Hello, I have had my band going on 4 years now and I have had to have my fluid removed once due to band too tight. I won't do that again because I gained a tone of weight back. freaked me out! I started out before band at 270 lbs and when I got fluid removed was at 118. I know I was too skinny but i loved it! I loved the feeling it gave me. I didn't feel good physically of course but mentally I was on cloud nine. But I don't want to be that way again. I am now a comfortable 156 to 160. It varies. As far as anything else goes no problems. I think I am too tight now cuz I can't eat much veggies or anything bulky like that. I belch alot too and i asked if he had many ppl complain about that and he said he did. I don't understand what causes it. I do notice that I do it more when i have ate something and its hung up. I don't think your going to find long term effects cuz it hasn't been out that long. Good luck to ya!