WLS andeating disorders

Hello, I am 7 years out and struggle. I got down to 137 and have regained weight got back up to 204 amd down to 193. anyhow I go to a therapist for Eating disorder. my therapist told me that she sees many post op WLS patients with eating disorders. Am I alone or are there other people out there who have eating disorders
Lisa B
349 heaviest/137 lowest/203 regain/193 current/120 dream goal
PS My after pic is me at lowest post op weight

No, you are not alone.  The surgery fixes our tummy, not our brain.

Many times we eat for the chemical reaction that is triggered in our brain chemistry;  I think it is the serotonin release.  For whatever reason, it makes us feel better.

That is why alcoholism, and retail therapy (overshopping to the point of bankruptcy) is so prevalent;  these also affect our brain chemistry. 

Good luck with your therapy.  I'm where you are now;  struggling to re-invigorate myself to get back to exercising, dealing with depression and joblessness.

Best wishes,

Hi Lisa,
You definately are not alone.  I have for a long time thought that I have an eating disorder.  I had my RNY in Dec. 08 and have lost 121 lbs and have 40 more to go, but I am seeing my old habits and cravings coming back.  And I haven't lost any wt. for the last 6 mos. I am so addicted to the carbs and sugar.  When I wasn't eating any I was just fine, no cravings, but since I started eating them again, slowly but surely, I find that my addiction never went away. I don't know what I was expecting, but while I was losing the wt., I never really thought it would come back.   They always told me that the surgery was just a tool, and not a cure.  I do believe it now.  I am considering finding a therapist who specializes in eating disorders.  If you would do me a favor and ask your therapist if she knows any in the  Whittier, Downey or Norwalk area, I would really appreciate it.  Thanks and good luck, you can do it, just never give up!
                                             xoxo,  Donna

Hi Lisa,
You are so not alone. I am one year out of my surgery and my brain constantly screams at me to seek relief from stress and basically everything by eating. Physiology and psychology are both at work. More studies show once you're obese, keeping the weight off is next to impossible without our gastric bypass tool because of a couple of hormones , but learning how to calm our brains and that part of us that feels we will go crazy if we don't eat is possible with vigilant constant work.

I belong to a weekly support group led by a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. I also try to read as much as I can about it to remind myself that I need to pay attention to mindless munching and how to use tools other than my RNY to stay away from my binge foods. I am successful most of the time, but not all the time. I know I am so much better than where I used to be. I have to remember to give myself credit for that.

Good luck in addressing your eating disorder. You are definitely not alone on this!!

MsBlues

Hi,
    My therapist said to me thats its not the food thats the issue.......its other  things....things...all I know is is that its like 2 i the morning and I want something to eat.......;

after a lifetime of therapy and WLS and now struggling to maintain (and trying to lose more weight), my conclusion is (for me); anxiety plays a very big role. 

anxiety issues run in my family as do addictions.  i have beaten all the beasts back except food.  i can do without "stuff"  but food is not something i can do without so..i have been a starver and a binger, balance is something i struggle with.

i'm trying to learn about my fears and anxieties everyday to help keep that balance i seek so badly.

please do do share any of your success stories.

one day at a time-

all the best-