Is there such a thing as "Food" OCD?

I am begining to think that I have food obsessive compulsive disorder. I know, I have heard people make fun of the phrase. I have done some internet research, I have looked up binge eating, and compulsive eating. I think what I am experiencing is different. I notice that I eat when I'm not hungry, sure it may sometimes be emotional or out of boredom. The thing is, I begin to obsess. If I know that it is there, I got to have it. Or if I know that it is there, and I am not eating it, I obsess over why I'm not eating it. It could be anything. I guess, it might be what alcoholics or addicts call "jones'n". Its not that I eat an excessive amount when I do, its the feeling that I have that causes me to eat. I also notice that I feel guilty afterward. I feel like everything that I ingest is causing me to gain weight. I had RNY going on 6 years ago. Have gained back almost 40lbs within the last year and a half. It is so discouraging. I guess, I am wondering if anyone else is having the same experience. Or if there are any doctors out there who can validate my suspicions. If prescriptions for OCD can be used to treat this. I am at my wits end. Thanks for listening.

I know how you feel Rebecca. I used to have to go and talk to a friend of mine when i would start to obsess about eating (or not eating) a big cheeseburger or something else). He would change the subject and get me talking about something else - cravings, obssessions go away in 60-90 minutes. It's good to have a friend around like that. This guy used to be a clinical counselor and just got burnt out, but he used to work right next to me. free counseling - yea!!! O, and to answer you, a drug like Wellbutrin that helps with OCD and smoking sessation may help. Also, he gave me this tip, which I still use - HALT!!!! Never let yourself get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. Good Luck Sharyn

I know exactly what your saying - if I know say there is pudding in the fridge I can't stop thinking about it until its all gone. My solution to this problem was not to put any food that I'm obsessed with in the house if their not here I can't think about them. It's almost like they call to me. I try to keep foods that take time to prepare that way I have to really want it to complete the act of cooking it. If I'm having a really bad time and think I will buy the stuff if I go into a store - I have someone else shop for me so I am not temped. I would also suggest therapy it can help wonders with stuff like this - give you copying skills to get through those moments. I also found a book that I have just started reading that has somewhat helpful: "The food & feelings workbook" by Karen R Koeing. Have you ever tried going to an overeaters annoymous meeting? The helped me for I while but they only work if you commit to the program - I had a hard time with that myself so I left. But what doesn't work for one person may work for another. I think you will find others there who share the same problem as you do. Good luck ~ if you need to talk about anything send my a PM. A~

I have noticed that I have stayed away from foods that I think are absolutely taboo for fear of dumping. However, I do indulge in really easy to eat foods like crackers and things like that. Taboo foods would be anything that would cause me to dump. I do feel like I am successful in that regard, I havent had anything with pure sugar since April 2005...before I couldn't go a day without them. However, I do think I OCD over foods. If I get in my mind that I want a protein bar, I have to have it. I also notice that when I eat out at a restaurant I want a protein bar sooner than I would if I had just eatten a protein bar. I am not sure if it passes through the pouch sooner or what, but I do notice I get hungrier. I also get low blood sugar. So I tend to get hungry quicker because of that weakness or however one would explain that feeling.