Milanese Loop watchband prior to 2018: can it be replaced?

Apple Support:

"Using the Milanese Loop

"In 2018, the Milanese Loop was redesigned so that you could open the band completely by sliding the magnetic closure through the band connector, or lug. On earlier Milanese Loop models, the closure won't slide through the lug."

In other words, the pre-2018 Milanese Loop must be destroyed to be removed.

We must be talking about different models. On mine the slide comes off easily, but the other end, the magnetic closure, is NOT a slide configuration but rather would have to come through the lug but can’t (which explains Apple’s c.2018 redesign).

Gentlemen (or Ladies). Thank you. What I had missed is that BOTH ends have sliders. With marginal eyesight and poor lighting I had seen and thought that only one end was so configured. Thanks for putting up with me.

It appears that the watchband end-piece will not fit through the strap guide without being cut (that is, destroyed) in the process. Is there a trick involved? This is Series 2 watch and Milanese Loop (i.e., metal watchband).

I know I can buy a new one, either from Apple or a knock off. It appears, however, that the existing Milanese Loop watchband end-piece will not fit through the strap guide without being cut (that is, destroyed) in the process. Is there a trick involved? This is a Series 2 watch.

Great, glad to hear it. But that's news to Apple, apparently, which states (again, FYI):

"...magnetic closure through the band connector, or lug. On earlier Milanese Loop models, the closure won't slide through the lug."

HOW did you remove the band, please.