Hello guys. Been a while since I have been on and almost as long since I've been hitting the weight loss road.

I was banded back in Oct of 2007. Between the loss pre- and post op I lost around 85 pounds. Had 3 fills and was doing very well.

Then all kinds of hell broke loose.

In hospital with dehydration and stomach bug, blood clot, car wreck, job loss, father dying, house foreclosure. All in about a 6 month time frame. It sucked.

I didn't want to go back in for a fill because the amount of stress along with my band gave me PLENTY of restriction. We ended up moving to a small town 2 hours from my doc. No fills anywhere near where I live. I've also been working two full time jobs (~100 hours/wk) for going on 18 months now. Unfortunately both jobs are fairly sedentary so I've managed to put back around 40 pounds. No problems with the the band during that time.

So yes. I'm now backslid and un-filled since Feb of 08.

I want to get started back now. I've gone back on liquids for the past week to shrink up any pouch expansion (pretty sure most of my weight gain was to eating around the band...I still have some restriction but have consistently chewed really well, but didn't obey the no-drinking rule).

I'm embarrassed that I have let things go so long. I am hesitant to go back to my doc but I know I need to get restriction going again if I'm going to be successful. I dread going back.

Do any of you have similar experiences? I'm not concerned about being successful--I know that with restriction I can be. Is there anything else I should be doing before going back to my doc?

Thanks for listening. Wish me luck (and a few prayers if you have any to spare!)

Ben

Just GO and get your success started again. Your doc will understand. If he scolds you, so what? You don't live with him; you get your fill and go home, right?

I am sorry to hear that life has been so hard fo you. Please be good to yourself. I to am finding it very hard to put myself first. we just have to keep trying.

I only have a certain amount of mental capacity, sometimes when something takes precedence I have to move something I want to the back burner and then take it back up when I can.

This is what it sounds like you did, you took a break, now the break is over. Get back to the Dr and get a fill, (Remember he is your employee, you pay his salary and you don't owe him anything unless he did your band for free, which I am betting didn't happen.)

It sounds like you are still about 45 pounds down. When was the last time you were 45 pounds lighter than you were 3 years previously? Celebrate you success and add to it with positive attitude. You can do it!

Don't beat yourself up! You did what you had to do.

Isn't that a great thing about the band, though? We can fill 'er up and get back on track!

Best wishes to you!

Thanks guys I appreciate the support AND the swift kick in the pants.

Day 8 of liquids. First fill in 2 years on Wednesday. I'm excited.

Lets do this.

I say a hearty Amen and a prayer to you to have success in your restarted journey! The past is gone, leave it and look to your future blessings -- Go Band!