Hello Everyone,

To make a long story short....I had my Realize Band put on in Aug of 2009. Two weeks after my surgery, my husband of 20 years left me and my son. We came home to a note, and we never saw it coming. Needless to say, I filed for divorce. Fast forward, the divorce was ugly, as are most.... and due to the stress of it all, I had to have most of the Fluid in my band removed. The past couple of years have been a whirlwind....I own a business and have also gone back to school full time working on double B.A degrees. I am raising my son and have gotton my life back on track....thanks to my parents. Anyway....I feel I am ready to get back on track with my band and have a fill scheduled for Monday (Jan 2) . My question is ....even though it has been 2 years, does anyone think I can still benefit from the band. I have not lost much weight with my band mostly because I never really got started with it. I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year.....Thanks for reading my post.

Absolutely you can! An empty band is like a car without gas. It's nice to have, but doesn't do much for you. As you fill it up, it gets you to where you want to go.

I am sorry for the hard times you've been through. I am happy to hear how you've pulled through. As you get fills and find restriction, follow band rules and you should be able to start losing weight! That is the joy of the band. You can jump back on the wagon at any time.

And the folks here are here for support! Welcome back to band land!

Hey.. Dont be so hard on your self. Maybe he realized that you were gonna lloose all your extra weight, get gourgeous and leave him!! So make a mark of your own, you need to feel good about yourself. Jump on board and get her done!! Dont give up on you ... If you can raise and son and go to school. which I have done too, then you can loose weight!

I really hope that your fill goes ok and of course u can get back on track, I am sure that after all that you have been through that you will be successful and get back to using your band.

Good luck !

Oh yes! And there is no time like the present, especially if you are ready, now! Good luck and happy New Year to you! Karen

I am in the same place. 2009 band and no weight loss. I have a fill scheduled for jan 18th.

I need support. Would you like to work together?

I don't see why not if you band has never had any fill. Took me 6 months of fills to get restriction. As part of your new life style I would buy a digital food scale (walmart/target). Ask your doctor how much solid Protein you can have per meal (mine says 3 oz others do 4oz). Measure it out and tell yourself no seconds. I am about 16 months out and I still measure all my food at home and what I take to work. As I mentiond took me 6 months to get restriction so this is going to be a mental battle for now.

As I'm sure your doctor will tell you the first 24 hours after the fill should be full liquids (Protein shake no fruit and smooth Soup like tomato), and the second 24 mushies (canned chicken or tuna I mix it with low fat laughing cow cheese)>.

Hi Debbie!

I am also in the same boat. I was banded in October 2008 and basically got caught up in this thing called life, and never really dedicated myself to starting my journey. I hadn't been to my surgeon since March 2009, but went back to him in November, and have another appointment scheduled for Wednesday. (both him and his staff are extremely supportive!!) I am disappointed in myself for not making the most of it to begin with, but am excited to start fresh again!

Best of luck to you - you got this!!