I am 88 years old and am thinking of getting my band removed. My band was installed on 8/2008. In the beginning no problems but now I wind up in ER for removal of stuck food. I think the band has shifted over the years as I just completed an upper GI series, and my esophagus looked okay. Now wondering about the risk at my age. I will discuss with my cardiologist. So sorry to hear so many have had problems with the band. that is why they no longer recommend it. If you can have it removed to avoid trips to the ER All the best to you all. Herb