My "issue" and a warning

Dawn,

Thank you for opening up about your addiction.  You are taking the first big step by admitting there was a problem and are seeking the help that you truly need.  Stay strong, you overcame your food addiction and you will overcome this.  Thoughts and prayers go your way!

Dawn,

First of all   and  

It took a lot of courage for you to share.   I will not judge you or condemn you.  I WILL offer you my love, my understanding, my support, my friendship and strength.  We all have our demons.  Carbs are mine.  When I had my RNY I was really scared of the possibility of alcoholism for myself.  Alcoholism runs in my family.  My dad was an alcoholic, my sister is one, i have several aunts who were alcoholic on my mom's side of the family, several cousins and my niece in New Orleans is an alcoholic.  

I saw the beginnings of this disease in myself when I was younger and ended up going to a lifestyle of non drinking as I loved it and the way it made me feel too much.  It helped that I moved away from the suburbs and so I no longer went out socially with my friends at the same time.   It is such a slippery slope.  We think we can handle it and then before we realize it, it handles us.  

The first step and it is a major step is realizing that you have a problem.  Congratulations on making it to that step.  Once you realize you have a problem,  you are on the downhill side of the battle.  It took a lot of strength for you to realize that there was a problem and admit it.  

I want to thank you for sharing.  My opinion of you is no different.  You are STILL Dawn.  You have many talents and qualities and you can work with this if you want.  I know it will not be easy.  There may be stumbles.  I know my niece goes to AA quite a bit.  I think she went daily when she first admitted there was a problem and found great help there.  She has been sober for a year and a half now and I am so proud of her.  I do not think any less of her.  She is still a dynamic lady.  I admire her for her strength and will power.  This is a disease just like cancer and it can strike anyone.  You just have a new disease to fight and YOU can do it!

Sending you positive vibes and healing strength.

 

Hi Dawn,

I keep track of what is going on with everyone, but don't post as often as I used to.  I start with the last line in your signature...."tell someone you love them."  Well, it is obvious that you are loved and valued by many people here, and please include me in that group!  I'm sure taking this enormous step and posting was very difficult.  This is the place for friendship and support.  I will keep you in my prayers and offer any encouragement I can.  You are a very special person.  You are taking very positive steps.  Come here anytime and I know you will receive supportive help.  God bless you.  I know you can do this!  Love and friendship to you.  georgie

Oh, Dawn. I just read your post. I am not here a whole lot, but when I think of the Illinois board, you are the person I think of the most. I have always admired your courage and positive attitude. Today is no different. Thank you for putting it out there. You are clearly not alone and I am sure your candor helped a lot of people.

Lots of people talk about "cross addictions" after WLS, from alcohol to shopping to sex to drugs. I have seen plenty of people screw up their families and lives because they could not jump into food again for escape. (Hell, I used to escape to White Castle, McDonald's, Taco Bell and other places several times a week just to feel better! Now, five years after my DS, I still go to those places, but way less often. I am glad that self-soothing behavior is still available to me, but I wonder what life would be like if I could control it though some clever "mind over matter" thing?)

My dad was a sweet, bumbling alcoholic, but an alcoholic nonetheless. I maybe have about 1 drink a month as a consequence. It's a slippery slope that I try to stay away from. I will always be afraid. Just one or two sips and I am giggly drunk. That euphoria lasts just a few minutes though, so it loses its thrill for me. If I go past one drink in a quick timeframe, I am drunk for a good half hour or more and don't like it. 

I am glad you are seeking help. I think the key to healing will come as you figure out what you may be trying to escape from in your life (childhood issues, insecurity, fear, abuse, disappointment, change, middle age--lots to things to escape from in this world!), first with food and then with alcohol. I highly recommend therapy, if you are not already going. It can really help you take time to focus on YOU, which is hard when you're a busy mom. I am still a work in progress and I still long to escape lots of times. But therapy helps me stay centered and in the "now."  The solutions to my problems are not at the store, or in a bottle or someone else's bed. They are in me.

I wish you all the luck, strength and courage in the world.

Nicolle

 

I would never bash you, and shame on anyone who would, that being said it is very common for people to develop what they call a cross addiction. I won't speak for everyone, but the truth is most of us got this way because we are addicted to food. The weight loss surgeries do not correct our brains, but since the physical ability to overeat is removed I have seen many people take their addiction to food and replace it with addictions to drugs and/or alcohol. I know there are people out there that do not believe in food addiction, but it's real. We can all live without alcohol, heroin, crack...but we all still need to eat. I have seen this play out with people I know, and I'm so glad that you are getting help for this very real problem, more common than you think, and something your bariatric surgeon should be well aware of. Keep up the fight, and of course you are in my prayers xo