I agree! I was at 2.7 at the beginning of the year and starting having heartburn and was not able to eaty ANYTHING! Not even water or broth. The doc took all the fluid out to give my tissues a rest. Well, I gained 30 pounds due to the "freedom". I am back to 1.7 now and have decent restriction. But, we all have to remember, the band is a tool not a cure. I came to rely on the band a lot, then, when it was wide open, went a little nuts. We are all in this together : )