Question:
Is the lap band ever removed?

Im interested in having the lap band procedure and curious about how long the lap band stays on. Or is it there permanently unless something goes wrong?    — shortandsassy (posted on August 11, 2007)

August 11, 2007
It is meant to be a permanent implant. The stomach organ itself it not altered, so if the Band were to be removed, the stomach would revert to its normal pre-Banded state, and regain would be almost certain unless another procedure was performed.
   — Jeanie

August 11, 2007
The band is a tool, you have a choice after you loose your weight to keep it on or take it off. Hopefully you will learn to eat slowly and portion control from the band. I plan on taking my band off when I am at goal weight for 5 years.
   — baemkkgrandma

August 12, 2007
The band is intended to be permanent. The surgery is fully reversible, but if you have the band removed you are most certainly going to regain all of the weight. The band is strictly a portion control device - there is no malabsorption with this surgery. So, when the band comes off - no more portion control. Trust me, the band being in place is the only thing that keeps me thin. And 4 1/2 years later, I am still thin! I will never have my band removed.
   — VickiStevens

August 13, 2007
Yes, the Lap Band can be removed, but the Lap Band is meant to be permanent!!! Once removed, most people have a full regain. Go to the Lap Band forum and ask if people would remove their band. You'll see, once banded the band feels like part of you. It is like another organ. And you really can't feel your organs like you really can't feel your band. Why would you remove it if it will always be there to help you when you need it?
   — Zee Starrlite

August 15, 2007
After almost 6 yrs, and down 100 pounds, my Band had to come out 2 mos. ago, due to terrible reflux. I am scheduled for Bypass next week.
   — Jasnsma