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No Easy Way Out

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carlamcgrath

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Many people think that lap-band or gastric bypass are an easy way out of a life of over eating. I was one of those people. I have struggled with my weight since I can remember being told I was fat (around 6 or 7). I have been on hundreds of diets, lost hundreds of pounds and gained every single one back again. I personally know a few people that have had the lap-band procedure done. They lost a large amount of weight in the beginning but they didn't change the food they were eating and ultimately gained the weight back. My surgeon told me that the lap-band is merely a tool to be used in conjunction with diet and exercise. Not a miracle. Science has yet to create a miracle weight loss pill or device although; if you watch the infomercials they have. When someone is at an unhealthy weight (one that could kill you) sometimes a helping hand is exactly what the doctor ordered. Many things factor into why a person would become obese. It's not like we wake up one day and say " I think I'm going to be so fat that I can barely move, or breathe". Our skinny counterparts are very fond of saying "you just need more will power". Well, I am here to tell you will power has very little to do with it. In my case, and many people I know food is an addiction. Mine started when I was very young. Food made it all better when I was being abused. Food never hurt me or talked bad to me. It always made me feel happy. Unfortunately; food also got me to where I am at know. My doctor said I use food as a stress reliever. No DUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Can totally relate. It's in our hands and se have the power to change ourselves each & everyday. It will be okay. You are worth it.

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Again, I can so relate and thought similar to what you wrote about it being an easy fix. Its not. My doctor and nutritionist told me that it is up to me if I want to be successful. That is exactly what (I and you) will do. Be successful...praying for you.

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great post! i have been doing an internship with substance abuse addicts for the past 6 months and realized i had so much in common with them in my relationship with food. i was shocked and amazed. i am one of those bandies who has been shouting from the mountaintops about my wls and have found that most people do think it is an easy way out...although i am barely 3 weeks banded i am here to say that i have never worked so hard for something in my life!

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Totally agree. People think that if you got "banded" you ought to be dropping weight like crazy. I'm 4 months post-op & only 20 lbs down & have been discouraged. Until I saw the nurse pract. at my surgeon's office & she "got in low gear" (don't you love that saying?) w/ me & helped me see that I haven't really been using the band like I should. I've been so discouraged b/c I too have lost & gained 100's of lbs over my 40 yrs of life & I struggle finding the reason that I sabotage myself. But I think at that appt last Friday I had an "aha" moment & realized that this band ain't the easy way out. I already have learned how to eat around it, so I know I better get myself in line if I plan to use this thing & not have wasted the time & money.

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I ran into someone last week that hadn't seen me for awhile and noticed the weight loss, she asked if I had been on a diet or gotten help. I said I got the lapband and she said oh you cheated.. She must of seen the fire in my eyes, because she said oh I know its not cheating.. and I was its not! and just turned around.

Its people like that , that besides wanting to smack em upside the head, that make me want to become a success story ! all of us!

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that's why I have only told a few people, even only 1 of my 5 siblings know - I don't want people giving me negative feedback!

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