Trying to decide what is right for me...

Unsure in TO · April 28, 2007

Greetings from Toronto,

I found this site while looking for information on LB surgery.

In the past I always refused to even consider any kind of weight loss surgery because my mother was constantly urging me to get surgery.

I have come to terms with the fact that I have an eating disorder and that yo-yo diets have only made things worse for me. At 16, I weighed 145 lbs and thought I should weigh 110 lbs, even though I am 5'9". Now I weigh 396 lbs and just walking a few steps is a challenge, and stairs exhaust me.

I realize so much of my eating disorder comes from childhood and having parents try to keep me from eating - even healthy food - because I was a little chubby, while trying to get my brother to eat more because he was overweight.

I have started to see a counsellor and dietician and I am no longer just wishing that I would lose weight "some day"... but I want to take my life into my own hands and be healthy and happy for me.

I am curious if anyone here had or has a compulsive overeating disorder and how the LB surgery worked for them.

Good luck and best wishes to everyone.

Alexandra · April 28, 2007

I realize so much of my eating disorder comes from childhood and having parents try to keep me from eating - even healthy food - because I was a little chubby, while trying to get my brother to eat more ...

This really rings true for me, Unsure. This was the song of my early life too. As a result, I've spent all my life feeling deprived and thus somehow entitled to any extra food that was laying around. That's how I got to 340 lbs over time.

While it can't cure the mental issues, the band can act as an enforcer of behavioral therapy. It forces you to think about every bite, and just that action can really make a difference in your mind if you are willing to let it. While you are working on the mental issues with therapy, the band gives you the means to actually lose weight and SEE what a difference eating differently can make. And that's a big impetus to continue working on the mindgame.

Good luck with everything, and keep asking questions!

edieparks · April 28, 2007

Dear Unsure,

I hear you. I started getting heavy at age 14 . I yo yo dieted myself to 276lbs in my 40's. When I heard about banding I was scared but the surgery sounded so LESS drastic then bypass which I would not even consider. I knew that in 10 more years I would be HEAVIER.

Look into this as much as you can. Even go to a seminar. You don't have to get going on the surgery just go for the education.

Get your life back and best wishes,

edie

Superali72 · April 29, 2007

My story is similar. Chubby since childhood and ballooned up after college. More weight piled on after the birth of my son. One day when trying to get back up off the floor when I was playing with my son, I realized I would no longer be around to play with him if I didn't do something. My high weight was 302. I went into surgery at 281. I haven't had my first weigh-in yet, TOMORROW, but it's going well. PLEASE - don't let your past problems with your Mother de-rail your decision to get healthy. I had many detractrors too, but I finally realized the opinions that mattered were my own and my husband's. Good luck!

mls67 · April 29, 2007

Oh my God... it's like you guys grew up in my house! Or me in yours! So nice to know i don't have to be alone in this any longer! I'm just starting this - hope to get to a seminar this week... and I feel pretty certain this is the way for me... I'm glad you guys are here.

Mary

Unsure in TO · April 30, 2007

Thank you so much for all the words of encouragement and support, and letting me know that others have experienced similar childhoods and ended up with eating issues because of it.

I will continue to do research, ask questions and find a seminar that I can attend so I can make an educated decision about what I want to do.

I am so glad I found this board!

Best wishes and positive thoughts to everyone!