For those who are emotional eaters, does the lap-band help? I eat healthy meals, and do exercise (although irregularly), but my biggest problem is I'm an emotional eater. I also have overweight parents who both struggle with weight, but want to know. Is the lap-band helpful to someone like me?

I THINK SO. I EAT EMOTIONALY ALSO AND STILL DO. BUT WITH THE BAND IT IS NO WHERE NEAR AS BAD AND YOU CAN CONTROL IT ALOT MORE. I STILL DO IT BUT I SURE DON'T EAT NO WHERE NEAR AS MUCH AS I USED TO. I USED TO BINGE EAT...YOU KNOW, I ATE EVERYTHING IN SIGHT. I WAS ALWAYS SORRY FOR IT AFTERWARDS BUT IT RELIEVED STRESS WHILE I WAS DOING IT, OR AT LEAST I THOUGHT. NOW WITH THE BAND THERE IS NO MORE EATING THAT WAY. THERE IS NO WAY I COULD EAT MORE THAN A CUP OR SO OF ICE CREAM, NO WHOLE BAG OF chips, AND NO MORE FIVE OR SIX SLICES OF pizza. I BELIEVE THAT NO MATTER THE REASON FOR YOUR EATING THAT AFTER YOU ARE BANDED THE REASON IS STILL THERE YOU CAN JUST CONTROL IT. I ALSO KNOW THAT IF THAT IS WHY YOU ARE EATING SO MUCH THAN YOU PROBABLY NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE. IT DID HELP ME TO UNDERSTAND WHY I EAT FOR COMFORT. I WOULD ALSO RECOMMEND DR. PHIL'S BOOK, IT REALLY MAKES SENSE.

GOOD LUCK!

Hi Misty -

Yes, the band helps tons, but for me doing the emotional work is what has made my journey peaceful.

I posted a tool I learned in therapy for dealing with emotional hunger - click on the "search" button (between f.a.q. and home) and type in: A Tool for Dealing with Emotional Hunger

Good luck!

I agree totally with soon2bskinny. I have noticed times when I definately would have eaten before when I just don't feel I can physically. When I have something it is so much less than before. I am still pre fill. Go this afternoon for my first fill. You can only eat so much no matter the reason you eating. I do think that to decide if the band is right for you, you have to understand it can be beaten. You still have to work at it and make the right food choices. These are still challenges. I am very happy I have it and it is working for me so far. I have lost around 25 lbs in just over a month.

Thank you all. I read your pointers donali. And I do think the band would help me. Now I just need to figure out how to get it.

Misty,

I had my surgery in Mexico and the cost was $6500 but is now $7000 due to hospital costs increasing. Dr. Jose Rodriguez performed my surgery. My hubby and I took the Greyhound bus from Georgia to Del Rio which is five minutes from the border and the cost was only $288 for both of us. It was the most pleasant trip but it gets the job done. There are also quite a few financing options you can check in to. I am not sure of all the names but I believe one is Monarch Financing. Where there is a will there is a way. I borrowed money from my aunt and had my mother borrow the rest so I could have it done. Good Luck!