So has anyone had the band on over 5 yrs? How long is to long? How long before you HAVE to have it removed?

Do they last forever?

Just wondering and appreciate all honest answers.

Thanks

I dont know that many bandsters personally in real life, I have a group of about 20 that I've met with on a few occasions, not for at least 2 years. But last time, there were four women in the group that had had bands done in the 90' and early '00's, so about five to seven years at that stage.

My doctor is quite up front about the fact that the band probably WONT last forever. You can expect to have to replace it at some stage because it is an item in your body that can break - its designed to last forever but its highly likely that the balloon will wear out -another reason not to muck around overly with your fill or have your band too tight.

I figure when mine goes, then I will look at the options available at the time. Personally, for me, I'd have another band as its worked so well for me. But who knows what'll be around?

Since im 60 and have only had mine 16 months the chances are probably better than average that I will have it the rest of my life.

I did EXTENSIVE research and the band is made of Titanium, and that last forever. Unless you have serious problems with the band for some reason, most doctors wont remove it. Plus why would you want it removed?? You became overweight for a reason, and the band is a TOOL to help you lose and keep the weight off, if you have it removed you will probably gain the weight back plus more. This is not a cure, its a life time of eating right and working out. The band is there to help you, and its a lot of struggle to go through what you do, to have it removed and potentially gain the weight back. I would go into this journey looking at it as a lifestyle change, and expect to have it forever. My doc told me up front he will not take it out unless its medically necessary. Good luck! Research this and make sure its right for you.

Yes, that's right, the band isnt meant to be removed - you dont take it out unless something is wrong.

Its mainly silicone - which is inert in the body, and should last forever, and the metal bits are titanium.

Thank you all so much for your input. I wanted to ask this as by BFF is kind of freaking out for me. She just wanted some answers to her questions that she had about the proceedure. She actually went with me for my 1st free meeting when we were introduced to the doctor who will do the proceedure.

I have done my research believe me this has been almost a yr process for me and I am in NO way shape or form taking it lightly. I am very excited and I have done everthing that my insurance company has ask me to do so now I have one more visit to my weight managment doc and then the paperwork will be turned in. I hope the insurance company don't give me a hard time about anything. I know this proceedure is the right one for me and I can not wait to let the new me out.

Gotta love friends who are concerned about things that are such life changing. Thanks again! :-)

That's great that your friend is also getting educated about the process! I bought a few books before I finalized my decision, and the one I liked the best was Weigh Loss Surgery with the Adjustable Gastric Band. It's an easy read and has short passages in there from bandsters, doctors, psychologists & others. Also, there is a section in there for family members to read, about living with someone who is banded. You might find it helpful too! Here is a link to it on Amazon.com.

Amazon.com: Weight Loss Surgery with the Adjustable Gastric Band: Everything You Need to Know Before and After Surgery to Lose Weight Successfully: Robert Sewell M.D., Linda Rohrbough: Books

Catherine

DH asked this question to my doctor at our consult last week. He said that there is no reason why it shouldn't ideally last the rest of my life (I am 39). He said that all the materials are used in other surgical procedures and have been shown to last a lifetime in the body so there is no reason this shouldn't either.

I don't plan to have it ever removed unless there is a good reason!

My doc joked that he wouldn't need to replace my band for 99 years. But if at that point it needed replacing, I'd have to ask another doc.

One of my friends had a band put in about 7 years ago and her doctor has recommended she get it changed next year - this is because she has one of the earlier bands and her weight loss has stalled for years. She initially lost about 120lbs but has maintained her weight at around 220lbs for a couple of years now. Her surgeon thinks she will go better with an AP band.

Apparently there is nothing wrong with the make up of her band physically, except that its the older type.

My doc developed a way to go down your throat for a procedure (in clinical trials now). I asked if he thought anyone would get their band taken out and opt for the new surgery. No hesitation - no. So, I think he is pretty sure these will last a long time. I hope so - Grandma was 13 days shy of 104 when she died. I need to have this band for another 59 years - LOL. I wonder if Dr. Scott makes visits to the nursing homes?