Lapband and social life

[tinamarie81 1]

Hi everyone. I'm new, have my lapband consultation on 9/18. I'm honestly undecided at this point whether or not I will proceed with the surgery. I have a ton of questions for the dr. but some questions I'd love to get feedback from people who have had the surgery.

1. How much does your everyday life change after surgery?

2. I'm single. If I go to dinner on a first date, obviously I'm not going to divulge to the guy all about my lapband within the first 30 minutes of meeting him, so will my new eating habits come across as really strange?

I know these may seem like silly questions but I suffer from social anxiety and I really have to will myself to socialize at times. If I feel like I stick out like a sore thumb it would make it even harder.

I appreciate the feedback.

[pink dahlia 2,513]

Hi there, it's normal to ask alot of questions, nothing silly about it at all ! Good for you for making your health priority ! I dont know about anyone else, but my life changed 100% for the better after Lapband. No more sleep apnea, digestive issues, or being tired and out of shape 24/7. I feel strong and healthy, like what I see in the mirror, and feel much more comfortable socially. As far as eating goes ? It depends. I exercise 3-4x a week, try to follow the rules , and try to drink lots of Water. Its not hard to eat with a lapband, its "different." Not bad, different because you have to choose your food more carefully, chew well, eat slower , and pay attention and think about what and how how you're eating. My personal mantra ?, Having a lapband is an inconvenience 5% of my day, but being obese was 100 % of my day." Lapband = best decision ever !!! Very happy ! Good luck !!

[Bandista 7,466]

Hi there, I am very private about my band and am adept at eating out, going to parties, etc. In my case, I think instead of looking like a person who eats like a pig (the old me wanted a little more, a little more), now I appear to be a rainy eater. Getting that appetite monster off of my back is the best thing I ever did. The links below in my signatures are sources that were helpful to me when I was in the research stage. I am very glad to have gotten my life back. Best wishes to you!

[Bandista 7,466]

Rainy? Sorry, I can't edit on my iPad. That was meant to be a DAINTY eater. Here's to that!

[gowalking 10,790]

Welcome!

I live in NYC where people eat out 24/7. Guess what?? No one gives a crap what or how much you are eating. They are way more interested in what's on their plate. And I've started to introduce sharing of apps or small plates with my companion(s). Then no one even notices food left over. Works great!

Believe me...as others have said, the inconvenience of eating as a bandster is nothing compared with the inconvenience of being overweight and in my case, living with limited mobility at that time.

[pink dahlia 2,513]

Tinamarie, I forgot add something about eating /dating. Im not single, but if I was dating , and dinner plans came up I wouldnt say anything about WLS either. Tmi for a 1st date, etc. However, the few times someone's commented about a small appetizer ive orderd as my whole meal ( and sometimes I can't finish that !) I just casually tell them that I ve had some stomach issues , and that eating small amounts slowly every few hours is better for me. No one cares, we move on to other topics, and if a guy is really interested in you he's not going to care about your eating habits ! He's going to be wanting to talk and have a good time with a healthy, confident, attractive lady ! You !!!! Just sayin ' !

[Bandora 136]

First of all , do not hestitate to ask questions of your surgeon/staff. They have heard it all before and nothing should be off limits.

1. How much does your everyday life change after surgery?

My daily routine didn't change much. More exercise and much more energy. I planned meals/snacks ahead of time so I didn't slip up.

2. I'm single. If I go to dinner on a first date, obviously I'm not going to divulge to the guy all about my lapband within the first 30 minutes of meeting him, so will my new eating habits come across as really strange?

I met my boyfriend 2 weeks post-op. I eat slowly and do not think he noticed at first. I usually would ( and still do ) order a appetizer as my entree. People always box up large portions so it didn't seem so weird.

Edited September 3, 2015 by Bandora