Lapband & emotional eating.........

emmaluvu · June 27, 2008

Hi Everyone!! I have been browsing through this site for quite some time trying to gain additional knowledge from banded patients... I've been thinking about getting "banded" for years and am getting very close to making this life changing decision.

I have a question for some of you that are emotional eaters.... I never thought that I was an emotional eater until recently. People say that there are triggers to emotional eating such as depression, stress, anger etc... none of which I have in my life......

I didn't think that I fell into this category but I've been reading up on emotional eating and now I think that I do! My problem is that I just eat to eat!! I can eat dinner and then a couple hours later I'll want to eat something else even though I am not hungry. I don't binge or gorge myself but I just have this need to eat something whether it's a granola bar, some pudding, a bowl of Cereal etc... My take is that it's out of boredom or it's just something to do! I'll walk over to the fridge and open the door just to see what's in there and 90% of the time I'll shut the door without grabbing anything! It's the weirdest thing... I've seen where people say that when you get the urge to eat just go outside and talk a walk or try and focus your attention on something else... (Not That Easy!!) It doesn't happen all the time but I have started to recognize that it's getting more prevelant in my life.

Will the band help with this or is what I am dealing with completely psychological? I do know that if I have a full feeling I won't eat. MY issue is eating when I am not hungry nor full.

I am 33 years old, 5'10 and currently weigh 312lbs. I am a size 24 and would love to get down to a size 12 or 14. I've tried Weight Watchers, Atkins etc... and am usually successful for the first 2 months or so then I fall off the wagon... This has been the same for other diets I have tried as well... I am trying to be more conscious of this behavior and even though it doesn't happen all the time, it's starting to become more routine...

Would love some feedback on this.......... thanks for listening!! :biggrin2:

beebeej1 · June 27, 2008

Please do a lot of research and go to support groups, the band is just a tool, and I think your eating is psychological, go to the groups and u will get so much insite, I had my surgery on Jan. 24th i've lost about 63 pounds so far, good luck :blushing:

SugarBean · June 27, 2008

I too have had great success (42 pounds since March 24th) Before I started this process I ate just to eat. Whether I was hungry or not, large portions, Snacks, etc... I just like food. But when I finally made to descision to get the lapband my whole mindset changed.

Remember the band is a tool. It does not make you lose weight, It is your responsibility of what goes in to your mouth. But when you get the right fill and you are not hungry food doesn't seem to rule over you.

You will have probably have a psych evaluation and answer lots of questionaires at the doctors office. Go to support meetings and don't worry. You will do fine if you want it bad enough.