I have read on various places on the internet that the longer folks have had the band in, the more problems they begin to see. I also know that everything that you find on the internet is not correct.

I go Thursday to find more out about the band. It seems to be what I want and am ready to do but I also want to research the "long term" effects.

So, those of you have been banded for many years, can you give me an idea of any changes, problems, or lack thereof that you have/have not encountered.

Thank you, in advance.

Well, I'm one that had problems and finally had my band removed and revised to a sleeve.

I have to say that I like the sleeve a lot better. It's just an easier journey in my case.

I had stoma spasms, esophageal spasms, esophageal motility issues, periodic gastritis, port issues (it would rub against my belt and become irritated) and a few other problems.

I finally threw in the towel and revised.

I have to admit, I see many people that are 2+ years with a band that are having problems. Slips, esophageal problems, etc. But I could also be noticing it more since I revised to a different WLS type.

Some people have issues without a doubt. However, a lot of people that might be several years out, have had success and no complications may no longer be active on a forum like this. Banding is the same as anything, once the initial newness wears off and if everything is going well, life goes on and you get busy with other things. The internet can be a little one sided in this respect because not everyone is posting if you know what I mean.

Slips, erosion other items do occur but they affect a minority of people. Sometimes situations occur where this is unavoidable, but it can also be caused if you do not follow the bandster rules well or keep the band too tight for too long.

Close to three and a half years later, no problems.

Well, I'm one that had problems and finally had my band removed and revised to a sleeve.

I have to say that I like the sleeve a lot better. It's just an easier journey in my case.

I had stoma spasms, esophageal spasms, esophageal motility issues, periodic gastritis, port issues (it would rub against my belt and become irritated) and a few other problems.

I finally threw in the towel and revised.

I have to admit, I see many people that are 2+ years with a band that are having problems. Slips, esophageal problems, etc. But I could also be noticing it more since I revised to a different WLS type.

Hi Wasa: I have a question for you - did insurance pay for your revision? I have had virtually no band problems in almost a year, in fact it has been pretty easy for me and I am almost at goal but I do live in fear of having some problem that would make my band not effective or need to be taken out and I always wonder if I would qualify for a revision if my BMI is in the normal range. Thanks in advance and thanks for sharing your story with us.

Hi Wasa: I have a question for you - did insurance pay for your revision? I have had virtually no band problems in almost a year, in fact it has been pretty easy for me and I am almost at goal but I do live in fear of having some problem that would make my band not effective or need to be taken out and I always wonder if I would qualify for a revision if my BMI is in the normal range. Thanks in advance and thanks for sharing your story with us.

Due to the severity of my problems insurance would have paid for it but to be honest, I didn't have a six month fight in me at the time. I was exhausted and wanted it done and over with so I went back to Mexico so my doc could do it. I truly didn't have six months. I had been on liquids for over three months prior to surgery, I couldn't have done it another six.

2 years... so far, so good.