Help

Everyone - end of this month I will turn 1 year- yes I have lost a lot weight but what concerns me - I feel I lost control I am constanly eating even when I am not hungry- always have to be eating- first I thought was anxiety- with just moving across country- finding a new job- that has been a huge stress for me- I used to have control and excersiae but working a contract job 60-70 hours a week it seems I never have time. Two months ago I even did the 5 day pouch test- that helped- has any gone through that? Why do I constanly eat? Yes I have faced I am addicted to food. I think maybe I got the wrong surgery- that I should of gotton a bypass- I don't even loose weight anymore. Do you see this with stress?

If you feel that you are addicted to food, you might want to get counseling. Our surgery...any one of them you pick are a tool. It does not fix our heads or change the way we deal with issues. There is always a way to undo anything...including the surgery...so it seems you need a different way to deal with your stress and anxiety besides eating. That's how many of us got to where we were.

The most important thing is that you realize there is a problem. Take that additional step to get someone to help you with the problem. You have come so far, don't stop now. Be your own best advocate!

Good luck

I would definitely agree with the couseling.  If you are a stress eater and you are under a lot of stress couseling can help.  Maybe also some antidepressants?  I have done couseling on and off for about 10 years.  I recently started back up again after not going for about a year or so when the stress of my sis dying was getting to me.  That plus just getting my surgery and everything else going on it just helps take the edge off.  I dont take anything now but in the beginning years of couseling I was taking Zoloft for quite a few years and it really helped. 

Getting back on track isn't just about the 5-day pouch test and especially since we had a VSG we dont have a pouch.  We dont have malabsorption.  What we do have is a smaller capacity stomach that works just like everyone elses.  A VSG can be converted to a RNY or a DS if you think you need the malabsorption but I would say the answer lies more in your post than that your currently surgery isn't working.  More like you know you are not working it.  Are you logging food every day?  Are you mindful of portions?  Do you need to go back to weighing and measuring for a while to get a handle on correct portions?  You are busy at work and probably not having a lot of time for exercise like you used to.  Do you get all your supplements in?  Do you follow the rules about not drinking 30 minutes before and after a meal?  Do you get all your protein in or are too many carbs sneaking back in?  Do you need to spend more time planning out meals so you are not grabbing any ole thing during the work hours? 

Dont get me wrong, I am not saying you are doing any of these things, these are just questions to ask yourself.  I think all of these surgeries will work but you have to be honest with yourself if you are really doing everything you can and know you are suppossed to before you start thinking about getting another surgery.  Hope this helps. 

I definitely agree.  And I can honestly say I totally understand the addiction for food.  I'm there and am working to find out what I can do to live this new and healthier life.  I wish that for you, too!  All the best in your quest for health - - both emotional and physical.

I concur, it's all in your head now and counseling is one of the few things that can provide tangible results. Good Luck and keep your head up!

All great advice above. And by the way, you can still graze when you have a bypass. Some bypass people are lucky and will dump on sugar or fat, but not most. Eventually, bypass people's malaborption goes away a bit. However, there are ways to eat your way around any WLS.

I have a few practical suggestions:

1. When you feel this urge to eat, drink a glass of water. You need it anyway.

2. Write down every single stinkin' thing you stick in your mouth on a piece of paper. Figure out the calories. Keep a running total. Carry the paper and a pen around with you all the time. If you do this for a few days, the annoyance of having to carry the paper around might nip some of your eating in the bud.

3. Plan ahead and bring something bland and low cal to eat. Carrots and celery would work for me. After you graze on this rabbit food for a few days, you may exorcise the carb demon  you have apparently swallowed.

4. Go for a short walk. Do something else. At work, go climb the stairs/walk around in a food-free area for 2 minutes. At home, pull out the vacuum. Then drink a glass of water.

Best of luck. You can overcome this bad behavior!! YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS!!!

YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS!!!

I wish someone had told me that a long time ago! I mean emotionally, physically...everything...it's like we avoid it like it will kill us or something...

Gosh that is a true statement...you never know how strong you are until you test yourself!

I love that new song by Whitney Houston, I never knew my own strength. when i listened to the words I started crying...very touching...my new theme song now that i have moved past "i will survive" LOL

I can't claim "YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS!!" It is from Jupiter6, aka Shari.

She doesn't post as much as she used to, but for me, she's the patron saint of BMI>50. The lousy search engine here on OH can't find it, but Melting Mama grabbed the post on her blog:

http://www.meltingmama.net/wls/2009/08/i-can-do-hard-things.html

wow...that was really great...and true!

Patti, thank you for the link. I read it when Shari first posted it, and wished I had bookmarked it ! The content stayed with me, though, and has really helped me through some rough days. The self-talk I do with myself now is, "Pam, put your big girl panties on, and get on with it. You know what works! You can do hard things!"