Don't know what to decide yet!

[alliana 0]

Hi everybody,

I am new on this site. I am 55 y.o and need to lose 75 pounds. I have been on a diet all my life since the age of 18 , and my weight increased each time ... well you know the story...

I am planning to have the Lap band Surgery but I am not sure if I should follow another diet before (you know the last chance diet).

If someone could answer my questions it would help me a lot to take the good decision:

1. With the lap band installed, does that mean that I will need to be on a diet anyway? 800 cal, extra small portions...and will my body react against the privation (compulsive eating, always thinking about food...?) as it happens with a regular diet?

2. Will I suffer from hunger all my life?

3. How do you justify your portions size when you are invited to a dinner and want to keep that operation confidential?

4. After my weight goal achievement, will I be able to eat "normal" food to maintain the weight? Is there any food I must forget forever?

Please help me ! I feel undecided and uncomfortable. Yes or no? Don't know what to do!

Alliana

[Cocoabean 430]

Hello and welcome!

My answers are based on my experiences. Everyone's are a bit different.

Hi everybody,

I am new on this site. I am 55 y.o and need to lose 75 pounds. I have been on a diet all my life since the age of 18 , and my weight increased each time ... well you know the story...

I am planning to have the LAP-BAND Surgery but I am not sure if I should follow another diet before (you know the last chance diet).

If someone could answer my questions it would help me a lot to take the good decision:

1. With the LAP-BAND installed, does that mean that I will need to be on a diet anyway? 800 cal, extra small portions...and will my body react against the privation (compulsive eating, always thinking about food...?) as it happens with a regular diet?

Some follow a prescribed diet, I do not. I eat a wide variety of foods and stop eating when I feel satisfied.

I used to obsessively think about food. Always thinking about my next meal or snack. I no longer find that to be true. I do sometimes want to eat between meals. The band does not take away our "appetite," but as it has helped with my satiety, I am better able to handle the desire to eat. Also, the "desire to eat," is not as strong or compelling.

2. Will I suffer from hunger all my life?

You will still feel hungry, yes. But for me, it is at times when I need a meal. I eat my Breakfast. A few hours later, my stomach grumbles and I am ready for lunch. It is not a constant "Feed Me!" scream from pre-banding days.

3. How do you justify your portions size when you are invited to a dinner and want to keep that operation confidential?

I can't really answer this one. I am very open about the fact that I have a band. It is easier for me to explain the band that to prevaricate with stories that I already ate or am not feeling well or just have a small appetite or am watching my diet. All of which will work.

4. After my weight goal achievement, will I be able to eat "normal" food to maintain the weight? Is there any food I must forget forever?

It all depends. Sorry for a lousy answer. Many people have problems with dry meats and soft breads.

I believe most of us stay with the same restriction (fill) level when we reach goal. So there is no real change to the diet between loss and maintenance phases.

The only food that consistently gives me trouble is chicken breast. From time to time soft bread will be an issue, but not always. I tend to stay away from it if eating with a group so as not to have to excuse myself, but will have it at home.

Please help me ! I feel undecided and uncomfortable. Yes or no? Don't know what to do!

Only you can make the decision. Keep reading and asking questions. Read up on the other procedures. Go to surgeons' information seminars. Learn all that you can.

Alliana

[alliana 0]

Hello and welcome!

My answers are based on my experiences. Everyone's are a bit different.

Thank you very much for your reply!

very much appreciated.

Alliana :thumbup: