Has anyone had their Lap band longer than 5 years

Hey Bette who is that other bandster I'm thinking of that's about 6 yrs. out with the long dark hair, I think maybe bangs too? I'm thinking Donna Jean, but I know that's not it. You know who I'm taking about?

Was it me or someone else?  Gotta stop being so lazy & put a new pic up.  And still in my 40's!!! At least for another few years....

No Kim, I think it was Debbie that I was thinking of.

And believe me...I wouldn't try to rush anyone out of their 40's! lol

 Lisa O? Debbie?

Debbie! I think that's it!

 Debbie, the one who's always showing off those great gams of hers?? 

That's the one!

Debbie Jean?

I've had my band 6 1/2 year, down 95 pounds and doing great.  No major problems or complications.  Had a great band doctor, went in monthly for the first year and got small fills until I got to optimal restriction.  Go in every 18-24 months just to check in.  As I've stabilized/lost weight I had to go in twice (once around 4 years out, once around 6 years out) to have .2 (or maybe .5?) cc's removed as I was starting to have a some acid reflux, nothing major.  Have had at least one UGI to check and everything is fine.

Just had a tummy tuck - love it! - but my port is sticking out more than it used to so I may have to go in and see about a lower profile port.  Not so bad that I'm in a rush but it's on my radar.

There are lots of successful bandsters who've long since left OH and are out living their lives.  My advice is always to do your research, find a doctor you trust and make the best decision you can at the time.  Hindsight is always 20/20.

If I had it to do over again, I'd do it all the same.  The band is the perfect surgery for me as I'm a volume eater.  It has been an easy journey and very successful.  I'm never going to be skinny but I'm happy to finally be at a healthier weight and able to move and do normal things again.

My motto for WLS is "never say never".  My band is a tool, if it develops problems then I will go see my doctor whom I consider very knowledgeable and discuss my options.  Some people have had disappointing results from the lapband, some people have had very serious complications.  Those are real concerns that need to be part of the research but they don't mean "the lapband doesn't work, or alwyays fails at 5 years or ..."

I had my surgery on 9-11-2006, and have not had any major band related issues . Yes, a few times I brought them on myself by eating too much, not chewing enough or a food that just totally did not agree with me. I have not reached my goal and would be thrilled to lose 20 more. But I did lose 140 lbs and went from a tight size 26 to a size 12. I no longer have high blood pressure or knee problems. 6 months after I had surgery my husband of 17 years (who got banded a month before I did) had an affair and we divorced. But at least now I date and have a normal life. I doubt that would have been the case 140 lbs ago.