Help

[stellinator 0]

My sister-in-law had the lapband surgery about 6 months ago. It never got filled due to some complications. She lost half her body weight during this time and of course loving it. The problem is she now refused to eat. She looks older than before and her hair is falling out. She has no energy and is thin as a rail. Her employer has sent her to EAP but she is fighting the doctor, therapist, and nutritionist all the way. I'm very concerned about her. She went from one end of the spectrum to the other. Anyone here been through this and what did you do for help.

Thanks a lot

A very worried sil.

[BetsyB 9]

Anorexia is very difficult to manage when the person affected is resisting help (as is most often the case).

The one thing I would try to do is make sure that my loved one was in the care of a psychiatrist very, VERY experienced in treating eating disorders. EAPs are a great place to start, but it's important that her doctor and therapist appropriately refer her to a specialist rather than keep her in their care if they are unequipped to effectively treat her. In your shoes, I'd do some research about the leading eating disorder specialists in your area, and ask for that referral. You may be resisted (by everyone)--but it will at least plant the idea in their minds for future action.

Inpatient care is often required, particularly when physical symptoms complicate the scenario. The situation can become very grave---and being in a place where both body and mind can be attended can be lifesaving.

I'm so sorry your family is facing this; it is a horrible disease to witness, and it is horrible to feel so helpless.

[stellinator 0]

Thank you so much for your reply B:smile2:etsy. I know that any eating disorder is really a "control" issue. I just find it very interesting how she went from being morbidly obese to anorexic. I wondered if this has happened to any lapband patients. The only thing I know is that "I" can not conrol "her" in this and it makes me sad.

[RedSox90 0]

I don't think anorexia is an uncommon disease for lap band patients. Before I was banded, my surgeon was going over all the knitty gritties with me and one of the things he mentioned was anorexia. He said that anorexia is one of scenarios in which the team would have to remove the lap band. When a patient develops anorexia, the doctors try to convince them to remove the band. If you take away their tool to not eat, my surgeon explained, they may have to start eating again, if only out of shear hunger.

Of course, there are complications with this solution, the foremost being convincing your sister to go in for surgery to remove her band. And especially where you said her band has never been filled, the band is probably not giving her much restriction anyway. So taking it out may not solve matters.

But you should know that your sister in law isn't the first lap-band patient to acquire this disease. She and your family are not alone. I hope she gets better, and I think you are doing a great thing by trying to help her.

[illuminationlady 7]

My youngest daughter developed an eating disorder. It required years of long term treatment. She is well now but I am always weary of her returning to it. We had to place her in a treatment facility far away. It was a horrible thing to go through but hopefully paid off in the long run. My heart goes out to you. I will say a prayer for your sister and your family. But we were told...in the beginning...that usually these things take long term care. And they were right. Best wishes....

[Spartan 4]

Eating disorders manifest themselves in many different ways....obesity or anorexia, it pretty much comes from the same place.

Psychiatric help is a MUST, and the sooner the better.

Remember Karen Carpenter? You don't want that to happen. I knew Karen, and what happened to her was awful.

Do everything you can to get your SIL some help......

Edited February 20, 2010 by Spartan

[stellinator 0]

Thanks for your response.

I'll take your advice.

[stellinator 0]

How sad this disease is.

Thanks