I didn't have any idea I was so addicted to food...

It has been 6 months now since my banding... I have stopped tracking my weight, blogging, updating people on my weight loss. I am still losing weight, very slowly. 6 pounds the last two months. I'm ok with that amount, not disappointed because I know why. I do have great restriction.

I still graze the candy basket at work, eat more than a cup of food at a time, eating carbs, and drinking (alcohol) more than I used too. I am doing some things right, exercise almost daily, drink plenty of water, not drinking with meals.

I just can't stop thinking about food, eating, sneaking, etc.... I was watching Rescue Me the other night and something Lou (overweight fireman) said hit me. (Paraphrasing) "I eat when I am up, I eat when I am down, I eat when I am mad, sad, happy, etc" It's not like that is new news to me, on the contrary it borders on 'well duh', but it struck me as if it was the first time I had ever heard it.

I think I am coming to the realization that I need counseling, therapy, etc. I have been to a few support group meetings, but I think I think I need more than that...

Any thoughts...

 I just posted something about wls and counseling. 

If we are in the need for wls then we absolutely have an issue with food. Whether it be binging. Eating sweets, processed foods, etc.  

Getting the band allows us to limit the volume we eat but we can still eat around it if we choose.  Counseling might help you deal with the emotional side of eating. It's a lifelong battle and if you started young like I did there was a reason for it.  I believe that talking to someone trained to help you will only benefit you and your success.  

See if your surgeon has any recommendations for a counselor and try out a few sessions. Private one on one is better than a group meeting.  

Well... they always say the first step is admitting you have a problem.

I know many of us on here see counselors on a regular basis.  We wouldn't be here if we didn't have issues.  The only advice I have to offer would be to find a counselor with experience dealing with food addictions.  I'm sure your surgeon's office has someone they recommend.

Good luck.

I started working with a therapist this year for the exact same reason!  I discovered that I have a hard time identifying emotions, what I'm feeling, and turn to food for every emotion rather than deal with the reason, source, etc. in a healthy way, (which would be to express the feeling rather than stuff it deeper inside.)

Find a therapist that specializes in eating disorders and/or compulsive over-eating.  It's a critical part of dealing with obesity and will make a huge difference for you, I promise!

PM me any time you want to discuss this further.

This is a great realization you're discovered.  Now act on it!

Best~
Lisa O.

my thoughts?  I COULD HAVE WRITTEN YOUR POST!  LOL

Oh, how hard it is to kick the food addiction.  Just like an alcoholic we will always be an addict, but food is ALWAYS in front of us. 

When I have money I go to therapy and it's very helpful. Over the years I've gone quite often for this or that and it couldn't hurt to look into it.  Keep up the good work...the scale is still moving in the right direction for you.

I, in the past 5 days, have lost 6 pounds that I gained.  How?  I'm going to sound like a slim fast commercial, but it's what works for me.  I do a high protein shake for breakfast and lunch and have a dense protein and veggie at dinner.   If I am hungry after dinner I have a protein bar or a little more dense protein.  I'm drinking a ton of water as well.  I needed to get the bloat out and get back on track. 

we can do this!

 Same here. You don't get to the point where you lose control of your weight for no reason. Especially if it created personal distress. I'm reading Woman, food and God. It is a good book, haven't seen anything that doesn't apply to people, not just woman. five years out, I am half way there. Why is that??? I am healthier, happier, but finally I want to know why I can't finish what I started. I am going to start therapy and work on loving myself more.  

I think its great you are coming here to share this.  I met with the behaviorist as part of my 1 year check up last week, and he said something really helpful:

"When you aren't sure how/what you should be eating you meet with the dietitian.

When you don't know what exercises to do you meet with the dietitian.

When you know what to do, but you can't do it, then you meet with the behaviorist."

It might be a tremendous help to you to see someone about this. I think we all struggle at times with knowing what to do and not being able to do it. It is so frustrating -- but hang in there!

Trixie

Actually, in the movie of the Full Monty a charecter talked about the same thing. In the broadway musical I have heard there is a song about being in love with food.

Thanks. I've done some research since posting and found a local licensed therapist who specializes in eating disorders. I just hope I can afford it.

 I was banded the same day as you nazran and I'm struggling with exactly the same thing.  I'm still losing, but very slowly.  I think I have enough restriction (maybe could be a tad tighter?!?) but know I need to eat better and cut back on carbs.  It is MUCH better, but I know I could eat a little cleaner..and yep, totally related to emotions.  I have been working with a therapist and need to make another appointment...haven't been in a month or so.