Are You Addicted to Food?

I am so happy to have found this site.  All the comments that I am reading make me feel like I am not alone and am not the only one who has these issues.  Sometimes it feels like I am all alone and no one understands.  I am so hopeful that the surgery will help change my life.  I am completely consumed by food and am ready to let it go.  I know VSG is just a tool and I also know it is one that I definitely need.  With the support of my DH, family and this site, I know I can do this.

Stephanie

Alcoholics cant quit drinking  they quit drinking *alcohol* 

Just like food addicts need to not eat things that lead them to binge.

But ALL addicts are the same in that we are all self medicating/escaping with X substance, and then get trapped in the addiction.

For some of us we only have a choice until the one time we say "yes" then we are *its" ***** the end.
We are all the same.  Folks with food issues really dont have it better or worse, cuz the PROBLEM isnt *so much* the substance we abuse - its JUST the substance we abuse, and like any addict ABSTINENCE ONLY will only get us so far, we have to change our reactions to things, our behaviors regarding them, etc. Or we become "dry drunks" so to speak - we act the same, we abuse something else instead of our preferred substance, but a junkie is a junkie is a junkie. 

I am thankful for having detoxed and time sober and sane.  This I know for sure.

Pardon the broken record, but I'm going to continue to recommend this book whenever talk of food addiction pops up:

The Anatomy of a Food Addiction: The Brain Chemistry of Overeating by Anne Katherine

She addresses both the physiological and psychological aspects of it.  If you think you're a food addict, pick up this book.

I'm definitely a food addict, and I definitely believe in food addiction.. I wrote my master's thesis on the topic. Not sure why people wonder if food addiction is "real" or not.. this has been established in the research for a long time.

I do feel that the surgery has helped me with my food addiction, but I still struggle with the behaviors. It helps me each time to become more aware of things, to not be able to cause so much damage with my addiction, and to have hope that I won't just be a bottomless pit with endless hunger. It helps me with physical cravings and for me makes it easier to make healthier food choices.

I was competely addicted to food. That's one of the things I love about my sleeve, now food isn't in control anymore!

Side Note: During the required pre-op psych exam the Dr said that many people develop other addictions after WLS. She said it can be drugs, alchohol, porn, sex, exercise, shopping, etc....

Craig

THANK YOU  for posting this article. I too am a food addict and know that although my sleeve has helped me tremendously, I will have to continue to work at keeping my addictive behaviors in check.

I was an addictions therapist for several years, so this all makes perfect sense to me. I come from a family of alcoholics and drug addicts (all in recovery). Every single one of us has found some sort of emotional comfort in either drugs, alcohol, or food!

Sublimate, I always appreciate the information and wisdom you put on this forum. You have helped me in more ways than you know!



Here's to continued health and happiness!

Michelle Wohlfert

I have an addictive personality but have never been addicted to alcohol or drugs.  I was addicted to cigarettes but gave that up 3 years ago and am seriously addicted to food, but since my VSG, I can't do those major binges anymore nor do I want to.  Having VSG is like someone following me around all day or being my conscience and telling me to stop, eat the right things or I'll be sorry.  I obey the sleeve.