Sounds like you're off to a good start. I've been banded since 3/25/13, and it is difficult at times. Unfortunately (you've probably read this several times), the band goes around our stomach, not our brain. Food addiction is something we'll have to deal with our entire life; band or no band.

The most important thing my doctor and his staff drummed into our brains (and continue to do so), is that the band is a tool, NOT a cure. Your desire to binge will not go away. Just be prepared, and lean on the support at your doctor's office, and on this site. There is a lot of help to be had here; you came to the right place!

The very best of luck to you!!

Thanks for your comment Mrsinto! I didn't mention in my op that I've been doing some binge eating/eating disorders therapy for about 4 months. I'm in a really good place now! I'm excited for what the future holds!

EXCELLENT! It takes a long time to deal with those issues. I was in an in-patient eating disorders program 26 years ago. It certainly didn't cure me, but it altered the destructive path I was on. But it continued to rear its ugly face at various times since then. It's a curse; one that we're never really cured of. We can only do the continuous work to keep it in check.

Beanie - I'm glad you're in therapy dealing with this. It will go a long way toward your success; not only with the band, but in your life as well. As I'm sure you're learning, the problem isn't compulsive eating/binging. It's all of the underlying emotional issues that fuel the behavior. Bravo to you for taking care of YOU!

PS: From your post, it sounds like you didn't mention the behavior in your pre-op appointments? Does your surgeon know what you're dealing with?

Yup! I told them at my first appointment. They just said I needed to be cleared by psych and I was.

Wonderful news that you are having the band to help with your eating. I was never a binge eater, so I don;t know about that. I am happy you are dealing with it. I always ate the wrong things and too much of them. I don't go without but I am very in control. I have had about 6 stuck moments and they suck, mostly from eating too fast.

Some things you wrote sound a lot like me. Good luck to you and congrats!