I'm scheduled for surgery on Nov. 20 to have my lap band removed. It was put in December, 2007. The band has never been right or comfortable. I still throw up occasionally...even after all fluid was removed. During an endoscopy, I found out the band has eroded into my stomach. It is about half or a little over visible. Surgeon has said they're easy to take out through the mouth if they've eroded. Has anybody had this done. He says they'll cut the band in half, slip it out of the pocket that still exists and pull it and the tubing out through the esophagus. Sounds terrible! The only incision will be to remove the port and cut the tubing. That will leave open ulcers in the stomach and I'll have to follow with ulcer meds and diet.