I have a question I haven't found the answer to and my Dr. didn't discuss. When you get to your goal weight, say I weigh 135, I should be able to eat 1500 or more calories a day if I am exercising. But it sounds like there would be no way to eat that many calories with restriction. Do they loosen the band at goal? Can you eat relatively normally?

I like the way you think. I would not worry about anything that far in advance. But the band can be adjusted in both directions. I am sure they will tell you about it nearer the time. They can loosen ther band to allow more through

As you lose weight around your abdomen, your band loosens. I am near goal and don't think I will need an unfill; I can eat small portions of most foods now. However, some people do go in for a slight unfill when they get to goal.

I can eat most foods if I eat slowly and eat small portions, although I got through a whole hamburger, bun and all, on Saturday. I had to eat it really slowly, and was still eating long after everyone else was done. The next day I couldn't get through half a hot dog, though.

If I weren't trying to get off the last 6 lb I would be able to eat enough to satisfy me without too much effort, and would not be gaining as long as I make good food choices. I will have to really count my calories and watch what I eat to get rid of these last few pounds, though.

When I think about it, this is how my normal thin friends eat--watching out for nutritional value and portion size, but not obsessing over a small treat now and then. Maybe I'm almost normal now!

I was told by my doc that I could opt to be unfilled and if I started gaining they could fill me back up or you just learn to live with it where your at.

I still have 20-25 more to go, so we will see...