More on lapband now, problems later due to developing dementia

[RobinLB 3]

I received a private message from someone who is about my age, is banded, and has been worrying about this potential problem, even regretting she got it because of it, though she has lost quite a bit of weight. With all references to her omitted, here is my response:

Yes, I'm SO glad it occurred to me beforehand, I think it's a huge issue since even in early dementia, each meal has the potential for food to get stuck, vomiting, or need for emergency surgery. I MAY still go thru with it but with a plan. As I mentioned, no husband or children, parents both gone, no siblings - not even cousins, nephews or nieces who live close enough, or are quite in the category of close enough to be involved in my day to day life. So in terms of family, I'm on my own.

I do have friends, a few I consider close friends, who happen to be on their own as well and we have become extended family for each other. Even now, with one of them, we make sure we have phone contact with each other everyday just in case, each with house keys, pet instructions, doctor/insurance info, etc. for the other. I enjoy the diversity of friends and continue to enjoy making new ones, and it doesn't hurt to increase the size of an extended family.

So the plan I referred to earlier might consist of asking all the friends I have to watch for signs of trouble when we happen to be eating together, or if I say something that raises a red flag. I'd make sure each friend has the contact info of the others to compare notes, and information who to contact if there needs to be an intervention of some kind. This is not a bad idea anyway for reasons other than LAP-BAND® trouble. But before getting the LAP-BAND®, I will be going to a hypnotist for help with compulsive eating and the anxiety that causes it. And if that fails, I will go to perhaps 2 other hypnotists to assure my failure is not due to their style, our compatibility, or perhaps their competence. The one I'm planning to start with next week says 6-10 weekly sessions should do it with a follow up here and there, not a long time to wait and assess. Will keep you posted.

In terms of your situation, you could set up a buddy system similar to mine, or perhaps determine an age, as you suggested, by which you'll have it deflated completely (to avoid another surgery to remove it). Where there's a will, there's a way (even if there's no mind), LOL.

Robin