Lap Band Failures~

I felt the need to post something about Lap Band failures.

I want everyone to know that the Lap Band is the most difficult WLS available. You must be willing and able to listen to your body’s cues. If you are a grazer or a sweet eater, you will have more trouble being successful. A grazer can easily bypass the Lap Band and overeat. Believe me, I’ve done it. On vacation, we tend to snack and not eat an entire meal. At the end of the day, I’ve consumed twice the calories and have had no problem bypassing my Lap Band.

Some have a “soft stop” others do not. I am fortunate to be one who has a “soft stop” — my nose runs when I’m full. If I stop at that point, I won’t overeat and will still be satiated for my 4 to 5 hours. Believe me, this is not easy. It’s easy to ignore it. When the meal tastes really good, I don’t want to stop. For example, two days ago, I made the best 4 bean, veggie chili. Wonderful spicy New Mexican chili with lots of lentils, pintos, kidneys and butterbeans (I know, bizarre!) and every veggie you could think of. Lots of garlic and onions made it even tastier! I cooked it all day in the crock pot. As I was eating my cup of chili, my nose started running almost with my first bite. I told myself, “it’s the hot chili” — and I kept on eating. I ate the entire serving and wanted more. I took another spoonful and ate that too. I was miserable. Why? After all this time, would I overeat? I know better!

We’re human. We’re food addicts - or at least I am a food addict. And it’s hard to walk away from something that tastes really good. My mistake was going back to the kitchen and taking that other spoonful. I should have stopped myself. Thus is the problem with the Lap Band. It is not a going to stop me. Sure, it will make me feel too full and that’s not a good feeling… like after eating a huge Thanksgiving meal. But it doesn’t stop me prior to my consumption.

I have several really good friends who have been Banded in the last year. Some haven’t done so well. In one year, one has lost 24lbs. She’s sad. I am sad for her. She said, “I saw you did so well.” “Now I know you were obsessed with counting calories.” I admit it. I am. I should have been obsessed 25 years ago! I would have never reached the weight I did, if I had been. It’s about time, I become obsessed with being healthy.

I hear people say it all the time, “I didn’t get the Band to be on a diet.” I used to say it myself. I’m sure others can attest to that. I didn’t. But dammit, I also didn’t get the Band to fail. I endured a surgical procedure. I spent over 85 mins on that OR table under general anesthesia with a BMI of 64. I was at risk of dying and leaving those I love so much. So with this Band inside me, I will be obsessed. I will try my best to follow the rules and I will try to not return for that extra spoonful of chili! I’m not perfect. The Band is not easy. So my advice to anyone thinking of getting Banded, please do your research. Make sure that your eating habits are ones that the Band will address. Talk to your doctor and prepare to make some major changes in your life - then prepare to see a new You emerge. It works if you work it. But it won’t do all the work without you!

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November 6, 2009 | Filed Under Assistance on your journey

Comments

2 Responses to “Lap Band Failures~”

Adam on November 6th, 2009 7:51 am

I know a lot of LAP-BAND patients, and I’ve seen some succeed and some do not as well. I agree that the band can be incredibly frustrating if you’re not ready to make a big life change.

The good news is, though, that if you develop a good relationship with a good provider, you can teach yourself over time to use the band as a tool and get back on track, even after a setback.
dee on November 6th, 2009 9:02 am

I think that is what makes the Band an excellent tool. It’s most of the time, forgiveable! You can mess up and lose track easily, but when you get back on the “bandwagon” so to speak, it’s ready and willing to help you out. I love that it’s up to me to have adjustments. I am very happy with my WLS choice, but I feel sorry for those who aren’t well informed - get banded and then realize they have to work at it.

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