What happens to your band when you hit your goal weight?

So what really happens when you have a gastric band and you hit your target weight?

Does your band need to be removed?

Don't worry this isn't the case unless you truly want it removing.  

Ok so the answer is really quite simple - if you are unable to maintain your goal weight at the level of control that your gastric band is giving you.  A simple small defill is the way forward.  

It isn't about taking all the control away that the gastric band offers, but relaxing it slightly to enable you to eat a little more is the maintenance way forward .

Patients can worry about having a defill, please don't.   Your band is adjustable for this reason - having a small amount of fluid removed isn't going to undo all your hard work - it's a balancing act and as long as you keep up with the good habits in place you won't go too far wrong!

Time to take your foot off the gas slightly and enjoy - you've worked hard for this.  Well done you!