life of lapband?

[drew05 20]

Also fran, I forgot to ask you something. Was there a period you had to wait to get your new band placed? Any time to allow the stomach to heal? Thanks for any info!

[Alfie 58]

Hi Guys I found this site and think it will answer your question plus other information. The second point answers the life of the band question.

LAP-BAND® System Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

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LAP-BAND® System FAQs | Gastric Bypass Surgery FAQs | Bariatric Surgery FAQs

1. What are the advantages of having LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery instead of gastric bypass surgery?

See the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery Information page

2. Should I have the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band taken out once I lose the weight?

No, the band is designed to stay in for a lifetime. Studies show that most patients will regain their weight if they have the band taken out.

3. Do I have to have adjustments for the rest of my life? How many adjustments will I need?

Patients may need a little adjustment to the band volume every couple of years after the incremental adjustments required at the beginning. The average patient will come in for adjustments 6 to 8 times in the first year after surgery and may come in for an adjustment once or twice the second year. Patients may not need an adjustment at all in the third year.

4. Why don't you just "crank it up" and make the band tight all at once during surgery?

The body needs to adjust to the new band. There is a little bit of swelling immediately after surgery and tightening the band too early or too fast has been shown in the research to result in more complications (including having to have the band taken out).

5. Is there such a thing as having the band tightened too much?

Yes, the band can be over-adjusted. When the band is too tight, patients cannot eat solid foods without regurgitating the food or feeling very uncomfortable for many hours. When the band is too tight, patients tend to gain weight because they are resorting to the liquid and/or softer foods that travel through the band easily. These foods tend to be higher in fat and higher in sugar. When patients start this dysfunctional eating pattern, they are taking in more calories than if the band was looser. A band that is too tight will also cause heartburn and coughing in some patients.

6. What happens if 10 years from now I start to gain weight? What do I do?

We see you annually in the office for a check-up, however if you are gaining weight, it is time to come in so that we can assess the problem. It could mean that you need a little adjustment in your band volume to provide a little more restriction. There may be a problem related to the types of food you are eating or there may have been a life crisis and emotional eating or depression may be taking hold.

7. What is the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band made out of?

The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band is made out of silicone and titanium.

8. Is it possible for a person to reject the band?

Yes, it is possible to have a reaction to any foreign body. Studies on the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band have shown that it is extremely rare.

9. Do adjustments hurt?

There are fewer nerve endings in the skin of the abdomen and patients say that the adjustments are nearly painless. Patients have said that the needle stick hurts less than a shot and less than the needle stick for blood studies.

10. Are adjustments made in the surgeon's office?

Yes, adjustments are made in the surgeon's office. On a rare occasion, the port is difficult to feel and a patient may have to go to the radiology department to have the port accessed under fluoroscopy.

10. How long has the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band been in existence?

LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band was first placed in a patient in Belgium in 1994. The FDA approved the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band for use in the U. S. in June of 2001.

12. How much weight loss can I expect with LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery?

For the first 1-2 years you should expect 1-2 pounds of weight loss per week. In the long term, you can expect to have 50-70% of your excess weight stay off.

13. If after surgery, and despite following all the rules, I am at a plateau of weight loss, what should I do?

Plateaus are a normal part of the weight loss process. In the first year or two after surgery, weight loss plateau usually means that you need to come in and have a little bit of Fluid put in the band to increase restriction. Occasionally, plateaus are caused by the Band being too tight. If the Band is too tight, weight loss will resume after a little Fluid is taken out of the Band. If the above causes are ruled out, we will have you keep a food and exercise diary. The diary will include the times and quantities of foods eaten, drinks taken, Protein grams consumed, and an exercise log. We may have you consult with the dietician as well.

14. What should I do if I "can't cope" after surgery?

Weight loss surgery causes a lot of changes in a patient's life including dietary changes and development of a new lifestyle. With any change in our lives, there is a feeling of loss of previous life patterns. Patients may have feelings of sadness, anger and frustration when going through so many changes at once. We remind patients to be patient with themselves!

We advise patients that if they experience persistent sadness for more than 14 consecutive days, along with loss of interest in things they were previously interested in, they should contact the Bariatric Center or their primary care physician. These are signs of depression.

15. What should I do if I cannot exercise very much due to back pain?

We know from experience and scientific research that you will decrease post-op complications and increase your chances of weight loss through following the pouch rules and nutrition handbook AND being more active. We encourage you to find resources in your community to help you develop a program of movement and activity. For example, many of our patients with joint problems enroll in Water exercise programs at a therapy pool. Others find that recreation programs have recumbent exercise bicycles that allow you to sit while pedaling a bicycle.

16. I'm worried that after surgery, my emotional eating will return. Want can I do?

Here are several suggestions we give our patients:

• Talk about your feelings with your support persons. Perhaps the stress in your life is high and you are returning to old habits of coping.
  
• Schedule an appointment with the behavioral nurse or other specialists to explore alternatives to dealing with emotions in ways other than eating.
  
• Call the bariatric center and ask for assistance.
  
• Attend support group meetings to hear how other patients are solving that problem.
  

17. What is the purpose of support groups?

There are many benefits to attending support groups; here a just a few of them:

1. To hear from others who have similar problems to your own
   
2. To Celebrate positive changes in each patient's life since the surgery
   
3. To learn new information about bariatric lifestyles
   
4. To brainstorm solutions to problems
   
5. To provide motivation to follow the rules that will work for individuals for a lifetime
   
6. To meet people who have had successful results of the surgery and are willing to help others
   
7. To talk with a group of people who understand your journey like no one else does!
   

18. How much pain will I be in after LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery?

Most patients experience mild to moderate pain. A common analogy used by patients post-op is that it "feels as if they did 200 hundred sit-ups in a row and their abdominal muscles are sore". More pain is commonly felt over the port site incision. Your pain will be well controlled so you will be able get up out of bed to walk and move around after surgery.

