18 replies to this topic

[Nofluba]

Hi. I am considering lap band. I just qualify to have it now but have struggled with weight my whole life. I have 20 kilo to lose to be at a healthy range. I want the band so I can control portion sizes (something I struggle with) but I would hate it if I found i was unable to eat things like salad & a bit of steak. Can they make it so you don't throw up all your food? I am so sorry if I have this wrong but I have seen a friend be able to eat nothing but rice crackers. I need some advice please as I am almost at decision point. Help. Thanks

[jan123]

Everybody has a different experience and their journey is unique. With proper adjustments and monitoring having a band you should be able to eat MOST things in small quantities . There are some foods that are more difficult to eat and it is important to realise that this varies from person to person.
The tricky foods include rice, pasta, steak, white bread ... But some people can tolerate all those things others none of them.
You need to be sure that the band is what you want as it does take compromise in your life.
Do your research, read lots and go to an information night so you are making an informed choice. I do not regret my decision to have a lap band as I was well informed of all aspects, positive and negative.
Good luck with your decision.

[BackinBlack]

As Jan has stated, everyones 'non negotiable' food is different, unfortunately you will not know what your 'restriction' is until you are banded. I for instance, cannot eat bread or steak, I can eat anything else, provided I chew it really well and eat small portions. I have never been a great steak person, so its not that big a deal for me. I would rather have a good lamb chop or a nicely grilled piece of fish and would order those above a steak even before being banded.

I have over-indulged most of my life and I will say that the decision to get banded was the best I have ever made. It's given me my life back, without the 'permanent' restriction of say for example a sleeve. It has allowed me to have a healthy baby with no requirements for extra vitamins (other then Elavit and a normal over the counter iron tablet). For me, it was the right choice, however it may not be the same for another person.

Good luck on your decision. I know it's not an easy one to make.

[Newlife]

I am almost in the green zone and there is still nothing i cant have as long as i go slow and concentrate..

[Nofluba]

Thanks everyone. I have a dr appointment this morning to have a chat. Just one question, what is green zone? I am thinking maybe the stage where things have settled?

[BackinBlack]

Green zone is where the fill and restriction is at the correct amount to prevent you from over eating and feeling hungry.

Red zone is where there is too much fill and have issues eating, you don't want to be in the red zone

[Nofluba]

Thank you. I have my referral and am suddenly very scared. Now to make the appointment. :-)

[Its just me!]

Good luck Rach71.

[Nofluba]

Thanks Mariah

More advice needed though, i am a bit concerned about the throwing up thing. How do you avoid that?

Also how do you deal with friends/family who are anti banding? Someone really told me my fortune about it today. :-(

[teach]

Hi Rach71,
I have had very little experience with the throwing up (regurgitation) - one of the very few times it happened it was because I was taking medication and I gulped my water. The water came straight back up - ick. It is my understanding that nobody with a band should be regurgitating regularly although as I mentioned my experience with it is very limited.
As for the family and friends - that is a tough one. Some people on the forum have chosen to keep the journey to themselves for reasons you mentioned. I told people earlier on but I do not tell people now - partly because I just cannot be bothered explaining it all. A friend did not tell a soul other than her partner - and she has stuck to her guns the entire time - in part because of people with unsupportive attitudes.
Hope you find the information you are looking for:)
Donna

[Nofluba]

I am reading Georgie, slowly finding everything I want to know. Thanks Donna, that is the bit I am most scared about haha. I wish I didnt mention anything to this person at all now, I must say the strong opinion shocked me! It is easy to comment negatively about it when you are thin, fit & healthy hey. Live & learn. Will be keeping my mouth shut & go with another story I think. Socialising is going to be the hardest, dinner parties with friends is going to be the worst!

[grinningchook]

No need to hide what you are doing because someone else does not agree, if you are happy you are making the right decision for yourself then that is all that matters, what they think shouldn't effect you.

As for eating I eat most things including steak and salad, I have salad every night... as long as I take it slow and make sure I chew it until no lumps left it is not a problem.

Good luck with your decision

[JodieC]

I was told if ya don't wanna spew then chew chew chew.. I have stalked this site forweeks and it seems most can eat most things and the idea is.. If you chew chew chew and then chew some more swallow food then by the time you chew chew chew and chew some more that food has gone past band ready for the next to be swallowed it takes longer to eat so therefore u don't stuff yaself and your full before ya
Know it.. So stuffing yourself soo full ( Christmas time style) that your bloated and over full..

[Nofluba]

Thanks Jodie! I have my appointment 23rd February. Yay!

[JodieC]

No drama rach good luck I have my appointment on my birthday great pressie eh.. He said two week after I will have op...

[Nofluba]

Oh wow how exciting. Goodluck what a great birthday present.

[misskezz]

Rach71, on 07 February 2012 - 04:49 AM, said:

Hi. I am considering lap band. I just qualify to have it now but have struggled with weight my whole life. I have 20 kilo to lose to be at a healthy range. I want the band so I can control portion sizes (something I struggle with) but I would hate it if I found i was unable to eat things like salad & a bit of steak. Can they make it so you don't throw up all your food? I am so sorry if I have this wrong but I have seen a friend be able to eat nothing but rice crackers. I need some advice please as I am almost at decision point. Help. Thanks

Hey there Rach

I was one of the non believers too and against all that lap band surgery stood for until I saw how amazing two of my besties now look and I have seen first hand that they have not truly missed out on anything. Fast forward to the fact that I am being banded on the 20th of Feb and can't wait. I must say that I have not had anyone be negative to it as yet and am in the headspace that if I do come across that then possibly, they are not the person that I thought they were and maybe I don't need to have them in my life at all.

As I am on the Optifast now - I am practising with the slow and steady rule and drink it ever so slowly and as I can have my vegies in the evening, I am chewing them until they almost feel like soup in my mouth. I am determined that this will suceed and I believe that it truly is all about having the right mind frame to get you through it.

Best of luck chicky x

[Nofluba]

Thanks misskezz. That is so good to hear, I have 2 friends & both throw up every day and can't eat steak. Both are so very positive & wouldn't change anything for the world. I would so want to be like your besties but by the sounds whatever happens happens. I am practising the chew chew chew thing as well Its easy to forget - haha I can't wait to hear how you go. Please keep me informed all the way! Goodluck. X