Hello fellow bandsters,

I need some help, encouragement, etc. I was banded about a year ago. I lost a total of 52 lbs, and still have about 40 to go. In December, my father passed away. He was 59 years old and we were very close. I started stress eating and have gained about 10 lbs. I'm now trying to get back on a plan and lose the weight I gained and then some. Unfortunatley, I also feel like I've lost restriction. I don't know if it's my head playing tricks on me, but I'm feeling HUNGER, like I used to prior to my surgery. I've made an appt for a fill in May, but I just need some advice and help. Did I mess up my band???? Help!

Allison

Allison,

i am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. i can imagine that triggering a lot of bad habits.

i cant say if you've damaged your band somehow, but you may want to start off like a newly banded person ... liquids, mushies, etc...

call your surgeon and see if they can get you in for an earlier fill.

dont beat yourself up - almost all of us slip for a bit (myself included).

use this board ... there is amazing support here.

I agree with her, first step would be to get a fill. And if it helps you ease your mind & you have insurance- or the money.. ask your doc to do a fluero so he can check out the pouch size. I keep debating paying for that just to ease my mind, but after my last fill I'm confident again that my band isn't broken. Losing the restriction plays all kinds of emotional/hypochondriac games on me.

Get back on the horse! :thumbup:)

Your visit to your Doctor will really ease your mind.

I wish you the best. Just keep your head up.

Yes, I might can help. I too have gone thru life stressors and turned to food for comfort.

Luckily, my band prevented me from overeating and I just slimed everything up.

But now that I'm on maintenance, I do have to be careful and not turn to food. But this is a process and a life long one at that.

Don't beat yourself up over this. Allow yourself time to mourn and then get back on track. Utilize all the advice of exercising, walking, doing something other than eating...but if you do eat...don't sweat it.

Take care of yourself and stay close to your doctor during times such as these.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know the feeling. My daddy passed away suddenly and we were Very close. The ladies here gave good advice. You need the time to mourn. You can drink more water to help fight off those hunger pangs. You can do this. Big ol' southern hugs for ya. we are here for you.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a loved one, especially so young, is not an easy thing. I lost my mum, dad & sister (50yo) in the last 12 years and each time I have turned to food for comfort and to help me escape the pain. I agree with everyone that you need to get a fill to help get you started again but remember this is a time that you need to nurture yourself, not beat yourself up. You will need some kind of outlet and if you can't use food for that then try to find something that helps. I went to a grief counsellor for a while after my sister died and that helped. Walking is an amazing thing as well... it gives you time to think, cry and clear the head. Take care of yourself and come back here for the support you need. xx

I'm sorry about your dad, that's really hard. Hang in there -- it's highly unlikely you messed up your band. I went through an emotionally stressful time last year and did the same thing -- gained some weight. Happily I'm back on track and losing again. A fill and a chat with your doc (and fluoro if you want extra confirmation) will make you feel a lot better and get you going again.

You can do it! And congrats on your loss - you're over halfway to goal!