Stress/Anxiety

Hi TMB,   I’ve had lots on my mind these past few weeks. I find myself struggling when it comes to dealing with stress and/or anxiety. Usually I’m pretty good, but this past week I’ve had a hard time even sticking to my daily meal plan.    I’m not one of those people that use the gym to relieve stress. I have to FORCE myself to go exercise every day. I do it because I made a commitment to myself when I had WLS, but it’s been extra hard lately.    I don’t want to turn to food, but I think that’s what I’ve been doing this week. This morning, my scale was up 2 pounds. How do I fix this? Do I need a shrink? Do you guys have any suggestions?

Lisa D. Mtz.

Lisa,   Does your surgeons’ office have a support group for the post-op patients?   I am unsure if you are like me in the way that if I have someone to hold me accountable, I don’t slip and tend to do quite well.   I am pre-op still waiting to hear back from the insurance. This may come to a shock to people, but I honestly think no matter how many loops of fire we jump through to get approved we never really hit the heart of the reason why we have these hobbits.   You said that you had a lot on your mind as well, with that said stress could be the reason why it’s been harder than usual for you to do your routine.   Don’t beat yourself up, 2 pounds will come off quickly.   You have come a long way, and you should be very proud of yourself.   Keep up the good work, and keep fighting the fight.   ((Hugs))

Lisa

I know where you are coming from.  I have the same issues.  I do not think I am a food addict, however I am an emotional eater.  The gym is like a foreign country to me.  I am trying really hard to stay on my food plan and I do pretty well until the evening.  I can not sleep so I snack.  I just read about a woman who has written funny upbeat songs about weight loss issues.  Her company is called Skinnysongs.  I ordered her CD, it has 12 songs on it .  I am hoping that they may keep me motivated when I can't motivate myself.  I find that I also eat when I am bored so I am trying to keep my hands busy.  If the songs help I'll let you know.

You asked if you need a shrink. Are the things on your mind temporary issues - working on a tough project at work that will wrap up soon, dealing with a family visit - or are they longer term issues - relationship issues, stuck in a dead end job and need to make a change, etc.? If they're longer term issues, therapy to learn some new coping mechanisms other than food is probably a good idea.

Yes, I would say they're temporary issues that I need to work through.

The thing is....there will always be something.  I need a coping mechanism NOW.

Well, then you answered your own question. It sounds like a therapist used to dealing with eating disorders may be a good investment for you.

Hey Chica,

Sorry I missd your call. Let me know where you work out. I'd like to go with you one day. I go to LIfetime Fitness in Sugarland and you can always come with me. Don't sweat the stress. Go see your OB/GYN you may need a low dose of something. When work got really hectic for me and extremely stressful, my Dr.  put me on Welbutrn. I didn't take if for very long It did help though. The only problem is that most of the meds are time released ans I don't think we can take that. I'm sure they have alternative meds. Let me know what you find out.  

Ladies,

Thanks for the great suggestions and for sharing your thoughts and ideas. 

I went to my support group meeting and I think it helped.  I enjoyed visiting with my WLS pals. 

Glad I went,
Lisa D. Mtz.