Rejoined the Lap-Band crowd

I was first banded in Sept of 2003 with my HW being 461 and I lost about 158 pounds of that.  Then I started having issues with bad reflux and in May of 2009 my doc unfilled me to heal as I had slipped a bit and had dialation.  Then....in July of 2009 my Mother unexpectedly passed away.  She had been fighting cancer for 4 years and we knew it would happen, but we didnt expect her to go downhill with in a week and be gone 4 days after entering the hospital.
My world was wrecked.  She was our rock and our everything.  And being a emotional eater, I turned to food and since my band was wide open, I had the liberty of eating everything.  Then in October of 2009 my Grandma passed away.  She was 93 and had been sick for a long time.  But still, she was my Moms Mom and her funeral brought back memories as it was in the same place and even had the same two songs as my Moms funeral.
Again I was devastated.  Then my 18 year old daughter got pregnant.  Not expected and not planned.  She decided on adoption and that was 9 months of emotional ups and downs.  It worked out for the best, but it was another thing to add onto everything else.  Then I moved in with my aging Father who is 76 and has COPD.  The emotions ran high and I again turned to food.
Finally, after gaining everything I lost back and then some more? My body hit a wall.  I got diabetes, I got high blood pressure, neuropathy in my feet, my knees blew out, and my well being was at a all time low.  The medications just pilled up and I am now on 6 different meds.
Finally, it was time for me.  I called up my surgeon and got in to see if I can be revised to the bypass.  Come to find out, my insurance company will not cover ANYTHING weight loss related.  I would have to come up with at least $30,000 self pay for the bypass or $20,000 for the sleeve.  Because removal of the band isnt covered either so that would be out of pocket.  SO, we decided that lets check the band and see whats up.  We did, and its fine and he filled me.
I am currently 26 pounds down from my highest of 487.  I am now the same weight i was when i started this journey in 2003.
I have done it before, and I will do it again.  This time for good.  I remember what its like to walk without having to rest, being able to go to the grocery store or the mall and walk around.  I want that again.  I have set an appointment with a counselor as well so I can get my brain right as well.
I am glad to be back.  I will lurk mainly, but am here for any questions anyone has.  :)

~~Staci

I am so sorry for your losses.

Glad you are back!

Wow..you have been through the ringer. Congrats on finding your way back.  That's one advantage  of the band, imo...the ability to start over. 

Hi Staci,
Boy, what a journey you've been on!  You are an inspiration to me and anyone who is thinking about giving up.  You've been through more in a short time than many endure in a lifetime, but you sound like you're focused and know what you need to do.  Good for you!!! 

I'll be praying for you.
~ Barbara 

Hi Staci,
Thank you for sharing your story.  This could happen to any of us so it's important to share.

I'm sorry for the loss of your mother.

It sounds to me that you are doing exactly what you should be doing.  The band worked for you and can work again.  You know what to do and getting therapy is really important.  I started a year ago and I love it!  It's helped a lot dealing with stress and depression and the compulsive over-eating behavior I still struggle with .

Keep checking in here for support and remember that fills are really important to the process when you have a band.  Without insurance you're going to have to figure out how to budget for fills because especially the first year they are so important! 

Good job losing the 26 lbs! 
You can do this!

Best~
Lisa O.

Goodness you have had more than your share haven't you. Yes, you did it before and you can do it again! Just be very careful not to get too tight as that can cause lots of problems. You are also doing the best thing in the world by getting counseling since you realize that you are an emotional eater. You just have to learn other ways to deal with that so you can leave the food alone. I knit and crochet and that helps me alot, so maybe find a hobbie you really enjoy to keep you busy. I'm wishing you all the luck in the world, please be sure to come here often so we can support you!!

Staci,

Many hugs to you Im so sorry gosh you have been through alot in a short amount of time , I can see why you turned to food.  I probably would to or I would start smoking again if I had to go through all that .

I am very proud of you also though , that took alot of guts to come out here and tell your story . I think that is the best thing right there getting back on track .

Like you said you did it before and  you can do it again I know you can .

Take it one  day at a time .

Many hugs to you

I am so sorry to read of your losses and struggles. Believe in yourself because you can and will do this again, you sound like a very strong woman. Remember also that all of us have had bad things happen to us and we have turned to food to help us cope and now we are learning how to handle our emotions without the use of food...it's tough & new and we are all in this journey together you have support here
Congrats on the weight you have already lost (for good!)
..joy

Thanks all for the support.  It is so what I need.

~~Staci