7 replies to this topic

[amamama21]

Hi all - i am now seriously considering lap band surgery. Like some others I read about on here, I'm 5'5" and about 245 lbs. Here's my concern. I know I'm totally addicted to food. I will binge when I'm not hungry - when i'm bored or frustrated or sad. I've been reading from quite a few of you that you need a lot of self control and discipline for the lap band to work. I'm worried that since I don't have self control or will power (I haven't about food for all my adult life) that I'll go through the pains and tribulations of surgery, only to have me binge and fail at that too (like all the other diets and things I've tried).

For those that have been through it, what are your thoughts about this?

[Martee]

I think you're more ahead of the game than you realize. I didn't realize, or at least acknowledge, my food addiction until after I underwent gastric bypass in the fall of 2010. It hasn't made this journey any easier, but I went into this with determination to overcome my obesity...at all costs, even if it meant giving up certain foods or ways of eating that were unhealthy. It's a battle I fight every day, but I can tell you this...being 104 pounds lighter makes it a whole lot easier!

Not to talk you into one type of procedure over another, as that decision is completely in your hands, I do remember the first thing I ever read about the lap band was how easy it was to "cheat" it. Somehow even then, I realized that wasn't the route for me to go. I ultimately decided upon gastric bypass because of the malabsorption and the restriction. I figured I might need the "dumping syndrome" to keep me in line. I lived in fear of that for the first six months, at which time I started experimenting with food to see what would happen. Well, no dumping for me. The only thing I've got going for myself is that because I ate such a clean diet for so long, most food has an off taste to me (especially processed food, junk food, bread, pasta, and cereal). I'm at a point in my journey where I am finally starting to ask myself before I put anything into my mouth, "Are you fueling your body or your mind?" I tend to leave stuff well alone once I answer that question, as I don't want to lose what I've worked so hard to achieve (104 pounds gone, from a 20W down to a size 4 pants, no more acid reflux, no more hypertension, no more elevated cholesterol, no more plantar fasciitis, no more daily back pain). I never thought I would say this because I always thought it sounded corny, but here goes..."Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels!" It's not about vanity with me, but I have to say I am pleasantly surprised by how proud I am of my weight loss and the confidence I have found throughout this journey.

It's often noted in someone's post on a daily basis here that a surgeon operates on your stomach, not on your head. It doesn't matter what "tool" you choose (lap band, gastric bypass, sleeve, medically-supervised diet, or any other type of diet), if your head isn't in the game, you are destined to fail. And also try to realize that these tools are lifetime tools, not temporary tools to a temporary problem. Addictions of any kind are just that...addictions. There is no cure. It's something that a person has to take control of on a daily basis. Take the time to read up on the various procedures here on T-T and other areas on the internet, as well as consider going to see a therapist who has knowledge of food addictions. If you're not really ready for this, step back and wait, try an alternative approach to reach your goal. Whatever you choose, make sure your head is ready to accept the challenges. You are STRONG enough and SO worth it! I remember the days when I used to consider my worth in a $4 bag of chips, a $5 half gallon carton of ice cream, a $6 super-sized value meal. Not any more. Those days are gone.

Best wishes with beginning your journey towards a healthier you!

[Lori88]

[quote name='Martee' timestamp='1317062759' post='776535']
I'm at a point in my journey where I am finally starting to ask myself before I put anything into my mouth, "Are you fueling your body or your mind?" I tend to leave stuff well alone once I answer that question, as I don't want to lose what I've worked so hard to achieve (104 pounds gone, from a 20W down to a size 4 pants, no more acid reflux, no more hypertension, no more elevated cholesterol, no more plantar fasciitis, no more daily back pain). I never thought I would say this because I always thought it sounded corny, but here goes..."Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels!" It's not about vanity with me, but I have to say I am pleasantly surprised by how proud I am of my weight loss and the confidence I have found throughout this journey.

Love this! I am going to start asking my self this also! Thanks!

