I had my surgery in July 2007. I lost 70 lbs. I had one fill in December 2007. All was going very well. Then in April 2008 we learned my MIL who lived with us had terminal lung cancer. She decided not to have any treatments and insisted she wanted to live her last months at home which meant my wife and I had to put aside our lives to care for her with the help of Hospice. Finally the long painful struggle ended when she passed on July 4, 2008 just shy of my one year band anniversary. By that time I had not been to see the Dr in several months and had totally not paid attention to my diet. About a month later we learned my Mom had breast cancer. At least her prognosis was better and she initially was responding to treatment but later went out of remission and had to have chemo. She moved in with us and once again we focused on her care. She is once again doing very well and her Dr is pleased with her progress. She is beating the cancer and we are finally breathing a sigh of relief. So here I am having gained back what I lost and feeling bad about it. I feel myself making even more excuses for not seeing the Dr and starting over with new fills. Anyone gone off track and restarted? Advice and encouragement is welcomed

Go see your doctor. Tell him about what has been going on and the timeline of when you had surgery and your first fill. The doc may even want you to see a therapist to get more focused on YOU and your weight loss. Family health problems can sideline anyone, because they become the first priority.

It's important to see your physician and have him evaluate your status. He/she may want to check to make sure the band is still properly positioned and may even do a fill. In the end, it will have to be how well you commit to the band lifestyle that determines your success. Doesn't it just bug you when people think having surgery is the easy way out? We all know it's a struggle. I really hope you are able to get back on track and lose the weight. It's time for the focus to be on you...even though family crisis may be come up from time to time, you will have to remember that it's important to take care of yourself first. It's easy to forget that.

Ok..JOBSTUD..so glad you've chosen to reach out...naturally this happens and your not a fault..it's life and all we can do is the best we can do as individuals...do go and see your Dr. tell him what's been going on and take the steps you need to to get back on track...we in this community are all here for you if you need us...some people are just shy about words...but we are here..good luck and e-mail if you need to...remember this is a slow process and the band is a tool..not a solution..getting back on line and making the choice to take time for you is the first step in the getting back on track process...