Do your homework one out of four peple have bad side effects and need to have the lapband removed. I think bypass is safer, You have a forein body in you via the lap band. It erodes your throat and stomach. Now my esopageous does not work, I have trouble swallowing and food gets stuck in my throat. I am not even very overweight and I have had pain everywhere, gas bloating, vomiting. It made me feel like such a loser, thinking I needed this tube in me to maintain a healthy diet. It is garbage. I hate it and am having it removed. My band has slipped. If you ant to do it because of extreme obesit do gastric bypass. at least IT WILL work. No doubt it is proven and you will not have tubes and portals and clamps in your body. No no no listen to me.:thumbup: