2nd thoughts...do to failing all past diets.

I called and had let my surgeon know I chose the lap band over his recommendation of the Roux En Y.  I m having second thought.

I had initially wanted the bypass since it was suppose to stop you from eating sweets, but I found only 40% or so of people got dumping syndrome.  Long term studies show bone loss and osteoporosis.
I decided against the sleeve because I spoke with an Endocrinologist .  He warned that we just don't know enough  about the effects of cutting out hormones from the stomach and how it will affect the rest of the body.  

I've failed every diet due to lack of discipline in preparing lunches for week, and week will power that led me to indulge and destroy all diets I tried.

Is the lap band the right choice?  Or will I be doomed with all WLS, due to head hunger.

How do you fight head hunger.

Check into the VSG board it works the way the band is supposed to but you don't have to futz with fills. I wish I had gone that route as the band has not worked for me.

 Thanks, but I ruled out the VSG when I spoke to an Endocrinologist about long term affects when cutting the hormones out of your stomach.  Yes there are hormones that affect hunger, but some of these hormones affect other parts of your body to.  Yes it would be a great success to a lot of weight, but at what cost?

A post I made yesterday.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/lapband/4366828/What-to-ex pect-with-the-band/#4366828

I don't like to think that anyone is 'doomed wiht all WLS' -- but I will say that the band requires the most discipline for success.

You must plan (to some extent), prepare or purchase the right types of food, eat small portions, exercise, refrain from drinking with your meals (or about an hour afterwards), refrain from consuming liquid calories.

If you struggle with conforming to that type of discipline, the band is probably not your best choice.  The band will absolutely not help you with sweets --

What the band does for me, is that it allows a small amount of protein/veggie to satisfy my hunger -- so, I am not hungry all the time the way that I was when I dieted in the past.

I still diet --- to me that means that I plan healthy meals, I eat small portions and follow the rules about 80% of the time now (during the weight loss phase it was more like 90 -95% of the time).

Keep researching --- try to attend some local support groups and talk with patients who have had all types of WLS and see how they live ----- figure out which one works best with your lifestyle.

Kath is right on target with her post.

I fight head hunger by finding something else to do.  I take a walk, crochet, comb one of my dogs, play a video game.  Something that diverts me away from the food.

A strategy that I used early one when I was really fighting the desire to eat something "not so good" for me, was to work off the calories before I ate it.   I'd look up the calories.. and then go walk on the treadmill long enough to burn off those calories.

MOST of the time, after doing all that work.. I didn't want whatever it was.  It just wasn't worth it anymore.   If I did still really want it, I'd have it and not feel guilty because I had already worked it off.  :)

Why not start practicing the bandster lifestyle some and see how you like it.  I wouldn't cut my calories or amounts of food as low as many of us are.. but try eating lean protein and low carb veggies. Eat protein first (2 bites meat to 1 bite of veggies). Taking small bites and chewing well.   Not drinking with your meals.  And attempting to get in 8 glasses of water (or very low calorie drinks) a day.   And no sodas.. diet or otherwise.

You may find that it's not all that hard to do, and you might even lose a little bit.  I know one of my bariatric nurses isn't banded, but she eats bandster style and has dropped a few pounds.

Keep on researching and reaching out.  I hope you'll figure out what will work for you.  The band, while not perfect, has worked very well for me.

"I fight head hunger by finding something else to do.  I take a walk, crochet, comb one of my dogs, play a video game.  Something that diverts me away from the food."

Great idea for when your at home that i will try.  In fact Im doing it right now by playing on the computer.  How about also for work?  Thats when I do a lot of stress eating.  I cant go for walks whenever Im stressed or bored.  Do you have any techniques to share for work head hunger?


"Why not start practicing the bandster lifestyle some and see how you like it.  I wouldn't cut my calories or amounts of food as low as many of us are.. but try eating lean protein and low carb veggies. Eat protein first (2 bites meat to 1 bite of veggies). Taking small bites and chewing well.   Not drinking with your meals.  And attempting to get in 8 glasses of water (or very low calorie drinks) a day."
O.k.   Is there a plan you follow with meal examples?  Can your anyone else *****ad this post it or send a web link?  (if its not too much to ask)

 Im really liking the encouragement. Thank YOu