WLS: The compulsive overeating connection...but I'm a FOOD ADDICT

As a 425 lb indoctrinated (former) 12 stepper in Overeaters Annonymous I am wondering if WLS will truly help my compulsive overeating. I know it will work bariatrically for a while. I realize that after some time my stomach will be able to stretch, and regardless of how much I want to loose weight, I know deep down, I AM a FOOD ADDICT....how does that change. BTW, I have been in counselling for many years about the impact food has on my life, and I wish, like many of us , I could just give it up....but we must tame the lion at least 3 times a day. The obsession and compulsion with food is overwhelming everything from shopping to looking at it, to preparing, to smelling it. What changes after the surgery? How does one prepare onesself before the surgery? Does your surgeron spend time talking to you about this? What happens with the slips? thank you, Beth

I never knew I was addicted to food before wls, I guess I just figured I was lazy and enjoyed food. Since surgery I have figured out, with the help of a therapist that I am addicted to food!!! What a scary thought! I have relapsed and am trying to get it under control but it is no easier with food then it is with drugs. Did OA help you? The way I see it, I need all the help I can get. I never ever want to be 235 lbs again. I LIKE the new me, I have a confidence I have never had before. There are still things I have to work on, but I can DO THEM! In fact I over came another fear this weekend. I went to a craft fair by myself!!! This was not easy, it meant I had to talk to people even if I did not want to. Some here on the board that know me might think that sounds nuts because I am fairly open and an easy person, but put into places I am not use to, it is VERY hard on me. Anyway, not sure if I helped you, but I wish you good luck! Theresa

Theresa: Thank you so much for your responce to my post! It is wonderful news to see that you have gained the courage and confidance to do the things you could not do previously....that is encouraging! WAY TO GO SISTAH! There are many support groups for people who have all types of addictions. I have an addictive personality (among all my other issues) and I found that Overeaters Annonymous helped me a great deal. I dont feel this is the proper forum to make public remarks, feel free to email me privately if you have any OA related questions. Beth

Hi there, I saw in your profile that you are considering Dr. Cobean. I am a patient of his practice. I am actually going to see his associate Dr. Wolff. She is a part of his practice. It wouldn't hurt to call his office (Maine Bariatric Center at 396-5688). They could give you some advice on what to do next. They have support group meetings so maybe that would help though I see you have belonged to other support groups in the past. I cannot tell you what the surgeon will say about being a food addict. I have my first appointment tomorrow so I cannot help there. However, I do know that I will be meeting with a social worker who I guess determines whether we are emotionally ready to have the surgery. It would do no good to have the surgery if you will only eat your way back up to where you are. They say that can happen and the the new stomach is just a tool to help you loose the weight. The rest is up to you. You will only be able to eat small portions at a time so that will help but if you graze througout the day you can still take in too many calories which would stop your ability to loose or keep off the weight. Maybe finally getting the weight down though would give you the encourgagement to be careful about what you eat so that you can keep it off. The best advice is to talk to the doctors about your situation - they will help you determine whether or not this is a viable option for you. Hope I have helped. Good Luck! Lisa

Thank you SOOOOO much Lisa, I am going to do just that. I very often am up in the clouds, I need practical advice. hmmmmm much appreciate it. Beth