Sorta off topic...stress/teenagers

I had my band placed on 2/10/11 and have been doing wonderful and I have lost 82 pounds as of this morning.  I have noticed since my surgery that when I first get stressed, initial thought is to grab something to eat (in the past it has been chips or a piece of chocolate).  This was very eye opening to me because I never thought that I really had food issues, I knew I would eat the wrong thing or to big of portions but I never put 2 and 2 together.  I didn't eat a bag of chips or a gallon of ice cream but when you add extra amount of crappy food calories, they of course add up....
Anyway, I am having a very hard time with my 17 year old son and curfew and he has turned our house into drama central right now, which of course is causing my husband (his step-father) to argue.  I have caught myself a few times thinking...food!  And I have slipped here and there and ate things that I really shouldn't. 
My question to you all is what do you turn to when food is NOT the answer.  I walk and love to walk, it calms me but right now its around 98 out and I have a 9 year old that I can't leave home. Plus, I am still walking about 5 days a week for 50 min.  Any other things you all turn too other than exercises?  And any profound words of advice on how to not "kill" your teenagers and keep your marriage intact?

 I too want to exercise when I am stressed.  However, like you, I have a three year old that isn't a good workout partner and I cannot leave behind.  I have started cleaning/organizing when I am stressed.  My husband laughs because he will come home and open a cabinet and see everything in perfect order.  He will automatically look at me and ask what is bothering me.  LOL  There have been days where my house is like a model home it is so clean.  HOwever, I didn't eat what I wasn't supposed to because I was busy cleaning.  I will pick a closet and go crazy.  It feels good to tackle a project like that.  I get the same feel good feeling that I get from eating when stressed.  However, instead of eating I get that same feel good feeling and was productive in the process.  

I don't have an answer for you.  I'm dealing with our son to soon go off to college and all the feelings that come with that.  I'm trying to remind myself that this is about transitions and it's not about me.    It's a positive change, but change is stressful.

You could try doing a workout in the house.  The one I like best is the 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels. 

You could try taking up crocheting or knitting?  If your hands are busy, you aren't eating. 

And remember, in a year or two, your son will be out of the house. 

Another thought, you could try and find a couselor to help you deal with all of these issues with your son and husband.

Good luck and congrats on your weight loss!
Kristi

Cleaning...hmmm, I will try that.  I've tried reading but my mind just wanders and I can't concentrate.  I've never thought about knitting or anything like that...maybe I could get all my xmas gifts out of the way ;)

My son is in counseling and my husband and I am are going to also go to some sessions and try a few as a family too.  Kids...the toughest job on earth!!!

knitting, reading, throw a ball with your 9yo, gardening or yard work???

For me the alternative activity has been my laptop.  I spend a lot of time on OH, e-mails and facebook.  It works for me, and you just have to find what works for you.

I can so relate to you on this.  I often say, I will take a room full of toddlers over 1 teenager any day.  My daughter who is 15 has had major issues, we have had to have her placed out of the home 2 times.   Honestly I wish I had more advice for you, because raising teenagers is NOT an easy job at all....I have turned to exercise.  I have to walk/run/jog/ something to get my mind off, because after I'm done I know my head is much clearer then before...If you ever want to talk, you can send me a PM and we can talk...I completely understand your frustration.....

hang in there...not eating has def made me "look" at things differently.  I'm so sorry you have to deal with this, this can be so stressful and do horrible things to a marriage. 

I'm here if you want to talk or vent!
Jamie