my inner demon - Food addiction

Today I have had a lesson in food addiction 101. I went to my PCP and got checked out, then decided to go and get hubby and daughter some dollar chinese food. . no problem..got ALOT less than normal..had it in a tied bag, that I had to open up because jasmine was hungry. Well the trouble began,it sat next to me on the seat.... I ate one piece of tiny mushy meat...THAT WAS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE Not because I slimed or PB'ed..no because unsubconciously without thinking..I started eating 3 pieces of chicken and a piece of potatoe...wasn't even thinking couldn't stop..I am full as no can be..but no pain. how stupid of me... I am realizing that food is a demon I am going to have to face more and find out how to handle it. I need a good support system...it's hard to think of myself as an addict..... well I am taking this as a learning experience. I don't thnk I hurt my band, but I did drink right after to wa**** out. it was so stupid! what can I say....I guess food is more powerful than me and I am going to change that! If anyone got any ideas how to conquer that...please let me know! Gina

Gina, I am so sorry you are having this problem. That is the reason I chose to go with the RNY. I wanted to dump if I ate things I know I am addicted to and feel downright bad if I overate. Not sure exactly where the line is drawn between band and RNY. I denied myself even before surgery so I would be somewhat used to it. I don't eat because I am bored or emotional....I just love food. All foods good and bad. So I am right there with you except I know I can't eat that stuff because I will get sick and that is the one thing I will avoid. I wish I had some words of wisdom to give you. I would try this. If you have to feed your daughter while in the car. Pull over get her some food and then put the bag in the back seat out of your reach or heck even the trunk. The hardest thing for me is fixing my family food that I can't have...just one of those demons I have to fight. I hope this helps hon. Just try not to enable your addiction. Big (((hugs))) Anna

Is it normal to dump when you eat the wrong foods? I mean does everyone dump? I've eaten a few things and have no ill effect at all. Just wondering if this is normal?

Janie, not everyone is the same.....by some things what do you mean. I would think you would dump if you ate anything high in sugar or sugar alchahol content. But like I said not everyone dumps and I don't think banded folks dump. Not sure on that though.

By some things I mean eggs, tuna and chili. Nothing. I did get full quick though!

Gina, I just want to encourage you that my daughter experienced this same thing shortly after getting her lap band last fall. She was amazed and disappointed that she could eat as much, and as mindlessly, as she could. BUT she is now on her third fill. With each fill she struggled less and less with eating mindlessly and too much. She's never slimed or pb'd....just kind of eased into eating less and eating right. Also, during the time between fills, she confronted a lot of the head hunger, why she ate, mindless eating thing and dealt with it a little at a time. Personally, I think the lap band was the very best choice for her (and for you!). The easing into the whole thing has really trained her to make solid, permanent, life changing choices in how she approaches food. Press on!! Don't let a one day slip up define who you are! Resolve that today you'll stand firm. You can do it!!

thanks so much and I am working on it... I am working on controlling that head hunger...I got the evening hunger under control........ and that is working...it's the hungerthat falls under the unexplained ...just because..that one I don't know how to control..but I am working on it! Thanks for all the responses

Gina, You might want to talk with you doctor. Mine has a list of psychologists that he recommends. He told me that I must agree to adress my food addiction or I would not be the success he knew I could be. I agreed and will have my first appointment scheduled in the next few days. I was waiting until I knew I would feel okay driving and not hurting as much. I already committed to make the call on Monday. I want to have my first appointment scheduled before my next dr. check on the 16th.

Honestly, I don't think I need to. I can handle it...just adressing it is a wonderful start. I quit smoking, quit soda cold turkey...so I know I am capable..just got to work it out with myself.... But if I can't, I wouldn't hesitate to see a councellor..but I believe with a great support group, friends and my strong mind, I will conquer my demon. Thanks though Gina