I had my lap band placed in July of 2007.  I weighed 253 pounds when installed.  Although it did make me eat slower, I still ate bad and too much.  I have lost 50 pounds and kept it off for 4 years due to counting calories and exercise.  The band is coming out in 2 weeks due to the fact I'm not using it, haven't had a full in 5 years and it causes me to cough constantly.  It's very embarrassing to eat at a restaurant with friends and have to cough constantly during the meal.  I have constant mucous in my throat, I'm assuming it all stays pushed up because of the band.  I take sudafed and Benadryl in an attempt to dry it all up but it really doesn't help.  I'm really hoping the band removal will make it all go away!

I hate my Lap Band. Two weeks ago, they took all of the fluid out of mine and I'm coughing so much less. I'm having mine removed in 3 weeks. Good luck to you! I didn't lose any weight with mine!

How long have you had your lap band?

Severe chronic cough after Lap-Band gastric surgery

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2676840/

Good luck to the both of you. 

Best wishes.