I think this may help!!

Hey all! I am about 5 weeks post op and have lost about 34 pounds. I have had a wonderful experience thus far with the variety of foods I can eat, etc. The thing I want to talk about is this: I had THE WORST week in history this past week. I am not going to even go into it, but anything that could happen, DID!! Normally, I have truly amazing coping skills. Well, apparently, that is a past tense item! I just couln't get a handle on all the "poop" that went down this week. I was more over-whelmed than usual, less patient, more angry. I would not say I have been depressed since the surgery. If anything I have been very happy. But, ah, here it is. My problem is COPING!! The thing that I figured it out to, in my uneducated psychiatry... I DID use food for comfort!! I never even knew it. For years, every diet place, or doctor would ask.. "Do you eat when you are sad, Do you eat when you are nervous..." I always answered, no, I just eat all the time! But you know what, they call it COMFORT FOOD for a darn good reason! Now without it, we do have more to deal with, with no crutch! I am so lucky to have realized this so soon into my post-op. I really hope it helps anyone else out there. Now that I realize the problem, I just have to work on how to fix it! I don't miss turning to food, in my mind or stomach, but it seems that somewhere in my psyche, there is a need for self-comforting. Well, all, I hear a lot of people saying that they are dealing with post-op depression, so I thought I would share my experience. Maybe I am not alone! Keep your thoughts coming! Any idea how to fight this demon, please share! Thanks loads! Rossana, NJ

Hello Rossana Well I used food for comfort my entire life. I had surgery 13 months ago and lost 140 lbs. I can only say it took me a while to get over my comfort food mentality. I decribe it as a death and having to mourn it's lost. I felt like I lost my best friend. I would substitute a sugar free sweet in its place and the more you lose the better you will feel about this situtation. At the present moment I am in counseling about lossing the weigh. I still see myself big and not 160lbs. I still miss my my friend food. Especially when I have a bad day or feel depress. Just hang in there and things should get better. Kathy

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We had surgery the same day & there is a whole new perspective on life. Thanks again