Hello All & Happy New Year!

As a low bmi'er and self-pay, I know I can find a doctor here is the US to do a lap band procedure, now that they've lowered the required bmi. I've been mulling this over for so, so long and have a question for everyone who's already banded and down the road a bit. Is there a moment when it hits you that your ability to emotional eat is over and how do you or did you deal with that?

I'm a classic over-eater, takes a lot to get full, emotional eater, etc. I often think if I could just find a pill or a switch that would curb my hunger and stop me thinking about the next thing I'm gonna eat, I could succeed. I've done therapy on several occasions and lots of soul-searching, trying to come to terms with my history of eating. I've done every dang diet, some that included some level of counseling and each time I've thought this is the time I'm gonna have a mental shift and think differently about food. But it never lasts. I'm super motivated and will do all that's needed to work the lap band, but I'm scared about "getting it". If the lap band helps me control overeating and quell hunger, but I never get that "aha" moment regarding the emotional eating, can I still succeed???? I'm 50 yo and I've been dieting, reading self-help books, soul-searching, etc, for 20+ years.

Thanks for reading this and hope someone can share their experiences.

honestly, even WITH the land band, this period known as bandster HE** is pretty tough; you must have will power; I still struggle with knowing the difference between "mental" hunger (all in my head) and physical hunger (I REALLY need to eat something). good luck

The band doesn't help with emotional eating or head hunger. It is a tool that will help you eat less IF you follow the band rules.

I had to completely change my eating lifestyle. I now eat 1 cup of food per meal which consists of 3-4 ozs of Protein, & 1/2 cup of veggies, a total of 1200 calories a day. I still battle head hunger. I eat when I'm bored, so I try not to get bored. I'm also an emotional eater and when I have to battle that I reach out to my friends.

The band has helped me loose the weight, but I did most of the work by changing my lifestyle. Good luck to you.

Thank you for the reply, I appreciate it. I read that some folks take up knitting or other busy work to fill the time that they might have otherwise snacked. I've always wanted to do Zumba or Yoga classes, but I'm so embarrassed of my weight that I get anxious about it and don't go, so that would be another thing to do.

I had the lap band put in June 2010.

I have lost no weight due to my own actions, not the bands.

I kept waiting and waiting for a 'sign' from my lap band, some feeling, some fullness...something. Not until recently, did a light bulb finally go off. It is only there to keep me from feeling hungry.

For me...The lap band isn't going to make me feel full.

It isn't going to make eating naughty foods difficult, uncomfortable, or give me unpleasant consequences.

It isn't going to keep me from putting food in my mouth.

It isn't going to make me feel 'full' after eating the recommended 1-1 1/2 cups of food per meal.

I know it's different for everyone, but I wish I had realized a few of these things sooner, rather than later.

I have been waiting for the band to do the work...

It's time I work with my band.

I highly recommend the band as long as you realize it is a small part of a big picture.

I heard a quote before I was banded and took it to heart:

Lapband success is 80% you and 20% band.

I think if more people thought that way, there would be more successes. JMO

I had the lap band put in June 2010.

I have lost no weight due to my own actions, not the bands.

I kept waiting and waiting for a 'sign' from my lap band, some feeling, some fullness...something. Not until recently, did a light bulb finally go off. It is only there to keep me from feeling hungry.

For me...The lap band isn't going to make me feel full.

It isn't going to make eating naughty foods difficult, uncomfortable, or give me unpleasant consequences.

It isn't going to keep me from putting food in my mouth.

It isn't going to make me feel 'full' after eating the recommended 1-1 1/2 cups of food per meal.

I know it's different for everyone, but I wish I had realized a few of these things sooner, rather than later.

I have been waiting for the band to do the work...

It's time I work with my band.

I highly recommend the band as long as you realize it is a small part of a big picture.

OMG! You didn't lose ANY weight? Did you lose in the pre-op diet stage or anything?

I've done really well on dieting in the past, once I lose some I start exercising and can really get going. But then one day I over-eat and then another and pretty soon I'm spiraling out of control and off my "diet". I really think that given my success on diets in the past and my willingness to do therapy in conjunction if necessary, I can do it with the help of this tool. I feel it's the tool I've been missing. I'm gonna pay out of my pocket and so, I'm gonna take it really seriously.

I appreciate and respect your honesty in sharing your lap band experience. Do you still have the band in tact? Do you maybe need a tighter fill or something?

Best luck to you in your journey.

Hello All & Happy New Year!

As a low bmi'er and self-pay, I know I can find a doctor here is the US to do a lap band procedure, now that they've lowered the required bmi. I've been mulling this over for so, so long and have a question for everyone who's already banded and down the road a bit. Is there a moment when it hits you that your ability to emotional eat is over and how do you or did you deal with that?

I'm a classic over-eater, takes a lot to get full, emotional eater, etc. I often think if I could just find a pill or a switch that would curb my hunger and stop me thinking about the next thing I'm gonna eat, I could succeed. I've done therapy on several occasions and lots of soul-searching, trying to come to terms with my history of eating. I've done every dang diet, some that included some level of counseling and each time I've thought this is the time I'm gonna have a mental shift and think differently about food. But it never lasts. I'm super motivated and will do all that's needed to work the lap band, but I'm scared about "getting it". If the lap band helps me control overeating and quell hunger, but I never get that "aha" moment regarding the emotional eating, can I still succeed???? I'm 50 yo and I've been dieting, reading self-help books, soul-searching, etc, for 20+ years.

Thanks for reading this and hope someone can share their experiences.

You must be emotionally ready. I, too waited until my insurance restrictions weren't as bad. I have a daily struggle with my eating habits.

Even with insurance, I know that I did pay a lot for this surgery. I think it is the not wanting to waste my money aspect that keeps me going.

The hardest part is getting to your green zone. I think I may finally be there after today's fill.

If you are strong & set your mind to it, you can do it. It is a lifestyle change, but don't be scared. The lifestyle change can be developed. I know that I am still making adjustments.

Good luck to you.

Dana

I did lose 20 lbs before surgery. 10 after. I have since put back on all but 5. I admit it it is ALL my own doing. In October 2012 I had surgery to replace a hardware malfunction with the port. I am getting back on track now. Band is in place with 5cc's. I start feeling hunger about 3 hrs after I eat a well planned meal. The band is doing its job. . I hope 2013 is my time to lose.

Please make sure your head is in the right place before doing this. I looked at doing the surgery 5 years ago but didn't feel "ready" to make all the changes needed to be successful. Fast forward to 5 years later and I am extremely happy with my decision to get the band last year on Jan 27. I have lost quite a bit of weight, changed my eating habits, gotten better about not eating when I am bored and come to love ZUMBA!!!!

I would have been shocked last year at this time to hear myself say I love Zumba

Best of luck to you.

I am a bored eater. The hardest aspect of the banded life is learning to recognize when you are just head hungry and then work on finding something else to do instead of giving in. I'm not perfect, I still have moments when I eat even though I'm not physically hungry or eat more than I really need. The band has given me control! The ability to eat a smaller portion and be satisfied and the desire to make better choices. It has given me the power to change because I am no longer controlled by hunger. My motivation to workout comes from my desire to make this work finally.

It's the best thing I have ever done for myself and worth every penny! (Even though my insurance did cover it I still payed 2k out of pocket.)