Thermomix - helping to fight the obesity battle?

[cecilia]

I've been debating whether or not to start this discussion, because it's a pretty personal topic, but it's been on my mind and I am interested in hearing other people's perspectives, so here goes.

I will start with the most personal bit.  I have a lapband.  Before I knew of the existence of Thermomix, I had been going to the doctor, trying to reduce my weight, learning how to get through depression, trying to make sure I didn't tip over into diabetes etc.  I decided to spend the money on the lapband to regain my health, energy and confidence.  Basically, I suppose, it has worked quite well, but I've had to be very disciplined.

Oh how I wish I had owned the Thermomix when I was going through the pre- and post-op stages.  Liquid only, Mushy foods, certain things banned, etc.  

Now that I have it I wonder how much more quickly I might have healed had I been able to have the nutrition and convenience and motivation the Thermomix allows.

Water under the bridge for me, but what about everyone else?  Do you think if you bought a Thermomix you could lose enough weight not to need a lapband in the first place??  Just wondering.

I notice on the Lapband discussion forums around the world people do ask about Thermomix.  The word is out that it's there as a brilliant support for people, if only they could afford it.  But then again, when you think f the cost of the lapband operation, a Thermomix is way cheaper.

[dede]

My mum had lap band surgery a couple of years ago as well and she is also a TM owner now and I am sure she would of found the TM very handy when she first had the surgery.
But as for the TM being able to help replace lap band surgery I would say no. as ultimately its ourselves who control what we put in our mouths and I have an issue with eating too much of the wrong thing and its not what I make in the TM is more so brought items like Chocolate (Yum Yum) its my biggest weakness. If I don't have any in the house I can control myself lol.
But seriously i do believe if we ate only what we prepare in the TM then yes I believe that we would eat much healthier avoiding alot of hidden ingredients in food that we buy. It definitely takes a lot of will power and dedication to loose weight and keep it off.

[fundj&e]

I must say dede keeping it off is harder than losing it

[dede]

I cant seem to do either at the moment, I have a problem with my Achilles tendon and the specialist told me to loose 10 kg first before they would do anything (To see if that helps) But I just cant seem to get motivated.
I have had my TM for 8 months and haven't put on any weight but haven't lost it either.

[obbie]

  Cecilia,
I think it depends on the individual.

I haven't put any weight on or off for about 6 years, just the same.
But $2000 for a thermomix must be cheaper than surgery.

You could always put the word out there.
Good luck,
Robyn

[Decadent Dot]

I am happy to add to this discussion and reveal that I too have a lap band and so has my DD. I had mine in 2008. I now eat portions that are only a 1/3rd of what I used to. My band is tightened so that I find meat and fish difficult to eat without it getting stuck on the way down. You would think that I would have lost huge amounts but no! I lost hardly any weight and now seem to be stuck at the same weight all the time. My DD is exactly the same as me. I had a Thermomix from the start and have been glad of its help. I have heard of all the fantastic weight losses with the lap band, however it does seem from my questioning that 26% people do not find the lap band any help at all in losing weight. I keep asking why and my conclusion has been that the lap band can work for people who pile food on their plates but not for  the ones who find that they are drawn to sugar. I wish I had opted for the more expensive but more invasive Gastric bypass or nothing at all.  I was slim for 50 years and never ever thought about a diet. I have tried lots of them since though. Currently, I am trying to keep to healthy everything in the Thermomix . I do keep an eye on the the sugar and fat content  but I can't say that I don't sabotage my resolve with a cake or dessert now and again.  I am of the belief that exercise is the way to go but I have a medical problem that keeps me only able to do this in water so its aquafit sessions and a Thermomix that keeps me going these days.

[cecilia]

I thank and honour all my forum friends who have joined in here.  I have found it hard to absorb all the rules of eating to accommodate the lapband and follow them every time.  Initially I lost a lot of weight, but I have settled a bit above my goal.  Drinking before eating is difficult on social occasions.  I still find eating in restaurants a big challenge but thankfully when I am relaxed with my family I have very little need to leave the table now as so often I have to do when in public places.  Sounds as if it's a complicated issue and we can't just promise that Thermomix will make it easier, but I do believe that Thermomix allows us to be more energetic when preparing our food, thus enabling us to care for ourselves better.  It's not weight that's the issue really, it's our overall health. Wishing you all health and happiness, TM or no TM.  Thanks for your sharing.