Hi there my name is Heather I am 20 years old and I was banded last year on May 14, 2009. Since then, I have went from 292 down to 210! I am 5'11 and went from a size 22 to a size 14 with some room! I just had some questions that have been concerning me. Is it possible for me to gain all my weight back if I reach full compacity for my band and have no room for fills. I guess I am currently at a 7 and a 1/2 in a 10 cc band. Also, my primary care doctor prescribed me phentermine because she said other doctors told her most bandsters will not lose more than 50% of their weight. Is this true? Also, she wants me down to 170 pounds, when I would be more than happy being a size 8 or even a 10. I think for my height that a size 8-10 would look good on me. Last question promise! Can you give me some reminders of the lap band basics such as when to drink water and when to not and things of that nature? Sorry for all the questions I get a fill June 4th but I couldn't wait till then!

First of all, reaching "full capacity" for your band should be defined. What you really need to think about is...do you have true restriction? True restriction is feeling full after about a cup of food and staying full for 4-5 hours. If you don't have this then you need a fill. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant. If you have true restriction you shouldn't need Phentermine. Some doctors do prescribe it though. Mine said he would if I reached the point where I was still hungry after being restricted. I ended up not needing to take it. My "hungry switch", as my doctor calls it, is turned off now and I am doing fine. Yes, I believe that if you don't follow the band rules you can regain weight. Remember rule #1 is to stay close to your surgeon. Meaning go in for weigh ins and fills regularly at least for the first year, maybe two. Reminders of the band can be found all over this website. Just start reading and you'll find the rules of the band. But to answer your question about drinking...I don't drink anything for 10 min. before I eat, while I eat, and 30 min. after I eat. That way you stay full longer. In between times I drink +64 oz. of water a day! Best wishes!!!