[amamama21]

I think you're more ahead of the game than you realize. I didn't realize, or at least acknowledge, my food addiction until after I underwent gastric bypass in the fall of 2010. It hasn't made this journey any easier, but I went into this with determination to overcome my obesity...at all costs, even if it meant giving up certain foods or ways of eating that were unhealthy. It's a battle I fight every day, but I can tell you this...being 104 pounds lighter makes it a whole lot easier!

Not to talk you into one type of procedure over another, as that decision is completely in your hands, I do remember the first thing I ever read about the lap band was how easy it was to "cheat" it. Somehow even then, I realized that wasn't the route for me to go. I ultimately decided upon gastric bypass because of the malabsorption and the restriction. I figured I might need the "dumping syndrome" to keep me in line. I lived in fear of that for the first six months, at which time I started experimenting with food to see what would happen. Well, no dumping for me. The only thing I've got going for myself is that because I ate such a clean diet for so long, most food has an off taste to me (especially processed food, junk food, bread, pasta, and cereal). I'm at a point in my journey where I am finally starting to ask myself before I put anything into my mouth, "Are you fueling your body or your mind?" I tend to leave stuff well alone once I answer that question, as I don't want to lose what I've worked so hard to achieve (104 pounds gone, from a 20W down to a size 4 pants, no more acid reflux, no more hypertension, no more elevated cholesterol, no more plantar fasciitis, no more daily back pain). I never thought I would say this because I always thought it sounded corny, but here goes..."Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels!" It's not about vanity with me, but I have to say I am pleasantly surprised by how proud I am of my weight loss and the confidence I have found throughout this journey.

It's often noted in someone's post on a daily basis here that a surgeon operates on your stomach, not on your head. It doesn't matter what "tool" you choose (lap band, gastric bypass, sleeve, medically-supervised diet, or any other type of diet), if your head isn't in the game, you are destined to fail. And also try to realize that these tools are lifetime tools, not temporary tools to a temporary problem. Addictions of any kind are just that...addictions. There is no cure. It's something that a person has to take control of on a daily basis. Take the time to read up on the various procedures here on T-T and other areas on the internet, as well as consider going to see a therapist who has knowledge of food addictions. If you're not really ready for this, step back and wait, try an alternative approach to reach your goal. Whatever you choose, make sure your head is ready to accept the challenges. You are STRONG enough and SO worth it! I remember the days when I used to consider my worth in a $4 bag of chips, a $5 half gallon carton of ice cream, a $6 super-sized value meal. Not any more. Those days are gone.

Best wishes with beginning your journey towards a healthier you!

[amamama21]

Thank you so so much for this very thoughtful post. You have given me so much to think about as well as the courage to do something about it.

[Martee]

Thank you so so much for this very thoughtful post. You have given me so much to think about as well as the courage to do something about it.

Sweetheart, your courage comes from deep within, not from my words. Trust that you know what you want and have not only the motivation to start making positive changes but also the discipline to follow through.

One thing different about this attempt at weight loss for me compared to past prior attempts is that I have been open with others about what I am doing, about my daily struggles and what I need (space, reassurance, knowledge, et cetera). I fully rely on my surgeon, nutritionist, family, friends, local surgical weight loss support group, and online buddies here on T-T to help me navigate this journey. Just know, you're not alone.

This is not easy, by any means, but whether you believe it or not, you are strong enough to work through your issues. You obviously care enough about yourself to contemplate the risks associated with this life-changing procedure. You should be proud of yourself for considering it and wanting to find out more information.

I read a quote the other day that I really liked -- "It's not about how good you are but how bad you want it!" I certainly haven't overcome my food addiction, but I have learned that positive choices, believing in myself, and exercise give me far more power and a sense of worth than food ever did. I knew I wanted something more for my life and nothing was going to stop me.

Good luck to you!

[Dragonfly8273]

Wow, Martee, you're an inspiration! I am also going to start asking myself if I'm feeding my body or my mind! Thanks for putting your thoughts out there!

[auntielle]

Great post, Martee!