I would like to hear from bandsters who have been banded OVER 5 YEARS?? OVER 10 YEARS?? I read posts from all of you wonderful people, but most of the band dates are very recent. I would like to know what complications?? what successes?? Are you happy with the results??? Are you sorry you did it years ago?? Did you have to be re-banded with a newer lap band model??

I am being banded on Friday March 20, and I am concerned with the LONG TERM consequences.

Thank you

cc

Edited March 18, 200818 yr by ccc0206

I have not been banded as long as you mentioned, but I have been banded 3.5 years (4 years in Sept). The only problem I had was not the fault of the band or anyone. I was on vicodin for pain after getting my rotator cuff repaired last spring and the medication irritated my stomach and band. It was swollen and because I'm an idiot (!) I ignored it for months. Anyway, the solution was simple. I had a complete unfill, let my stomach rest 30 days, and started back on fills. I had 4 fills to get to where I am now (my last fill was about 10 days ago) and I feel great. I'm still losing at a good rate now. I was a slow loser and last year because I was so tight and swollen and miserable, I really didn't lose any weight at all. That is the only problem I've had. I love my band and would do it again with NO reservations!!! I've lost quite a bit of weight and am rejuvenated with this new fill level!

I'm with you, I'd like to know as well.

Will everything just be fine now that I'm on maintenance? Will I have any issues that may come up out of the blue in a year or so? 10 years?

I'll keep an eye on this thread, too if you don't mind.

I've only been banded since 2005 but with no complications so far. I'm curious as well.

Well I am a long term bandster I think. The only problem I ever had was remembering that I was banded. Like forgetting to take a small bite or chewing stuff like that. But I did get an unfill once cuz I had irritated my small tummy and she swelled up tight!! We call this self tightening. I could not swallow my own spit.

Other than that its been a real steady ride. Down around two hundred pounds!!

Edited March 24, 200818 yr by mattintosh

I have been banded since 7/2003. I would not trade it for anything in the world. I have not had any problems....I have had a pregnancy in between, which I know that I would not have been able to do without the band due to the extra weight. The only thing I had to deal with was stomach pain that was cured with a pepcid a day....

I am a slow looser.. I think mainly because I was under the impression the band would do all the work...now that I am 30 pounds away from goal....I am learning that I have to pitch in too!