Tool vs. Crutch

[Guest guest]

Hi Cami,

I read your story with interest.  I reply because the following points might

help you:

1.    A friend of a friend had to have an operation to repair her stomach, which

burst - due to overeating after lapband.  I find this horror story extremely

effective in helping me to stop at one cup of food! (even if its impossible,

please don't correct me, its helped me a lot )

2.    When I had my lapband operation, one of my nurses told me she had had

lapband 10 years ago, and had " learnt her lesson " regarding obesity (e.g.

overeating, eating wrong foods etc).  She now has a minimal fill in her band,

and practices wise eating choices she had learnt over time to maintain a healthy

weight. 

This nurse used the lapband as a tool, not a crutch, and I found this

distinction invaluable.  I've only had my lapband for about 15 months, but in

trying to emulate her achievement, I make sure I do the following things:

- not eat more than a cup at a meal.

- make better food choices - e.g. yesterday I purchased a fruit salad and

yoghurt for lunch - whereas the old me would have purchased a burger and chips -

upsized.

- I always leave some food on the plate.

- to beat my chocolate addiction, I played mindgames with myself - I told myself

I could eat as much chocolate as I wanted, but only if it was purchased by

someone else (this meant I wasn't buying chocolate daily.  And guess what, it

worked!  I don't feel deprived, and I still get chocolate sometimes.

- and lastly, exercising has become an enjoyable habit (never thought that would

happen to this couch potato!).  I chose walking because it was right for me in

so many ways.

- and lastly (again!) - I have a bander in my office to bounce ideas off - it

really helps to have someone to talk to about banding.

One last point.  Recently, I lost my mother.  I had to have my lapband fill

minimised as it closed up due to stress.  This allowed me to eat what I wanted

again.  It was no great surprise that in this time of crisis I reverted to

eating for comfort, but guess what, - I still made better choices, ate smaller

quantities, tipped the incream down the toilet when I could no longer tolerate

it, and the binge was over very quickly.  This proved to me that my habits had

changed a lot in the last 15 months (but still not completely cured! if that is

even possible). 

I hope some of these points can help you to use your lapband as a tool, not a

crutch.  It is only by relying on yourself that you can truly win this battle. 

The lapband will help you, but it can never be the only answer.  This is an

individual journey (so listen to your body, and listen to all advice - then find

what works for you).

Best of luck,

Kerry, from Brisbane, Australia

P.S.  I have gone from a size 22 workshirt, to a size 14.  I never want to go

back again.

[Guest guest]

What a great post! Thanks!

THis will help a lot of mpeople - if they take it to heart!

Sandy

>

> Hi Cami,

> I read your story with interest.  I reply because the following points might

> help you:

>

> 1.    A friend of a friend had to have an operation to repair her stomach,

which

> burst - due to overeating after lapband.  I find this horror story extremely

> effective in helping me to stop at one cup of food! (even if its impossible,

> please don't correct me, its helped me a lot )

>

> 2.    When I had my lapband operation, one of my nurses told me she had had

> lapband 10 years ago, and had " learnt her lesson " regarding obesity (e.g.

> overeating, eating wrong foods etc).  She now has a minimal fill in her band,

> and practices wise eating choices she had learnt over time to maintain a

healthy

> weight. 

>

>

> This nurse used the lapband as a tool, not a crutch, and I found this

> distinction invaluable.  I've only had my lapband for about 15 months, but in

> trying to emulate her achievement, I make sure I do the following things:

> - not eat more than a cup at a meal.

> - make better food choices - e.g. yesterday I purchased a fruit salad and

> yoghurt for lunch - whereas the old me would have purchased a burger and chips

-

> upsized.

> - I always leave some food on the plate.

> - to beat my chocolate addiction, I played mindgames with myself - I told

myself

> I could eat as much chocolate as I wanted, but only if it was purchased by

> someone else (this meant I wasn't buying chocolate daily.  And guess what, it

> worked!  I don't feel deprived, and I still get chocolate sometimes.

> - and lastly, exercising has become an enjoyable habit (never thought that

would

> happen to this couch potato!).  I chose walking because it was right for me in

> so many ways.

> - and lastly (again!) - I have a bander in my office to bounce ideas off - it

> really helps to have someone to talk to about banding.

>

> One last point.  Recently, I lost my mother.  I had to have my lapband fill

> minimised as it closed up due to stress.  This allowed me to eat what I wanted

> again.  It was no great surprise that in this time of crisis I reverted to

> eating for comfort, but guess what, - I still made better choices, ate smaller

> quantities, tipped the incream down the toilet when I could no longer tolerate

> it, and the binge was over very quickly.  This proved to me that my habits had

> changed a lot in the last 15 months (but still not completely cured! if that

is

> even possible). 

>

>

> I hope some of these points can help you to use your lapband as a tool, not a

> crutch.  It is only by relying on yourself that you can truly win this

battle. 

> The lapband will help you, but it can never be the only answer.  This is an

> individual journey (so listen to your body, and listen to all advice - then

find

> what works for you).

>

> Best of luck,

> Kerry, from Brisbane, Australia

>

> P.S.  I have gone from a size 22 workshirt, to a size 14.  I never want to go

> back again.

>

>