I have been lurking here for months. I see a notice that says "Our records indicate that you have never posted to our site before..." and since I can't figure out a way to make it go away except to post, here I am!

I was banded in December 2007 by Dr. JJ Gonzalez (what a sweetheart!). I haven't lost a lot yet - for many reasons - but am finally seeing some progress!

The problems are one of two types: first, I had a couple of complications. The first one was when I picked up a virus and vomited so much that my band swelled up and I had to have the Fluid removed. I was getting ready to go on a cruise, so we decided to keep it empty till I got back - huge mistake! The second time I had some dental work done and reacted to the topical numbing agent - my lip swelled, and so did my band! I had a tiny unfill followed by a refill the next week and I didn't lose very much ground.

The second problem was one that I bet everyone can relate to: emotional eating. It is such a cycle, isn't it? get depressed, eat to feel better, get more depressed, and so on. I finally gave myself a kick in the pants, reminded myself that paid $15K cash (insurance wouldn't cover it) and that I was being self-destructive. So now I really watch my diet and try to get in 10,000 steps a day. It is amazing to me how much better I feel with exercise!

Sorry to be so long-winded - now back to lurking....

Please post more often :0). It is wonderful to hear from you.

I still battle emotional eating but it is definitely getting better as time goes on. I have started to learn to turn to other things, like exercise, to get me through.

How long were you unfilled after the virus? Did you gain much?