupe. Other than that I do have a few spasms from time to time. I’m still happy with my weight that began at 192 and have been 125 (give or take) for many years. 🙌🏻

Congrats! I see the original surgeon every other year, when he puts me in front of an x-ray machine and has me drink the yucky stuff so he can see how it goes down. I recommend that just to be on the safe side, and it's covered by insurance. About 6 years ago, he wanted to see more, so he did an endoscopy and said everything looked good. Yes, I miss certain foods -- fruits and veggies that are good for me, as well as meats and breads that are not. It's important to do fiber and protein supplements.