When You Trade One Addiction for Another

I know we all have done it, otherwise we would not be here.My question is , "Do most of you feel as if there is not enough post op therapy to help you deal with this situation?" I would have to believe that there isn't. I have talked to many people who have had WLS over the past few years, and I would have to say that close to 80% of those people did addiction trading.I am interested in all of your opinions.Thanks.

I dont think there is...although if you wouldve told me (and it was made well aware of before hand) that I would start drinking I wouldve told you that you were nuts. Was soooo not me. Well, it is me now. I have talked to my nurse about it (once) and was told to go to AA. UM....I think that is not always the answer, although a wonderful program. This "habit" of mine is strictly new since the WLS....I do realize NOW that food was my drug of choice...I didnt know that back then. So I guess what wouldve been ideal for ME is to catch my addiction to food and sought help with that.

Michelle, I agree with you that there is not enough pre and post op therapy to deal with these issues, I would encourage you and all the other ladies, (sorry guys not to include you) to the link of Women for Sobriety, i have grown up around AA, AlAnon, ALAteen, and Naronon. It just seemed so harsh to me, that i have to make amends to others for how i have hurt them, you know all the steps, you are encouraged to embrace. It has been a life saving treatment path for many people. I just wanted basically to say, that when i walked in and joined this group, it felt like home to me. Maybe because, it really has alot to do with empowering us to grow emotionally, which is what i felt i was lacking,on how to postively deal with myself emotions, feelings, habits. I guess what i am trying to say is that the right therapy is not available for us yet, transference addictions, addictive personality, what ever anyone wants to call it, i feel like i have found what i am lacking in these meetings, and yes they do have online meetings and chats, i will always have the desire to continue with this group. I am posting the link for whomever http://groups.msn.com/WomenforSobriety/wfsstatementofpurpose.msnw Blessings, Kim D

I did not do the addiction switching yet, as I have been sober for five years, and just recently had my surgery. The research on addiction switching is relatively new, so there is not a lot of counsel that will be given concerning warning people. I strongly encourage anyone who thinks they have a problem to get help. I use AA, and individual psychotherapy, but I have been doing that for a very long time. I went to eating disorder treatment a year ago, as I have always known that my eating was due to unresolved emotions. As for a previous poster's comments on AA, I will say that it is a spiritual program, and its roots are in the Bible, as the group that preceded AA was the Oxford Group, a Christian group. Making amends is recommended so that our relationships with others are not strained. Doing personal inventories helps clear away shame and guilt that could trigger relapse. I suggest that a person find some sort of social support and utilize it regularly. There are church based groups and other groups available. The reason AA is so popular is that it is convenient, at least in most US communities. I will say that while I have been sober for five years, my urge to drink has increased since my surgery. That God, I have a program to help me avoid relapse. Hugs, Trish

Thanks for the input thus far. I was interested in going to college, and thought of getting a license to practice therapy with WLS patients.It is well needed here in Ohio.

Hi Michelle, I'm still pre-op but strongly agree that most ppl are NOT given enough counselling post-op. (judging by the numbers of ppl in my WLS group who shop, gamble and/or drink much too often). I'm trying to head this off at the pass and am on hte couch once a week to talk about food triggers and how I'm feeling. I know that they won't magically disappear once I've had the surgery, so I will at least FEEL better prepared post-op. I've been sober going on 21 yrs and have been thinking about a career change. I've toyed with the idea of becoming an addiction counsellor. (more of the sponsor type rather than with LICSW credentials...but that's something for me to think about for my future! I think a specialty in addiction transference for wls patients is going to be a much needed field! GO for it!!

I am a licensed social worker, having gotten my MSW a little over a year ago. I do psychotherapy with all sorts of clients, mentally ill with addictions. There is a need for more trained people in mental health. Good luck. Hugs, Trish

Michelle, no one ever said anything to me before surgery about addiction trading. Now, it seems unbelievable that it was never mentioned. My opinion, this is a life long battle for me in one form or another. The only way I even learned about it was from my own behavior and this site. Kim m.

Hey Kim, I see that you're in Rockford. I live in Candlewick and work in Cherry Valley by the mall. No one ever said anything to me prior to surgery about addition transfer either but I'm sure if they had I would have reassured them that there was NO possible way I'd ever be an alcoholic. Now a shopaholic maybe....oh, geez, no maybe about it, I am that too. Then I started smoking after 27 years and drinking coffee like there is no tomorrow (maybe from being around it in AA). I hate coffee and NEVER drank it for 48 years, now I catch myself on my way to bed and thinking...just one more cup. Sometimes I don't even recognize who I am anymore. Certainly keeps life interesting!

It seems when we lose the ability to stuff our feelings with food, we look to other means to take the place of that, somehow.I have had many twists and turns with this situation.Although my life is the best it has ever been, I still have this need to use a crutch to get through the day.I have had many crutches, let me tell you.I have managed to overcome many things that seemed to be obstacles in my path, but right now I am battling with painkillers, after having serious knee problems.I have conquered alot in these past four years, but it always seems there is something new rearing it's ugly head.I stand firm on continuing to succeed.I didn't come this far to fail.