Lapbanders

countryfatgirl
countryfatgirl Posts: 20 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I had lapband a year ago. I have lost 54 pounds and I am proud of that. But I am struggling right now. I can not seem to get my head right and I seem to be really depressed. I know I am an emotional eater so I am trying to fight it. GRRRR I thought my happiness would change but when I really look at things I am not happy and do not know where to start. I have a stressful job but I love it.... but it is hard to find a buddy to walk with or anything. I have been told that your emotions would be all over the place but I am just wondering if it is me or is it depression. I have been diagnosed with it and I fight it.
I am also tired of certain foods and would take any advice. I want to be successful but I am just really struggling mentally and emotionally... HELP!!!! Any way any advice would be nice and I will gladly take it. I just want to be healthy.... Blessing to all STephanie

Replies

  • CynthiaT60
    CynthiaT60 Posts: 1,280 Member
    Maybe change your MFP name? :flowerforyou:
    I don't have a lap band but almost everyone here struggles with emotions about eating. The best advice I can give is: try to relax a little, make sure you are logging consistently and accurately, and have patience.
    Good luck!

    Cynthia
  • Inshape13
    Inshape13 Posts: 680 Member
    Don't sell yourself short in regards to the weight you already lost. I did not have lap band, but changed my whole lifestyle around after my Dr gave me a blood pressure warning.

    It can be hard to admit, but people don't gain weight for no reason most of the time. I went through that for a long while when I hit goal and was like....I should feel better inside because I look better outside. It was actually worse for me being thin because I was a binge eater and that was my answer to stress.....so I had no outlet for my anxiety and felt like I was in a body that was foreign to me.
    I am really sounding like a downer right now, but it gets better over time.

    You will find an acceptance with this and your mood will improve if you surround yourself with caring and supportive people. IRL I do not have that so much, but I have found great support on here and people that can completely relate to the struggles with food and emotions around it that I go through. I also go to the gym to be surrounded by people that have the same fitness goals at me, a lot of the people in classes are regulars so that is nice.

    Just accept that it will be hard and prepare for the challenging emotions before they come up. Best wishes!
  • ShaSimone
    ShaSimone Posts: 270 Member
    From one bander to another congratulations on your loss. The struggle is overwhelming at times but you can get through this. It may be the winter months but if you can't find a walking buddy and don't want to walk alone (find an awesome songlist and it will get easier) try an at-home DVD to get exercise in, the endorphins really do help! You can friend me if you're looking for support and ideas. All the best!
  • countryfatgirl
    countryfatgirl Posts: 20 Member
    Thanks
  • muffinchikodaisy
    muffinchikodaisy Posts: 7 Member
    I also have a gastric band and excercise really helps me with my emotions. I'm usually in a happy/good/satisfied mood when i'm done with a great workout. I would encourage you to do a little bit every day. I also have a really busy Schedule but I have managed to make it fit in my day. Maybe look into Zumba or dance classes? time goes by quickly when you are having fun!

    This is something my doctor told me before having the band. The band is the hardest of the WLS in terms of commitment and discipline. 50% is eating, nutrition and good habits and 50% is excercise. In order to be successfull with the band you will have to EXCERCISE EXCERCISE EXCERCISE!! and he was right...i'm down 55 pounds since my op (march 25th 2013) and 70 since the beggining of my journey. And all the hard work was SOOOOO Worth it!!

    Good luck in your journey and dont get discouraged. You can do it :-)
  • katznkt
    katznkt Posts: 320 Member
    Cut yourself some slack. Eat the right amounts of the healthiest food you can stand. Plan ahead to allow occasional treats for special occasions. Find new nonfood methods to reward yourself and new nonfood ways to handle your negative thoughts. I treat myself with new clothes, manicures, or accessories when I have been good or reached a new marker. And I try to exercise when I'm down. Hard to think negatively when you struggle to breathe.

    But you might still want to check in with your doctor. If it is depression, you don't want to ignore it.
  • teacher_becky
    teacher_becky Posts: 1 Member
    I agree with the poster who said that their doc said that it was 50% diet and 50% exercise. Exercise helps me with depression and the feelings of being overwhelmed, also the loneliness. I joined the local Y and didn't realize that I would have so many friends to join me at different times. There also new friends as well. If you don't have that support, maybe DVD's or machines in front of the TV? Podcasts also make the time go more quickly if you walk or run in your neighborhood. Don't give up!! I didn't lose all my weight the first go around after the lap band , but I've just got back in the groove again in the past two months. Regular fills and monitoring plus exercise got the scale to move again in less than a month's time.

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