What causes such severe food addiction?

Hi everyone! I know a lot of us have been struggling with snacking lately. And I'm definately having problems! I know deep down I do NOT want to return to the way I was before surgery. So, why is it that I can't keep away from food? If I am running out and about and busy, it doesn't bother me. But I'm home with my kids most of the time and I can't stay out of the kitchen! I know that eating "bad" foods doesn't make me dump, but it does make me sleepy and lethargic feeling. I can physically feel that I feel better when I eat according to my diet plan. So why do I constantly want to reach for the bad things? I've cleaned my cupboards and drawers out so now it's not even in my house. But I keep thinking about going to the store to get something or when I'm in the store, I find myself strolling down the candy aisle. What the heck is wrong with me??? Is anyone else struggling with these feelings? I have my next appointment with the surgeon and dietician on the 31st and I'm going to talk to them about this. Maybe I need an appointment with the psychologist too!!! Deanna

ohhhh SISTA SNACKA i'm right there in that aisle with you, I haven't broken down i just like to gander at the food porn! I am fine if i'm out and about but at home or sitting at my desk at work i'm constantly looking in my drawers for food, what's funny is i don't keep my snacks there but i must open my top draw at work at LEAST 25 times a day. Hugs, ANDI

here is what another person told me that is 3 years out. alcoholics can stand a chance as conquoring their addiction by not consuming even a drop of alcohol. we never stand a chance. we HAVE to eat to live. so we are constantly bombarded with temptation. we live the same life that we did before. we get up, we play, we work, we have family engagements that are all based on the act of EATING. what get together, including a WLS meeting is not based on, or followed up with EATING. it is embedded in our culture. I have a wedding next week. my budget is: 25% dress 10% photography 25% decorations 10% cake 25% food 05% entertainment but most put 50% into the food alone... my budget ended up being 35%, there was just no way around it, people expect to be fed at the reception.

Deanna, I know what your going through because I am going through the same thing. What i am doing is have things like Soy crisp and chex mix which i know is not the best thing in the world but i need the crunch. Try to eat thing that are going to increase your protien. I have to have my sweets but i make sure I eat fat free candy that is low in calories this way I am still on track even if I need a little sugar. I don't dump on the fat free candy but i sure do on Chocolates if I have to much. I have found that a little goes a long way but i feel your pain I had a flash back thinking was going to gain all of my weight back. I am not going to let that happen i think what we all need to do is take a step back a remember were we have come from and how we felt. I don't wont to go back and i am determined to stay the course and fight all the way through and that is what you are going to have to do is fight. When those thoughts of I need something to eat com up fight fight fight your health depends on it. I will be keeping you in my prayers you will be just fine. Lorraine