Hi! I was banded 12/1/2010 (I'm 15 months post op) with a 10cc band and currently have just over 7 cc's. To date I have lost 200+ pounds. I have had tremendous success with the lapband, it has given me my life back. To answer your last question, you CAN go back to your doctor years later. Hopefully with the better eating habbits you will become acustome to you will have no weight regain! But yes, you can always "start over" Hope that helps! Good luck on your journey.