I have about 100 pounds to lose (I'm 6'1" 290ish) which I think I'll be able to accomplish within a year. I really believe this because once I lose about 50 or pounds, I can get into a pretty vigorous exercise routine at the same time.

If I reach my goal and my band is completely opened, would I be able to return to a normal diet, if I chose to? Or is the band, even fully opened, too restrictive?

Hi There. I had a slight unfill of .5ccs last week. The main thing I see is the hunger has returned full force. My guess is that you will still want somewhat of a fill so you can eat more but not be as hungry. Good luck.

If you get completely unfilled you will most likely be hungry again....... but the cool thing about the band is that YOU HAVE THE OPTION to get filled and unfilled as needed!

I'm sure I probably would get hungry, but my weight would be where I want it and I can exercise vigorously (I was an athlete at one point in my life) because all the baggage that had attached to me would be gone.

But would the wide open band still restrict what I can eat?

The band usually isn't totally unfilled just because you reach goal. Also, I wonder what you mean by "normal diet". The band should cause you to eat a normal diet, as what we've been doing all these years thus far has not been normal, if you get my meaning.

If the band is unfilled, generally you should be able to eat like you did before surgery. Some people have restriction just from the band itself, but many do not.

I had some problems recently and had my band completely unfilled for about six weeks. It was like I had no band at all. The hunger returned and I could eat anything I wanted to. Not a feeling I liked! So, I would say yes, if you have your band completely unfilled, you can probably eat anything you want. Like the other poster, I am not sure what you mean by a "normal" diet. To me, a "normal" diet is eating healthy, which I do with my band. Once I reach goal, I do not intend to have my fill taken out because, as I learned over those six weeks, I quickly return to my old habits.

Please don't misunderstand what I am trying to say. I'm not going to get banded, lose 100 pounds and then bury myself in a tub of Ben & Jerry's.

I used to live a life of sensible eating (mainly healthy with an occasional splurge) accompanied by frequent exercise. I want to see a light at the end of the tunnel and know that once I reach my goal, I can have an occasional slize of pizza.

Well the big question is, if it's so easy to maintain that weight, why did you gain 100lbs to begin with?

If my band was completely unfilled, I can eat everything I did pre-band, but about 1/2 the amount.

Hypothetically, you can completely unfill your band at goal. Realistically, you'd gain it all back.

Well the big question is, if it's so easy to maintain that weight, why did you gain 100lbs to begin with?

Is that something I really need to get into here? It's a long story and it involves a serious injury - which has healed.

What I was just trying to find out if a completely open is restrictive, and from what I am reading it is not.

Thank you for your replies.

Just trying to get you to see the logic of why you wouldn't want to completely open the band

Everyone is different. Some people feel "natural" restriction right from the get-go but most do not.

I got no restriction from surgery or my first fill. Right now, I feel the same as I did before surgery and can eat the same things. (but I don't)<O:p</O:p

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I'm almost 4 months post-op and can eat pizza, but only one slice of thin crust or domminos crispy melt. So pizza can be eaten, in moderation. I only eat about 1 slice a month now. I used to be able to eat about 4-5 slices at a time and now one is a lot and takes a long time. I know some people who can eat regular crust pizza, but I'm not one of them. Some people get stuck on bread-like things and others don't. Personally I can't eat bread, even when I'm really loose.

It really is an individual thing. I did have restriction right after my surgery and before the fill - but then the more I healed, the more I could eat. I'd say that right before my fill (about 7 weeks post op) I could eat what I thought was large portions, but still not back to what I would eat prior to the surgery.

I was in Asia during that time and was able to eat a variety of foods - including rice. So, you may have some restriction from the band, and be able to eat just about whatever, but in smaller portions.

However, that's again a very individual thing. Some will have more restriction than others.

Everyone is different. Some people feel "natural" restriction right from the get-go but most do not.

I got no restriction from surgery or my first fill. Right now, I feel the same as I did before surgery and can eat the same things. (but I don't)<o =""></o>

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Candle, you and I have the same doctor!

I was just there for a follow up this morning!!

I really like Dr Geiss - he's an amazing surgeon and has a great reputation in our area, having done about 2,000 bands. The only complaint I have is .... I haven't seen him since surgery and I guess shouldn't expect to. I know a girl well over a year out and hasn't seen him since her surgery either. The office staff does ALL the aftercare - just be aware of that.

If you need anything or have any questions, feel free to contact me. <!-- google_ad_section_end --><!-- google_ad_section_end --><!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Candle, I've only seen him once - at the initial consultation. What I did like is there was no "hard sell." It seems like he has a very good staff.