I've been seriously thinking about getting a lapband for about a year now and I have my first Dr. appointment on Thursday. After researching everywhere I can look, my main concern is how long the band lasts. (Lot's of negative stuff on youtube) Has anyone found any research on people who've had their bands 6-10 years? How are they doing? or has anyone posted this question to their doctor? :confused: Thanks for the support

Yes, I know people who've had bands 7 to 10 years who are doing fine, but those people are few and far between. The band has been done for a long time in Australia now, but the modern adjustable version of it really didnt get popular until four or five years ago, even though it was available easily enough.

But the advice given to me is that the materials the band is made of are designed to last a lifetime, but its highly unlikely that the band actually will. Then most likely scenario is that the balloon will fail at some point and begin to leak.

The band was the option that I had so I dont let that worry me. If I have to have another surgery down the track to maintain my weight loss then I'm not really phased, but I must say our medical system is such that if I need a revision, I get it, no questions asked, no money to be paid.

I find it quite humerous to read the comments of a lot of the band's critics, saying that they wouldnt choose a surgery with such a high risk of repeat surgery, only to notice they've got a list of cosmetic surgeries as long as your arm in their signatures. Put in those terms - if you're expecting breastwork, a tummy tuck etc, why on earth would you worry about a short op to replace a band?

I've been seriously thinking about getting a LAP-BAND® for about a year now and I have my first Dr. appointment on Thursday. After researching everywhere I can look, my main concern is how long the band lasts. (Lot's of negative stuff on youtube) Has anyone found any research on people who've had their bands 6-10 years? How are they doing? or has anyone posted this question to their doctor? :confused: Thanks for the support

One of my big concerns was that I read a report that said that 40% of bands had to be removed within 12 years. This was from a pro-Band information site. They did make the point that the technology is improving all the time so this stat would most likely improve as well.

I almost chose against the band, but then I looked at it in a different way. I can either have the surgery now and take care of this weight and *maybe* have another surgery within the next 10 years to replace a faulty/old band or most likely have surgery within the next 10 years for an obesity related condition (loss of a limb due to diabetes, heart attack, etc.)...which will not get better as time goes on either.

The band has a better prognosis than remaining obese.

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My girlfriend has had hers for about 7 years and still loves it. She is still very thin and feels great. We just talked the other day about it and she said it's now a simple way of life and doesn't think about it anymore. I'm hoping on having the band placed in Jan or Feb 2010.

This is exactly right.

The band has a better prognosis than remaining obese.

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