I'm brand new here, first community meeting last week, first meeting with the surgeon later this month, and I've read hundreds of posts. Here's probably a dumb question so please bear with me: Once we reach our ideal weight do we then release the band so eating returns to "normal?" Or should we expect to have its help to some degree the rest of our lives? TIA.

You will most likely need it forever.

I've found that the way, amount and foods that I eat are pretty "normal". Most people would just think I have a small, ladylike appetite. I eat healthy foods but I occasionally have treats. I like wine in moderation.

I run five times a week and do bootcamp twice, so I do much more exercise than "normal". But my lifestyle overall is a healthy, normal one and I dont need a tight band, so I can eat any foods.

But without my band, I'd probably regain. I think my habits have improved such that I wouldnt hit previous highs, but I couldnt stay this light either.

I know and accept that I will always need the band so I don't re-gain the weight. I have it pretty tight right now.

At 8 months post-op I am in the "overweight" BMI catagory. I know when I reach a "normal" BMI I will still need the band to stay there.

My doc told me that the band is meant to be in place forever. Once I reach goal, he'll take out half of the saline so that I can hang out in maintenance. I'll gain some, drop some, but should stay relatively at the same weight. Remember, this is life-changing, meaning it SHOULD last your whole life :thumbup:.

I am definitely expecting to have the influence of my Lap Band for the rest of my life, unless something untoward requires its removal. Perhaps at some point, whatever fill total I've needed for long-term restriction will be reduced, but the appliance itself is here to stay!

Good luck!

Best, Christine

I'm taking my band to the grave with me! No one is getting it. It has been a true life saver for me. So far, I've lost a lot of weight and have been taken off all but one of my B/P meds per day. I was taking four different kinds, three times a day. Now I take ONE....one time a day.