Im really depressed and nervous about this. I went into to complete debt 3 years ago as a cash patient. best 15k (fills included) I have ever spent though (sleep apnea went away, better habits and I feel great!). My last fill was 2 years ago which is when I finally started to loose weight. I am 5'5'' 137 pounds and have maintained this weight over the past year .

My doctor text messages me from time to time to just "check in". last time I sent him a picture and his response was "you look perfect, now lets un-fill your band and give your stomach a rest. now it is up to you to just keep up the good habits"

I am soooooo terrified! I fear that I will begin gaining my weight back and he will not re-fill me (so he is just done with me) .

Is it dangerous to keep your band filled indefinately?

once you reach your goal is it typical to un-fill?

Sorry but that's sounds ridiculous! The band is there for a reason, if you take out the Fluid then you won't have restriction and will go straight back to square one. I'd be telling my doctor there is no way in hell he is touching it. But, I'm not a doctor. So that's just my opinion.

I've never heard of anyone doing that though unless they were pregnant or wanted to. Maybe he's worried if you keep it tight you will get used to it and maybe won't be able to put any more fluid in it? That's all I can think of.

I think I would get a second opinion. He can't force you to remove it.

Pam

I THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT. It means alot since I really have no other friends or aquantances with the band. It is so good to know that this de-fill and/or removal is not common place! I think that the worst case scenario is one where I just ignore him next time he texts' me (you are right, he cannot force me to do this). I have concluded that he either wants more money or who knows what. here is his original text, after he checked to see how i have been doing and i sent him a picture:

TEXT #1 FROM DR" "damn, you look great. time to loosen up the band because it shouldn't stay tight around you forever. now you should begin just working on maintaining your weight by practicing a healthy lifestyle of three meals a day and only eating lean meats and veggies" (on a side note: i have to say that I find that a little bit condescending, that is the lifestyle I attempted for all the years leading up to the band.even now WITH the band I struggle, but I find this TOOL helps me to lean significantly in the direction of making better choices. better choices than ever)

"

TEXT#2 (ME):I have been thinking about your suggestion to unfill my band. is that customary? I'm not too skinny or anything(Im 5'4'' and 135lbs) and I stopped loosing weight about a year ago. at this rate my band issimply allowing me to maintain this weight. If i unfill I fear it will render this tool useless. I thought you said we only need to unfill in the event of pregnancy.

THEN HE CALLED and tried to convince me again and mentioned loosening the band little my little until I get used to eating and maintaining my weight and then we take it out?

TEXT #3, ME:IT Just dawned on me that you mentioned taking the band out ? I dont want to undergo another major surgery. originally you said the band could stay in indefinately and I hear removal is not recommended.

TEXT #4, last one from DR: "it can stay in foreer, but if you've changed your lifestyle and you keep the weight off on your own for a year with an empty band you wont need the band anymore. its minor surger"

im very emotional about this :-(

I do see where he is coming from, but any surgery that requires you to be put to sleep is major. I have also reached goal and do not consider myself skinny but I would be upset to give up my band. i have very little restriction and do monitor my intake and what I eat because this is how I eat. But why tempt fate unnecessarily. You need to do what is best for you and not allow the physician to sway your decision. Good luck!