Food Addiction continues

I am so disgusted with myself. Here I am looking so much better and all my weight related health concerns are gone and yet I sabatoge myself still.  What is the deal with that?  It is like I haven't learned a thing.  The other day, I ate blueberry pie for breakfast and then had a snack of it later and then ate some that night.  I want to stay pretty and healthy, but the food keeps calling me and I can't or won't say no!  How will I ever overcome this food addiction.  I know I eat when I am stressed and I am definitely stressed, but eating only adds to the stress. I did appreciate Trisha's breathing exercises to relieve stress. That helps some.  Any other ideas out there?  I am just furious with myself. Kim M.

One thing that I have found in dealing with my food issues that the more energy I give my food addiction, the more out of control I get with it.  Stop beating yourself up over it. Focus on other things in your life. What is it that is triggering you? Is it boredom? Stress? Someone specific? An upcoming event, etc?? Really look into yourself and see what is pushing your buttons then find something to counteract it.  Focus simply on being healthy and the perfect weight for your body. Stop beating yourself up over the pie. Throw it out, and go get some blueberries and snack on them instead.. just an idea.. :)  Be good to yourself.... and then the good will come.  Erica RNY 11-9-00 Sober since 1-26-07

You are right Erica, I should try to focus on other things in my life. The problem is that my life is pretty much in turmoil right now- at least from my perspective. I think I want to hide instead of face life. I also find myself escaping to sleep alot as well. Thanks for your advice. There are great things in my life as well and I should really meditate on those. I wish you the best also. Kim

Hi Kim...  You mention that your life is turmoil right now. I suggest that you sit down and write down all of things in your life that are in turmoil. Write it all down.  Then.. take a moment at each item and ask yourself if you have any control of that particular situation..  then say this prayer:  God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.  Then, once you have done that.. focus on what you can change, and the great things in your life. I bet once you do that.. the draw to the food will subside and you will once again be able to make more rational food choices.  I think for most of us, its not about the food.... its about how we cope.  We get ourselves all worked up, and then turn to food when we feel defeated, deflated and ultimately more depressed.  Hang in there.. you can do it!

Thank you so much!  That is excellent advice.  You are right, I think just writing it down helps and then realizing exactly which situations I can change and which ones are out of my person control would be very insightful.  I know I grew up being the parent to adult children and still think that things always depend on me.  I know it isn't true, but I sometimes forget that.  Thanks for helping me with the deeper issue at hand.  In appreciation, KimM

Ok Kim, So you had a bad blueberry day. This might sound odd, but get over it! Put it behind you, because it's in the past. Yesterday's news...the more you dwell on one speedbump in life's highway, the more chance you have of an even worse binge. I didn't have a great food day myself, but I stopped myself after  a few cookies. (in my warped mind, following two smallish cookies with a fresh orange is better than following it with two more!)  My doc has me on a different diet style to test the accuracy of an insulin dose and today I got hungry. Or so I thought. It wasn't true hunger...it was boredom. Have you tried journalling to help you understand why you do the thigns you do? My therapist has me doing t hat. I journal my moods as well as what I eat and when.  It's really shown me some patterns I have, and how I handle emotional eating. Some days are better than others, believe me!  Tomorrow will be better for you!! :) Stay positive!! Marie

Marie, thanks for the journaling idea.  I am sure it would help.  I stopped journaling after a few months out of wls.  It seems like it would be good though.  When I was in therapy, she had me doing it just with my feelings. I think it was helpful.  I appreciate the reminder about doing that.  I hope you have success in your journey,too.  You are right- I need to focus on the good.  Thanks again, Marie.  Kim M.

Hey Kim ~ So sorry you are struggling with food...  I am in the same boat and feeling the same way.  Do you attend support groups of any kind?  I know thats what I need to get back on track. I wish you all the best.

Thanks Dana, No I only went to a support group once and that was years ago before wls. I guess I should find one before I totally have a melt down.  You're sweet to reply.  thanks Kim M.

I hear ya...  I had WLS 4 years ago and lost 98 lbs. and now I am on the road to gaining it all back.  I went from a size 10 to 14 since November and the 14's are starting to get tight.  I can't beleive this is happening and I don't seem to care.  I feel like the surgery was great while it lasted but now it's all over...Not sure where to go from here, but just know that you are not alone. Take care.