Concerned Mom

[mamacarole 0]

Please help! I helped my daughter get the lapband exactly 2 years ago..she had 60 pounds to lose and is at her targeted weight. However, I feel like she has developed an eating disorder along the way. She fills her plate up at a meal and goes to the bathroom at least 4-5 times while we're eating. I went with her during the pre op consults and know that you can't eat that much and as fast as she is...she is going to be 26 this year so I know I cant tell her anything. She has been doing this everyday for well over a year. I know this cant be good at all...what can I do to help? Has anyone else had this to deal with?? Please advise:smile: thank you to all in advance

[marathonman 12]

I can say that I went through this for about 18 months. I gained 30 pounds along the way. I ate WAY too fast and ate too much. I would not be concerned too much with an eating disorder other than overeating. What happens with folks that are banded is when you eat too much too fast, food gets loged in the opening. This feel very uncomfortable. She is going to the bathroom to "Get it back up". She probably at some point of getting up gets to the point where it all starts going through. Everyone learns how to cheat the band at some point. The band is a tool, just as a tool in your tool box. A wrench can be used as a hammer, but it is best used as a wrench. If your daughter does not want to use the wrench as a wrench, you may not be able to tell her anything. To me it sounds like she needs to see if she is COMPLETELY committed to the program. For me (only a week and a half back on track), I learned if I get a small dish and put my small portion on it, eat it very slow, i feel fuller faster. You will see the trips to the bathroom cease as well. It should take aprox. 20 minutes to eat a half cup of food. Some can eat faster and be ok, but it will make you feel fuller. Also try baby spoons. I know it sounds silly but it helps. Trust me you cant get any sillier than seeing a 31 yr old truck driver (me) walking through a truck stop with a small dish and a baby spoon in hand. We do what we gotta do. I hope all goes well/

[mamacarole 0]

Thank you so much for the information!! It makes me feel a little better. Its obvious she isnt doing what the nutritionist said she had to do. I was there for the meeting and heard everthing. She is putting a lot in her mouth and not chewing it up at all. She needs to get with the program or go get some fill taken out I guess. Thanks again for your help!! Good Luck to You!!

[btrieger 21]

Marathonman explained it well but in short, your daughter needs a shrink or a therapist.

She has to get past having to fill her plate.

The band is to prevent you from needing large meals. If she wants to continue eating large meals then she should have the band removed before she hurts herself further.

[marathonman 12]

Just so I am being completly understood. I do not think your daughter needs to have fill taken out, and i do not think her doc will. She needs to slow way down on her eating. small portions, plenty of time. We are all food addicts. Some of us will even admit it. Three things your daughter needs. 1 a support system- you love your daughter and want what is best for her.. that is very clear, but if you are not banded or struggle with food adiction, you may not be that support system. 2. make better food choices. At restaurants order sides only. It is embarassing for us if we get stuck in public. 3. Get motivated... walk walk walk and throw in some walking too. To be clear motivation is not thinkin about doing... it is doing, and SHE has to do it.