Transfer Addictions?

Tuesday, I went for my epidural steroid injection.  My pre op nurse asked me a lot about WLS.  She made the comment, "Don't a lot of people that have that surgery become alcoholic?".  I had to think about that for a minute.  I, personally, don't know anyone who has turned to alcohol after WLS, but I know transfer addictions do happen.  That is why I am trying so diligently to find out the 'reason' for my obesity.  So, I won't regain, and I so won't do something else equally as distructive.  Any comments or ideas? Marilyn

Marilyn Did you read my thread, "A More Serious Observation" from a few days ago? I think that wls gets blamed for a LOT of stuff.  The truth is, people are people.  WLS are just normal folk.  We have the same problems and capacity to do extremely good or extremely bad things in life.  But, we are placed under the magnifying glass so that every problem we have goes back to the wls.  Yes some people do have transfer addictions who have had wls. BUT so do alcoholics who stop drinking...  sometimes they start smoking.  People who used to do drugs turn to religion and are religious addicts (don't flame me here but I have seen this too many times...).   I'd like to think I have some pretty good transfer addictions. Here are a few: Goodwill shopping My gastric bypass online support forums (and I am a member of at least 4) Finding the latest, greatest best protein sources Do I enjoy an alcoholic beverage from time to time? Yes. Am I an alcoholic? No, unless having one sugar free margarita two days a week falls under that category (1/2 oz tequila x 2 = 1 oz a week). Did I gamble since having wls?  Yes. Do I have a gambling addiction?  No.  I hated it.  It was not enjoyable to me and I had never been in a casino before until this year. Did I engage in sexual activity more than prior to my wls? Yes Am I addicted to sex? Yes, perhaps since I don't have anything to compare it to.  I was a 37 yr old virgin so heck, even one encounter was better than the previous experience! Bwhaha!! My point is:  we're normal people.  I believe that finding ourselves is part of our journey.  There are many things I have experienced since having wls.  Life is much different than it used to be.  But along with the negatives, I've had some great positives.   I do agree that we must dig deep and find out why we turned to food.  We have to deal with those emotional issues inside that leads us to food...  are we sad, lonely, feel rejected, bullied, does food give us comfort? why?  There are so many reasons we relied on food and called it our friend.  While I am rambling at 3:30 am because I can't sleep, my final conclusion?  It is possible to be emotionally stable and healthy, thin, and a wls patient.

Amen Melissa...Just to let you know ...you are an inspiration!!!!

I do think that there are transfer addictions. Almost 3 yrs ago I quit drinking because drinking for me was very destructive and far beyond social drinking.  But, when I quit drinking, I started eating more.  Now when I drank it was almost every Friday and Saturday for several years and I drank grown men under the table. I was drinking but also dancing. When I quit drinking I quit going out and stayed home eating.  When I quit smoking before surgery I transferred that to eating too.  Amazing I lost 3 lbs in the couple weeks before surgery!  Now, that I don't smoke or drink and can't eat like I used to I do believe I have a transfer addiction and it is shopping. But, it's not out of control.  I spend way less money on shopping than I ever did on drinking, smoking or food. I had read on transfer addictions prior to surgery. I really thought about it. If you aren't consuming time with one thing, you are consuming it with something else. To me, shopping was OK for me because I will always be tight with money and looking for a good deal. The other thing I think is a transfer addiction for me is exercise. I love love love my time in the gym. I adore the people at the gym. The gym has also become a social event for me and who'd have ever thunk it!  You know, it's just about doing things that are healthy for your body, mind, spirit and finances. Or, that's my two cents anyhow.

My new addictions are the gym and shopping. Which I have to say is way better then eatting.

gidget

Hi Everybody,  I believe I suffer from transfer addiction. I love to shop at GOODWILL. Till 6 months ago nothing at Goodwill would fit me. I go every Monday and usually 1 other day during the week. I get great looking designer labels at pennies on the dollar. I am no doubt the best dressed Maintenance Technician in the State. Steve

Hi Steve,

  I want to tell you that your Avatar looks amazing....  Wow, you have truly changed over the year....

  Do you attend the Springfield WLS support group? ..... I am trying to place if I have seen you there before?  Is it possible?  It has been awhile since I have been to that support group, however, I have several acquantices that are a part of that group..... 

  I am and trying to become very active in the Vanderbilt Weight Loss Surgery Support Groups in our area...  There are many alumni's from yesteryear and I am trying to rally those folks together....  Let me hear from you.... 

  It is great to see you post.... I have not seen you post in a long while.... Steve...You Rock!!!!!