how long can band stay in with no complications?

The DS is the most complicated of the procedures, but yields the best long term statistics for amount of weight loss long term and least amount of regain. 

The DS has much more malabsorption than RNY and an added metabolic benefit by the way limbs are connected.   The body cannot recompensate like with the RNY so the malabsorption is always there.  That has a benefit of long term results and the responsibility of the patient to really pay attention to their nutritional health for life.   The complication risks are very similar to those of RNY, except strictures are extremely rare with DS.

Living with the DS is very liberating.  All of the savory fats that were taboo since I was 10 are now perfectly healthy for me, and my cholesteol was only 121 this year.  I am a little mindful not to eat too many simple carbs and I get 100g of protein daily with food, not shakes, but it's been very easy to live with.

My PCP told me I was one of her healthiest patients she has at my physical this year, do malabsorption does not have to equal malnutrition.

I have had my band 2 1/2 years.  I have had no problems WITH MY BAND.  I had to have it unfilled after an NG tube was inserted during another surgery (I have cancer and have been in the hosp a lot in the last 6 mo). I was unfilled for almost 4 months while I did radiation and chemo. I have been refilled and it's working the way it is supposed to again.

I PERSONALLY know 2 people who have had the band 5 plus years.  I know MANY who have had it less than 5 years.  NO ONE I know personally has ever had any problem with the band.

When people say, 'I heard somewhere', or 'I think I read about"  and then give you a horror story, don't listen.

Of course, you have no reason to listen to any of us, or believe any of us.  That is why you HAVE to trust your doc. Ask him these questions, ask him HIS statistics.  Talk to his other patients, do research on the net on band manufacturer sites.  If this is the decision you have made, you obviously did it for a reason.

Good luck.  Take a deep breath.  When you are done with your surgery come visit the lap band forum.  We'll all try to answer your questions as you go forward.  But again, ALWAYS follow your doctor's rules!!

I'll grant you, you may well not know anyone "personally' that had/has band problems but you know a whole LOT of people posting that have a ton of band problems.

*Raises my hand* 

Seeing as how I almost bit the Big One from my screwed up band surgery, I can say I personally know the **** that can happen! 

Yep, when a band goes bad it is very bad and very expensive.  Especially for self pay folks. :o(

Glad you survived it.

The adjustable gastric band has been used overseas since the mid-1980's and in the USA since 2001.  The Lap-Band (by Allergan) was first used in Belgium in 1993, so presumably there are Belgians and other Europeans who've been banded for 17 years.  The Realize Band was first used in Sweden, then approved for use in the USA in 2007.

The 10, 20, 25-year band veterans aren't participating on OH for a variety of reasons (I would guess that they prefer to communicate in their own language, not English, and have had their bands so long that WLS is no longer their #1 interest in life.

Since more band patients frequent the OH Lap-Band and Realize Band forums than the Main forum, your chances of getting feedback from a long-term band patient are better there than here.

If your pre-op education and consults with your surgeon, nutritionist, psychologist, etc. did not give you enough information about the longevity of the band, and if you are having second thoughts about it, don't go ahead with it.  Your surgeon, not strangers on the internet, is the best source of accurate information.

Good luck!
Jean

 The bands were used way ahead of us in Europe.  Which is why they are way ahead of us in REMOVING them.

Five years ago I wrote to a European band doctor asking if he had any experience removing bands and revising to something else.

He thought i was joking.  He said that FULLY 20% OF HIS PRACTICE (that would be one day a week if he operates daily) was removing bands and revising to something else.

I can tell you honestly, without question, that if I were sitting around the night before surgery, knowing what I know now, both from my personal experience, and from reading on these boards, I would go for it!  Embrace the opportunity for a new life, keep yourself informed, and understand that, yes, there *could* be complications ahead.  That's true for any weight loss surgery.  But, the complications from unresolved obesity are often worse.  

My surgery was in September '06, so I don't fit the bill of a "long-term" bandster, but even if I do have future complications, I feel that this was a good choice for me.  I'm healthy, within my goal range for 2 years, and have never regretted my choice of surgery, and I'm self-pay, too!

Tami

 

You can hear all the "good stories" about the band not causing trouble of a period of years that you can take...but how long YOUR band will serve you well without any complications is a total crap shoot.

So, how lucky are you?

Because that's really what it's all about.

Over 3 years with my band, no complications what so ever. The best thing I ever did for my own health. I had my surgery at 54 years old and an extended tummy tuck 2 months ago at age 57, which is the second best thing I've ever done for my health.

Diana