I know that the band is meant to be worn for the rest of your life but how long des the material hold up? I'm 23 and have pretty good genes so I estimate I got 60 or 70 yrs ahead of me, God willing.

What material is the band made of that it can hold up that long without breaking down?

Good question! I think I heard in my info seminar that the band will outlast the patient. But I think it's silicone...isn't that the same stuff that implants are made of? I've hard implants have to be replace every 12 years or so.

From what I was told at the Information Night, theoretically, it should last forever. But because its such a relatively new procedure, they don't have the research to back that up yet.

From what I was told at the Information Night, theoretically, it should last forever. But because its such a relatively new procedure, they don't have the research to back that up yet.

I was told the same exact thing on Thursday.

I was told the same as the others at my info. seminar. Also, I did find the info. below at one of the lab band websites.

At this time, there are no known reasons to suggest that the band should be replaced or removed at some point unless a complication occurs or you do not lose weight. It is difficult, though, to say whether the band will stay in place for the rest of your life. It may need to be removed or replaced at some point. Removing the device requires a surgical procedure. That procedure will have all the related risks and possible complications that come with surgery. The risk of some complications, such as erosions and infection, increase with any added procedure.

But I think it's silicone...isn't that the same stuff that implants are made of? I've hard implants have to be replace every 12 years or so.

Okay, but here's the difference.....silicone implants are in liquid form. They have to be replaced due to concerns of leakage and breakage. The band is in solid form and as such isn't held to the same replacement worries. It is an inert object to the body and as such is meant to last a very, very long time (as in longer than the human).

This from my surgeon in our first consultation (I had the same question).

I just learned that Dr. Rumbaut has had his for seven years. I know there are older ones, but I figure if you pass the 7-year-itch you should be good to go!