Getting Back on the Bandwagon - Advise?

Hello everyone.  It has been quite a while since I posted and really need to just get back on the wagon, settle down and get back to basics.  I need to start eating correct portion sizes and staying away from problem/trouble foods, which is easier said than done, most of the time.  I am a true addict and have been playing the part badly for the past few months.  I am drinking diet, caffeine free soda like water (I know, it's not good, but my thinking is it's worked so far) and eating way too much ice cream and candy.  I've (still) got a lot going on in my life and just the thought of "not having some comfort" terrifies me.  I feel SO deprived if I have to go home knowing that there won't be any candy or ice cream and it makes me nervous and agitated like crazy.  I get so depressed even just thinking of it.  My hubby is the same way - we both struggle with the same type of addiction and we are just having a hard time in life right now, anyway, with finances, etc.  So I guess I'm just reaching out for support and wanted to get some advise on eating, what to eat, how MUCH to eat (I know we should have that, and I do, but I like to hear it from others - the suggestions kind of just help with the light bulb in the head) and...does anyone drink diet soda at all (and how much) and what are your thoughts?!?  I am going to work on drinking iced tea vs the soda but it's a hard change to make...thanks everyone!

You can do this!  I'm right there with you.  I just got a fill two days ago and am going through the same thing.  We can get back on track.  Remember, they banded our stomach, not our brains. Though there is less capacity, the urges for self-destructive behavior is still there.  Really, that takes more than surgery and is much tougher.  Have you considered a program like OH or Celebrate Recovery?  I did the latter and it helps me every day - not just in this battle but with others too. Would be great if you and hubby could go through a program together and support one another and get to the root of your food issues. If you ever need to share, feel free to PM me.

We haven't yet checked out any programs...I did search on Celebrate Recovery through Saddleback Church.  It sounds interesting...did you/do you go to a physical location or do something online?  It sounds good and interesting so I'll take a look-see on their website and see what I can find where I live...thanks for your offer of PM'ing and writing to me...it is true, the problems are in our head don't go away with the surgery, I knew that going in (I am a gastric bypass patient, also), but you always hope...!

CR is faith-based and is sponsored by local churches.  As far as I know, there is no online program because fellowship with others with hurts, habits and hang-ups and accountability among the groups is a HUGE part of it. I was a leader and still love and live by the principles that the program is based on.  I have never done OA but I can definitely testify that CR is great.  Every church does it a little differently so if you go to one and it doesn't grab you, try another if there are more in your area.

Gotcha.  Will search this out further to see what churches in my area are providing the classes!

I am going through the same exact thing.  I had to move back in with my folks a few years ago (health related disabled) and that has been hell.  I was able to get away for a few months but now I'm back.  My dad, this morning, bought 4 pints of ben and jerrys, 2 boxes of dove bars, cookies and candy.  HELLO!??!  YOU'RE FAT, TOO, AND NONE OF THIS IS GOOD FOR ANY OF US.  But it never changes.

With that said, I've not eaten his crap the last week.  What seems to help me with my "I need to cope with sweets" is a flavored Chobani Greek yogurt and a dollop of sugar free cool whip.  No, it's not chunky monkey, but it does take the edge off. 

I'm just getting back to basics myself, so any recommendations you get will help me too.  We can do this!

Oh, I was never a pop girl, but I do love propel zero berry for my water.  No fake sugars in it either :)  Maybe try something like that?

Thx for your post. Re the chobani yogurt i have tried greek yogurt & it is nasty! Other than the whip you dont add something for flavor? I will have to try the propel...those come in like packets that you just open & add to your water?

Lord no!  plain greek yogurt is disgusting.  When I'm a good girl I mash up fruits and add it, but other times I get the dark cherry already flavored (yes, there are sugars, but it sure beats ice cream) and add the sugar free whip.  It's not perfect, but neither am I ;)

yep, the propel comes in little packets that you add to water.  Grape and berry are my faves, but there are others.  I like that it's not full of fake sugars (I tend to get headaches from that, but still will use something with splenda once in a while).  Also, if it doesn't irritate you, I have no sugar added (meaning there are some carbs and alcohol sugar) fudgesicles.  I only have one as I get bad gas from alcohol sugars. 

WE CAN AND WILL DO THIS!  one day at a time.  I just looked up OA and there are online meetings to get you started. I think I will start this sunday.  There is even one for bariatric surgery. :)

I had vanilla flavored greek & couldnt choke it down but will try a flavor that you mentioned will let u know what i think! Will also check out the propel...so OA lets u start out online? What about 'continuing' online?!?

It's so cool to see a conversation about Celebrate Recovery on here.  I, too, was a leader at our church...for totally different issues, but it is an awesome program when done right.  Most OA programs are probably excellent, too.  I also went to a secular 12-step program (again, for different issues), and that group meant even more to me than my CR group as it's where I started in my healing process.  It was available to me long before CR was. 

Anyway, if you do get into a support group, I would encourage you to find one that you can go to in person, not just online.  Online would be a great way to start, but there's something about looking people in the eye and getting real physical hugs that you can't get online.  It's also too easy to hide and/or lie online.  You need the unconditional love as well as accountability that true physical presence offers.

I like a soda here and there but have never been addicted like a lot of people are.  It's one of the few things I've got going for me; Crystal Light has always been a huge part of my liquid intake and that obviously works in my favor...so I don't have much advice to offer for that. 

I can also relate to the financial stuff.  I've been married 18 years, and I don't think we've EVER been financially stable.  It's taken it's toll, and the last few years have been worse than ever.  Just this week, I've been offered a GOOD full time job (after looking for over 2 years).  I start Nov. 7, but I'm so afraid to get excited about it.  We've had the rug pulled out from under us so much, that I've given up on carpet and just throw myself on my butt when I even think bad news is headed our way.  So if you need to talk to someone who understands, I'm here if you need me.  

YOU CAN DO THIS!!