New Addictions

I know that some people trade their food addition for another addiction after the surgery.  Has anyone found they have or are going through this?  I have not had the surgery yet but my friend has, she has traided her food addiction for smoking like a mad person and drinking a lot.  Not very good addictions but no the less it's there.  I'm just wondering what other people may or may not be struggling with.

I spent a lot of money in the year and a half after surgery.  I'm talking about money I will be paying back for years.  I would attribute some or all to addiction transfer. A guy that I work with has had a huge issue with alcholism.  He was our department's golden boy until he started drinking after surgery and it all fell apart.  At this point I think he has lost his job due to not showing up, being late and using a racist comment.  It is a sad story. So, yes, it is something to be very aware of.  If you don't fix the inner problem of why you need to satisfy that "thing", it may appear elsewhere.

I was in the same boat after losing 100lbs... I got a little crazy with clothes shopping... Not terribly but I recognized the addiction transfer a little.  It lasted maybe 6 months & I didn't get in debt.  Bills were always paid first... no credit cards were ever used..however my closet if PACKED... & I got bored. I can see why some WLS surgery patients choose alchohol as a transfer it is VERY easy to get buzzed off of a small amount.  I get totally tipsy off the occasional glass of wine... (on ice).  Thank the Lord I never was a drinker or partier in my younger years.  (Engaged to an alcoholic for 2 years definately keeps it in perspective.)  (I've had 3 glasses of wine since my surgery almost 3 years ago.)    My brother-in law's sister had the surgery & she drinks like a fi****'s obvious she transfered her food addiction over to alcohol...it's sad.  She also smokes like crazy but she did it before surgery.   I would have to say if I have a transfer addiction it's to working out... If I don't do it... I go stir crazy & go through mood swings.  I guess it's lesser of any other addictions and at least it's good for me.  It's been about a year with the working out/cardio.... everyone I know can tell when I don't do it.. as I get  cranky.  I force myself to take at least 1 day off from it to let myself rest.. & that's a little bit of a struggle.    Therapy definately helps with the head issues but I believe we need to be self aware that transfer could possibly happen and to reach out for help when we need it & recognize it.   Best wishes, Mickey

I've heard of Shopping (or just spendig money in general), Alcohol and Sex addiction as a result of transferrence for sure.  It's certainly food for thought, as the saying goes.  It's most important to be aware of the possibilty and then to be able to step back and recognize when an activity or habit is negatively effecting your life in the future.  That insight is not often easy to come by!

I haven't had the surgery yet, either, but if I have to transfer addictions, I hope it's for exercise! Good Luck, Shirley

Great topic .  . and one that generates more than a bit of controversy in my humble abode. My own anecdotal experiences tend to support the thinking that many post-op's get a chance to experience new-found freedom that (for many of us) was never imagined in our adult lives--- or we get to finally see what it's like to have people to whom we're attracted show some interest in us.  And, with the thrill of meeting new people, and enjoying all the attributes of a fun, active lifestyle, maybe there is a habit that develops where we seek those pleasures.  But, for the overwhelming majority of people, we don't necessarily transfer a "food" addiction to something else--- some of us become a little hedonistic (particularly when we've lost the pleasure we once gained from food), others maybe become a bit more aware of style and fashion and have a greater desire to shop for themselves.   And, there is lots of evidence that many obese people were never truly addicted to food-- rather they simply abused food, or used it for a whole host of emotional voids that can remain after surgery (not that I am necessarily speaking from my tortured post-op life). However, as Lisa highlighted in her response, the greater concern should be to develop a keaner sense of awareness-- and a sense that the improved health from rapid weight loss (although a joy to our loved ones) can be vitiated by developing lifestyle choices that compromise those we love.  Not that self-awareness doesn't come with it's own issues and annoyances for those in our lives.  Did I become a "self-aholic" after keeping the food demons at bay?  I guess it all depends on who you ask.  But, like many people, I find that the hightened awareness exacts less of a toll on my family and friends who were all adversely affected by my super-morbid obesity and it is what is needed for me to stay healthy.

Thanks folks for the insightful comments on this subject. It is one of my biggest concerns post op. Your input is extremely helpful. God Bless,' Jim

Wow...my husband would LOVE it if my food addiction turned into a sex addiction***I can see the grin on his face now  ;-p

getting my nails done has become my obsession!  after surgery, I was afraid to bite my nails, as it might pierce my new belly...ridiculous I know...but none the less, every other week, I spend $20 on ME!  I do deserve it!  I have spent most of the time clearance shopping for clothes as I don't want to waste mony...so all in all...I focus more on who I am and not what I eat!