How have youru relationships changed?

[catlover0329 0]

Hi I'm pre-op and am again looking to be banded after going through all of the testing phases 5 years ago and deciding against it. At the time I decided not to go forward because I love Diet Mountain Dew too much and learned the carbonation would be a no-no after being banded! LOL. I've continued to struggle with my weight and have again decided to have the surgery even if it means giving up my favorite soda.

My boyfriend and teenage daughter are fearful that I will no longer be fun after I have the surgery because I won't be able to eat as much as them on holidays and when we go out to eat or at the fair. They're afraid that I won't enjoy cooking as much because I won't be able to eat most of it. I've told them that I will continue to cook healthy delicious foods and it won't matter if I am done eating after a few tablespoons since I will continue to sit at the table with them during the meal. But they aren't convinced that I won't be fun any more.

How have your relationships changed after being banded? Are my family members' concerns legit?

[timandmich 3]

Hi! Well, I can only speak from my experience.... but, I think I am MORE fun!

I cook more - I want to try more things... I enjoy trying more things. I eat far less than my husband and children - however I eat very slowly.... so it's not like I finish quickly and just sit there. I take my time. I finish my small bit in the time they eat their normal portion. Husband gets the big plate and my daughter and I get the smaller plates. It's fun.

As for the soda - I know all doctor's are different... but I know plenty of banded people who drink soda still. (diet) My surgeon told me to let it sit out for a bit so the bulk of the carbonation is gone... then sip slowly if I really want some. Personally, I've found that I don't even crave it anymore.

The band is awesome....

[screeden 21]

what makes eating so much food that you about to burst fun? so eating less will make you less fun? that is horrible to think that and a bunch of BS. i still love to cook, whether i can eat it or not. i choose to cook healthier now and yes i eat way less, have saved alot of money on groceries too. my kids are eating better cause mommy is eating better. i still drink a pop, not everyday, but will drink a couple on the weekends. i don't think your loved ones know enough about the band. i love my band and would do it all over again, and again. yeah it sucks not being able to eat certain foods, but you know what? they were not good for me anyways. you need to do this for you, not anyone else.

[thsisme 14]

Ah, our relationship with food. Yes, you will change and no that does not mean that you are going to be less fun to be around. Whether or not your family decides to eat healthier or not, does not mean that is where the fun is!

You will still go and Celebrate holidays and fair or whatever you like to do. the only difference is that you will be eating less and perhaps (hopefully be making wiser food choices) that is not to say that you might taste here and there. but food does not make a person fun!

My family eats better as I experiment with our meals now or they every once in awhile go off and have whatever it is that they are craving for and mom here usually finds something that she can enjoy. By eating slower I often finish my meal either when they do or if I finish before they do, i will sit back and enjoy the conversation. I set a glass of Water in front of me and in 30 minutes or so,I start to drink again.

As i have lost the weight I am no longer tired after meals, i can keep up with everyone and if the truth be told, we are all having much more fun than we used to because we are moving without pain and have a lot more energy than before. There is so much more to do with life than eat!

I wish you great joy and hope that your family changes with you and forgets their fears as they see a new and more fun you!