Dumb question: Why can't I just eat much less?

HappyMama · February 7, 2008

Has anyone tried to do the post-op (or similar) diet before surgery to see i it worked for them that way?

When I discussed the possibility of the surgery with my husband, he was strongly opposed, because he's had a few morbidly obese relatives try and fail with gastric bypass.

I explained to him that my weight has been a life-long struggle, and now that I have diabetes, the stakes are very high.

He seems to think that the lap band simply makes me eat smaller portions... And argued why not just eat those smaller portions? I know that is ridiculous. It's a matter of willpower and discomfort from hunger, etc.

But what are the "scientific" reasons that will not work? Doesn't the smaller capacity of my stomach sort of trick my brain into thinking I AM full, so I don't get as hungry?

Sorry if this seems like a dumb question. I gues:redface:s I have a lot more research to do than I thought!

lisah25 · February 7, 2008

Has anyone tried to do the post-op (or similar) diet before surgery to see i it worked for them that way?
When I discussed the possibility of the surgery with my husband, he was strongly opposed, because he's had a few morbidly obese relatives try and fail with gastric bypass.

I explained to him that my weight has been a life-long struggle, and now that I have diabetes, the stakes are very high.

He seems to think that the lap band simply makes me eat smaller portions... And argued why not just eat those smaller portions? I know that is ridiculous. It's a matter of willpower and discomfort from hunger, etc.

But what are the "scientific" reasons that will not work? Doesn't the smaller capacity of my stomach sort of trick my brain into thinking I AM full, so I don't get as hungry?

Sorry if this seems like a dumb question. I gues:redface:s I have a lot more research to do than I thought!

Well, yes I suppose some people can just eat smaller portions, but I realized that after 30 some years of battling to do just that, I realized I'm not one of them. :regular_smile:

There are very real physical things a band does for/to your body. It does make you feel fuller/satisfied on smaller portions, which for me is key. I needed that in order to eat less and stay on track. I find it dims my appetite and while I still struggle with making good choices, it's doable more often with the band then not.

Does that answer your question?

arde07 · February 7, 2008

WOW! That is a very good question! Of course if you were able to eat the way people with bands eat, you would lose the weight just the same. But for some of us (me) we lack the self-control needed. It is hard to remember food is a necessity - not a pleasure. For me eating has always been a pleasure! I am with lisah25. I still have a hard time making healthy choices, but I am literally unable to eat the way I used to. If I had the self-control I should have, I would have never needed the band. Make your husband aware of the risks of the surgery, compared to the risks of living with diabetes. The success of your surgery is up to YOU! Good luck!

Jachut · February 7, 2008

There's no scientific reason why it wont work. In fact the lapband has reinforced to me just how simple (in most cases) weight loss really is. I eat less and move more than I used to and consequently I'm a lot thinner.

But even though I only feel the lapband work in terms of gettign full, it does reduce your appetite, and it enforces it for long enough for new habits to solidify, I just dont do the things I used to do becuase I've learned not to. I could never keep it going long enough before for that to happen.

Virtually nobody has the willpower to keep it going indefinitely which is why people just dont lose weight and keep it off. But ALL it is about at the end of the day is eating less, no matter whether you're a high Protein devotee, a weight watches addict, a Protein Shake drinker, its only about taking in fewer calories.

twirl · February 7, 2008

my kidney doctor want me to have the surgery

twirl · February 7, 2008

My kjdney doctor wants me to have the surgery.

shortgal · February 7, 2008

Been there, done that. A few years ago, I tried that. I lost 30 pounds and it took me ten months ( i found it hard to be consistently "good"), then I promptly gained HALF of it back and fought hard to keep the rest of the 15 off before being banded.

I knew if I didn't get banded, it was just a matter of time before the rest of the 15 pounds I lost, found me!

I say SURE, go ahead and try it, it won't hurt you and it will help your diabetes. Let us know how you make out.

BTW, gastric bypass can fail and lap band can fail, but everything else I tried wasn't working either, so I might as well give this a shot.