I am a 2011 bandster. Just after it was placed, my sweet son was called home at age 16. He had a heart condition, but his death came in a way I never imagined. We were walking wounded for over a year. The other kids, DH, and I existed. I never went back for any fills, I never followed a diet, although, I had enough restriction to not eat breads. I lost 40 pounds initially before losing Christopher. 3 years later, we are just starting to live again. Well, I got horrifically sick with a virus that Dh brought home from work. I tossed my Cookies for two days. And.....my side started hurting...and I couldn't hold fluids down. Concerned, I made myself go on a liquid diet, but I was really scared I had caused a slip to this band that I wasn't working, or using. I had regained 15 punds, too, so I didn't want to go back to my surgeon. Finally, my fear won out. There was no condemnation from him, just a genuine effort to help me. 1 upper GI series, removal of all Fluid, and just getting over the stupid virus and...I am fine. I did not hurt myself....unless I pulled a muscle wretching...today I went back and got half the fluid put back in....

I am so glad I conquered my fear of his office....I don't feel I wasted these three years, because grief is as grief does and survival is all there is...but, now, I am ready to try again...and my band and surgeon are there, just waiting for me.

Elizabeth, first thing, So sorry about your loss. I can't even imagine the pain you must feel. One thing I have learned is that the pain never gets better, you learn to live with it and not let it run your life.

I'm so glad you made the decision to go back to your doctor. Although my story is different then yours, I still felt the shame of returning to the doctor. In 2 and a half years I endured 4 major surgeries. I went in to a "Whoa is me" attitude and laid in bed and snacked all day. One night while laying in bed and reading, it hit me that I needed to get my life back. First thing in the morning I called the doctors office. They got me in the next day. I took my husband with me so that he would make sure I told the doctor everything. And I did. He was very understanding and has me back to losing again. I'm so proud that I made that huge step. And there I was, afraid of this man and he proved me wrong.

My hope is that with our stories, some one will be inspired and make the decision to go back to their doctor.

Good luck to you and prayers for your family.

Suzanne.

I can't imagine the pain of losing a child. Bless you my dear and here's hoping all goes well with your weight loss journey.

I'm terribly sorry to hear of your loss, I just can't imagine what you've been through but you're one tough lady!!!

All I can say is that fear either drives you or it rules you and for you sweetie it's driving you right back to where you want and need to be. Good for you!!! You should be very proud of yourself!!

Edited May 6, 201412 yr by enjoythetime

Elizabeth, I am so very sorry about your loss! That pain has to be the most unimaginable pain that any one person could go through.

When anyone starts this journey through wls, you just have to know that you are not going to be always able to keep up with your weight or health - that something in your life may come up and you won't be able to put your weight loss first anymore. Its good that you were able to get things going again with your doctor. Please don't beat yourself up or feel bad in any way that you had to "take a break" from this. I guess this is why we have wls - maybe not to think about it or to put our weight aside for once in our lives. You will continue you on your journey when you are ready and I am happy that you are starting to live again.

Do things that make you happy - you deserve it!

I am sorry of your loss. Keep the fight