Question....My overall plan once I reach my goal of 200 pounds, I want to maintain....But I want to maintain on my own without the band...I don't want to take it out of course but I want to unfill it completely (I haven't asked my doctor what he thinks of this yet but I'm just asking here)....I want to rely on my own to maintain, I'd like to gain 5 pounds at 200 and NOT run to the band but lose it on my own...if I fail at it, I want to fill it again, but just to try it out....

so technically 2 questions....has anybody done this before.....and second, does the band still have a restriction when it's completely unfilled

I have no fill in my band and have lost 115lbs total; have 5lbs+ to go. I do have restriction (I feel full with a cup or a little more of food) but I can eat pretty much anything. Sometimes bread gives me a hard time if I don't chew well, otherwise I have restriction, but not nearly as much as most people here do.

I think it's possible and a good idea, IMO. Some will probably disagree but for me my journey has been 90% me, 10% the band. Yes it keeps me full but I chose to workout for an hour each day and I chose to continue to count my calories, weigh all of my food, etc.

Hope that helps and good luck!

I'd talk to your doctor about this and see what his experience with their patients doing this has been.

I've not had a great deal taken out of my band, but had one tiny unfill of only .2cc's and it was amazing how much my hunger came back with that little adjustment.

I've also heard it said that it's difficult to get the same good appetite suppression once completely unfilled and refilled.

So, IMO, I wouldn't mess with something that's working. But, everyone is different and if it's something you really want to try.. go for it.

There are people who get to goal with no fill in their bands at all, but from what I've heard and read, they are rare creatures.