19. When will I be allowed to drink after surgery?

You will most likely be able to drink Clear liquids on the day of surgery or the day after your surgery.

20. If I qualify for same day discharge, how long will I be in the hospital?

Starting from the time you reach the surgical floor to recovery, it has been on average 6-8 hours. Times differ from patient to patient.

21. What are the expectations of patients in the hospital after surgery?

• Get up out of bed
  
• Walk in hallways as much as tolerated
  
• Sit in chair as much as tolerated
  
• Use your incentive spirometer (plastic breathing device) 10 times per hour while you are awake
  
• Concentrate on fluid intake
  
• Work on achieving good pain control with your nurse prior to discharge
  

22. What is the age range for being eligible for LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery?

Age range is 18 to 75 years of age but depends on the individual surgeon’s preference.

23. How many days off work will I need to take for the surgery?

Depending on the type of surgery and the surgeon’s preferences, most patients take 3-5 days off from work for LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding surgery. It varies from patient to patient.

Edited June 7, 2008 by Alfie

[gdf18 2]

I don't think it really can be answered because bands haven't been around for more than what.....maybe 15 years and I know the newer bands are better. So all your surgeon can say is that statistically X number last 2-15 years because that's all the data there is. The ones that have lasted 15 can go on to last a lifetime. The better question is how many complications and band problems and replacements has your surgeon had? That's what you want to know.

[Jachut 487]

Theyve been doing them in Australia since the early 90's but the design has gotten better, but there are people around who have had a band in place over 10 years now.

They dont KNOW how long it will last and I was told this clearly, that at some point in the future it is highly likely that the band will wear out and have to be replaced. Silicone is inert in the body so it shouldnt break or anything, but the weak point is the balloon - another reason to avoid constant refilling and unfilling and overtighteness.

I fully expect that my band will be replaced as I was 37 when it was done, but I hope its into my 60's all the scars look good now, I'd be majorly pissed if they had to be reopened before I've gotten too old to wear a bikini!

[juliatabor 0]

Congratulations on your amazing weight loss so far! thats just fantastic and thank again for all the info.

I have an appt to see a surgeon next week for an initial consultation. i am finding out as much as I can trying to work out if the band is for me. I think it is. I'm 40yrs old and my weight has never been stable. I'm a compulsive overeater with a history of bulimia and my weight yo yos up amd down by anything up to 10stone at a time. i am sick and tired of it and just want to live the rest of my life with stability.

I must admit, I am nervous about being banded, its the unknown, but I think I'm ready to do it. I dont want the next 4oyrs to be the same as the last!

Anyway, kind regards to you and thanks again

Julia x

[juliatabor 0]

thank you alfie, thats really helpful. I appreciate it

[juliatabor 0]

To everyone who was kind enough to reply to my question, thank you very much, it's been very helpful.

julia x

[singledad167 0]

While no WLS surgery is perfect, in Europe where they've been doing the Lap Band procedure much longer than in the US they have done studies showing that only 5% of lap band patients have to be reoperated on after 5 years vs 10% of bypass. Also head to head Lapband vs gastric bypass there was no difference in the amount of weight loss after 5 years. Lapband patients lose just as much, and it's much less invasive, and completely reversible. Read more here...

Five-Year Study Of Morbidly Obese Finds Significant Benefits Of The LAP-BAND® Procedure Over Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

[juliatabor 0]

dear pbpunisher

thanks very much for sending that report, much appreciated

Julia

[Erv 0]

If breast implants don't have to be replaced, why would a LB? Same basic materials.

[Fran 1]

You are correct-the band is not eroded but slipped under the stomach. I imagine the stitches eroded but the pain nonetheless was unreal. It is quite rare. I think vomiting brings this on.

Be well.

Fran

[juliatabor 0]

my doc said they last anything between 2 to 15yrsn but I've been on websites where they've said the band lasts a life time. I wouldnt be able to afford to have it replaced anytime soon hence the concern.Anyway thanks for replying.

Julia

[Jachut 487]

Erv, breast implants often DO have to be replaced. Also, unlike a breast implant, a lapband is a functioning thing, the balloon is inflated, is affected by pressure from the stomach, can be deflated etc. The band itself wont break, the balloon or tubing might over time.

[MacMadame 81]

Do people go into breast enhancement surgery being told their breasts will only last 15 years though? I haven't heard that but I haven't looked into it either.

The modern generation of lap bands only started being implanted in the mid-1990s. Lap bands have changed a bit since then, though not in their basic materials. Plus a lot of changes in surgery technique have been made since then. So I don't really think that anyone knows how long they will last on average.

I think when people say they last 15 years, it's because we don't know if they last longer (since there just haven't been that many implanted longer than that). But not knowing if they last more than 15 years is not the same as "they only last 15 years". I really don't think doctors should be saying the later when we really don't know.

[Jachut 487]

that's an important distinction - we dont know they'll last longer is exactly right. We also dont know for sure they'll need to be replaced. I just think to go into it not having considered that is to be somewhat uninformed - its all over my doc's literature.

And yes, people do (or should) realise that breast implants may need to be replaced, especially if they're having them at 20! Again, that's "may", not "will".