Should I have my lapband removed?

I plan to have a tummy tuck next year. I'm contemplating having my lapband removed during the same procedure (yes, this can be done and it will cost much less than two separate procedures; and yes there would be both a cosmetic and a bariateic surgeon ;-) ).

I don't have any major lapband complications at this time. I have occasional inconveniences. My band is completely empty and useless. Im not worried about regaining weight if I remove it because I lost my weight with it empty.

My inconveniences include occasional hard hiccups and frequent (3-4x a day) small burps. Nothing gross. I don't think anyone notices.

My biggest issue is my PORT! Oftentimes when I do ab exercises, I get major Charley horses! Sometimes so bad that I'm sore for a day or two!

On one hand, I feel like my lapband could be a ticking time bomb... only a matter of time before it becomes a complication. But on the other I feel like it might be better to leave it alone and just remove the port for now.

They have to move the port during a tummy tuck anyway, so I don't think removing it altogether would be a big deal. I do wonder what they'd do with the hose though. Seems like it should be capped or something so nothing gets in it. Just guessing.

Thoughts??

I don't mean to not appear I don't care and not have suggestions. This is a medical question and only you and your surgeon can make this call.

Seems like you'd should have an exam/testing of the band to determine its placement and aid in the decision. Has it shifted, stomach grown into it, etc? Answers to that may heavily influence what you opt to do

If it were me, I'd have everything removed. Lapband are notorious for causing damage, why risk that if you're not using it anyway?

I think you should have it removed before it does any damage. It sounds like you have developed good healthy habits that will help you keep your weight off.

But just because it is not filled does not mean it isn't doing anything. There is probably some restriction there from the band itself. Know that eating will feel differently and you may be able to eat a lot more before you feel "full".

My wife has a similar scenario. She has had her band since 2008. While she has lost weight, she has battled years of nausea and inability to keep even very small amounts of food down. She thought her band was completely emptied by her surgeon in 2014, but had it checked a few months ago by another surgeon (my VSG surgeon) and found it was 25% full. She had it completely emptied at that time. In the meantime, she has lost over 100 lbs and is now concerned about losing too much weight. Since it is empty now she is able to keep more food down and the nausea has dcreased significantly. That all being said, she is thinking about having the band removed. Like you, her port is actually causing her pain when pressure is applied, even though 2 surgeons have evaluated it and said the placement is fine and there has not been any slippage. Her big concern is regain if the band is removed.