How's everyone doing today?

Hey there - let me introduce myself. My name is Michelle and I am addicted to food, to cigarettes, to AFRIN, to caffeine, sometimes to shopping, and could be a gambling addict, but live too far away from the casinos thank goodness. I am currently trying to quit smoking. I quit on 10/23 and cheated on 11/4 with one cigarette. I haven't had one since 11/4. It's very hard. But, I am confident that I can do it not only to have RNY surgery in January, but to rid myself of this addiction. I do fear that after the surgery I will either take up smoking again or become a full blown shopaholic. I feel like I COULD have a shopping problem after surgery when there are nice things that fit! Right now I shop for jewelry - not expensive stuff though - I try to stay under $35 (I like hand made jewelry and online auctions). I know that what I need to do is stay focused, post on this board, attend post-op support group meetings, and maybe see a therapist. I should also exercise, but that can become an addiction too! Are we ever safe?????????? I am grateful for this board. It gives me hope that the monsters can be kept at bay. Congratulations to you all... Michelle

Hi Michelle, I am addicted to food, shopping, alcohol, Rx drugs, just to name a few. Praise God I found therapy a long time ago, and have been working on all of my impulsive behaviors for a while. Now that I am 10 weeks post op, I am over the food addiction for the most part. Having no money, and no credit cards prevents shopping from being a real bad thing these days. I have over 5 years off the alcohol, so that is taken care of. I benefitted for a long time, from attending Overeaters Anonymous meetings for the food addiction. They are really supportive and offer a way to cope with urges. I also had a grad school professor who gave up smoking with the help of Narcotics Anonymous. She used the 12 steps and the fact that they do not ask what your addiction is, just if you are addicted. Just two suggestions to offer you more support. Hugs, Trish

Welcome, Michelle! Like Trish, I'm a huge fan of all my options. I go to therapy & see a psychiatrist for Bipolar Disorder (not sure if that is a part of your problems or not, but it definitely answered a lot of my questions and a relief to know that my behaviors are "normal" with my illness), I belong to Alcoholics Anonymous (Any 12 Step program is beneficial to those of us addicts) and I'm dedicated to this group online to give back everything I've been graciously given. If I can help in anyway, please let me know! Amber

Michelle, Glad you are here. This board is one of the many tools I employ to keep my demons at bay. i joined a 12 step group shortly post op and it has been such a gift. My wls support group folded but the 12 step program remains. saw a therapist but she did not encourage me to continue as I was using the tools I had so well so I know I have that option if things get too much again. Personally, I guess i need alittle of lots of resources depending on what is happening in my life. Shopping is an area that eats my lunch and only recently did I fully surrender to that! Hugs, Laurie