I am shocked!

We went to dinner last night with some good friends of ours to Olive Garden.  Tia, the lady, had lap band surgery back in July.  She's lost 40lbs so far, but I was shocked at how much she could still eat.  I think she ate more than me and I am still pre op and I will admit I was hungry last night.  After we parted ways I told Mike that I definately know now that I cannot do the lap band and will for sure go for the Bypass.   Just wanted to share my revelation with you and ask if anyone else with the lap band can still eat a pretty good amount.

Well, it all depends on what the education has been for her on how much she is supposed to eat. And how many fills has she had so far? Were you limiting the amount of food that you had? Like have you already been eating smaller amounts and therefore  that is why you were still hungry? Before you make the decision as to what surgery you will have continue to educate yourself as to the surgeries and what they each mean for YOU PO. Look back on how much she ate and try to figure out if it is the recommended amount that a bandster should be eating at her point PO. Also, maybe you can gently challenge her on the amount she ate and have a frank discussion with her and tell her your concerns. Chris

No last night I definately didn't limit myself.  She mentioned that she knew she needed a fill, but was waiting because she knew that we were going out to dinner and that she's got a wedding to go to next weekend. I guess I feel that those would be the times that I would go for a fill so I wouldn't over do it.  She waits for the fill so she can eat more then.  I"ll have to talk to her about it.  I shouldn't have said that is what made me decide to do the Bypass, I had decided 99% that it would be after the seminar because I don't want to be able to eat sweets and things like that anymore.  They were and are my downfall.   Thanks for the input Chris!  Enjoy your block party!

From what you have said to me and the others she is eating around her surgery and manipulating the tool that she has been given. That is absolutely ridiculos. There are a lot of people out there like her that will do this. She really has not gotten "it" - the why this surgery is done.  I just do not understand why people go through major surgery to just live the WLS life style when it is conventient for them.

Well, try to be supportive to her and educate her the best you. Also live by example to her after you have your surgery and maybe she will catch on to what she is supposed to do.

Chris

I probably eat more than an  RNY patient, but I have only had one fill.  (I can't have another one until the crater closes.)  Still, if I eat more than my pouch will tolerate by just a bite, I feel it right away.  Your friend should check w/her surgeon and see if she need a fill 'cause it sound s like she hasn't reached her "sweet" spot yet.  You can lose substantial weight w/lap band, you just have to use the nutritional tools you're given.  If she is over eating she may have stretched her pouch.  Hope this helps-Hugs-Janet K

Thanks Janet, like I said in my post to Christine, she waits to get fills if she's got plans or something.  I just worry about her since we've been friends for 9 years now and she's helped me through a lot of things and with issues with my kids (before I knew Mike).  I am going to talk with her about it the next time we talk. Hope your crater is healing up nicely!

Monica, Sounds like your friend is not really committed to using the tool she has.  If she waits for fills so she can eat at special events?  What's that all about.  Either you want this to work or you don't.  In the end I don't see a success in her future if she keeps this behavior. Now for you my dear.  You have to do what's right for you.  For me, as a diabetic, the RNY was a better choice than Lapband. I also didn't like the idea of having to go back to the doctor for fills.  But that's me. But what is right for Monica?  That will give you the right answer.  Either way, you have to use the tool you have and follow the plan in order to be successful.  Neither is a "magic bullet". We are here for you sweetiepie!  You will do what's right for you.

Monica.....I totally agree with what everyone is saying... I think that maybe some of it can fall on the surgeon?  I have noticed that all the lapbanders on our board are doing really well, maybe it's due to a couple of things.....a good surgeon who knows how to do the fills and education put out by your DR.