Hi, New to the site with lots of ?'s......

[Minnesotalady 1]

Hi,

I'm form Minnesota, First of all I would like to say this is an awesome site, lots of info here. I am considering the lap band surgery, my BMI is 39.9

I was just diagnosed with hypertention, chronic low back pain and R hip pain, probly because I carry my weight all in the hips and buttock area. but anyway, I have lost weight and it always seeems to find me, I'm sick of that! I am scheduled for an information meeting in Willmar on Nov. 28th.

I really would like to get it done but this is the problem I have, My sister had the gastric bypass surgery done and she has changed so much for the worst I mean, she is going through a divorce, addicted to cigerettes and alcohol. My family blames it on the surgery, so I don't want to let anybody know I am considering the lap banding because I'm afraid they won't be 100% supportive, So It's a touchy subject, but I know I need to do something, I just can't keep the weight off!

I would appreciate any feedback from you wonderful people who have been there and experienced It first hand. Thanks.. have a great day!!

Minnesotalady:tired :help:

[Kat817 19]

I don't know if you watched the Oprah show on GB and addiction a couple of weeks ago, it may have explained some of your sisters issues. I feel the lap band reduces the odds, but does not eliminate them. The problem as I understood it is that one of the reasons we are as overweight as we are is a food addiction. Now if you have an addictive personality, then when you canno longer use food to soothe the demons that led to the addiction, then many turn to alcohol, or whatever and simply change the addiction.

I have no idea concerning the divorce, except losing weight finally after many tries, as most of us have gone through, is very free-ing. It empowers you to make changes you had only thought about before. Not knowing why she is doing these things, I would hate to judge any of it.

Lap band is less drastic, and not such a sudden loss. It does require more work. But in my opinion it works for me because there is not anything I cannot have at least a little bit of. I was told with bypass sweets were not something I could eat, and I don't do well being told I can't have something, it just makes me want it more!!! Now I can eat some without going overboard.

Are you close enough to your sister to discuss these things with her?

Go to the seminar, and research all you can!!! This has been a blessing to me, I hope you find the answers you are looking for!!!

Kat

[tonya66 13]

Hi,

I'm form Minnesota, First of all I would like to say this is an awesome site, lots of info here. I am considering the lap band surgery, my BMI is 39.9

I was just diagnosed with hypertention, chronic low back pain and R hip pain, probly because I carry my weight all in the hips and buttock area. but anyway, I have lost weight and it always seeems to find me, I'm sick of that! I am scheduled for an information meeting in Willmar on Nov. 28th.

I really would like to get it done but this is the problem I have, My sister had the gastric bypass surgery done and she has changed so much for the worst I mean, she is going through a divorce, addicted to cigerettes and alcohol. My family blames it on the surgery, so I don't want to let anybody know I am considering the lap banding because I'm afraid they won't be 100% supportive, So It's a touchy subject, but I know I need to do something, I just can't keep the weight off!

I would appreciate any feedback from you wonderful people who have been there and experienced It first hand. Thanks.. have a great day!!

Minnesotalady:tired :help:

I feel the same way as you, I'm not telling anyone in my family either, or anyone at work. The only person I am now telling is my husband, but only after the seminar I'm attending. I am hoping he will be supportive, but not sure how he will react yet.

I hear a lot of people find another addiction after WLS. Good luck with your journey. You will find so much support here.

[Wheetsin 714]

My family blames it on the surgery, so I don't want to let anybody know I am considering the lap banding because I'm afraid they won't be 100% supportive, So It's a touchy subject, but I know I need to do something, I just can't keep the weight off!

The surgery is not the cause if your sister's problems. "Addiction hopping" is a common occurence - when one addiction is removed, rather than move beyond the addiction, you just assume the behavior in a new form. This might look like an overweight person with a food addiction who transitions to an exercise addiction and keeps a crazy workout routine. Many, many people who "beat the bulge" without medical intervention, and who maintain their weight, do it because of addictive behavior aimed in the opposite direction of overeating. It's not just limited to food behaviors, at all.

Help your family understand this. Help them understand the surgery is ancillary. It's the behaviors that are causing your sister's challenges. And advise a good therapist for your sister. When an overeater swaps their food addiction for exercise, the results are usually short-lived. Few people can really maintain a gruleing workout regimine for very long. Then, usually, it's right back to the food. Drugs are more permanent, and a little professional help can help her a long way.