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.