scars after removal?

[mom43 1]

Hi

I had a band put in 2 years ago in April. I have had it loosened and am able to keep the weight off. I am aware that eventually many of us need to have it removed for one reason or another.

My question: I would like a Tummy Tuck now, but I am afraid to get one and then, later, have a band removal and have scars that would have been covered by a tummy tuck if I had waited. Are the band removal scars large? are they in places covered by a tummy tuck? Thank you

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

Band removal scars should look just like the ones for it going in. I would make a final decision on the band before any cosmetic surgery.

[Baba Wawa 543]

It all depends...I've heard that it can come out laprascopically and some have had to have convert to open incisions due to scar tissue, etc.

[cheryl2586 3,053]

What makes you think that most people eventually have to have their bands removed? Only 4% of lapband patients end up with band removal because of erosion or slippage. Unless something is wrong with your band you won't necessarily have to have it removed.

[mom43 1]

Thanks for the info -advice.

In answer to the question of what makes me think the band may malfunction -I got the impression that it may be removed- it was a combination of anecdotal evidence and studies.

For example:

http://www.ctvnews.ca/study-cites-high-lap-band-complication-removal-rates-1.624831

This news story cites a Belgian study that bands are removed at higher rates than the 4% you mentioned. Are you sure that the 4% is a figure from long term bands and not just bands one year out? I hope you are right but either way I love my band and I am glad I did it.

The problem is that long term studies use older bands. The newer bands have not been studied long term. They have not been out long enough to do a long term study.