Suggestions appreciated

So here is the scenerio.....

I am at goal weight....have been for the past few months but I am now struggling with old demons....

1. emotional eating and unhealthy eating habits are returning........

2. issues of feeling fat and huge........I can see the difference in pictures, I know I am wearing smaller clothing, but psychologically I still feel huge....

Any suggestions would be appreciated. 

I am feeling the same way. I wish I had a magic pill that would take away the head issues I still have. For me it is a work in progress. A one day at a time sort of thing. I think this is the hardest part of our journey. Learning new ways of coping.

As for body image they are actually doing a study on this through TWH in association with Ryerson. You are not alone in trying to reconcile who we are now with who we were.

i would suggest talking to your centre and seeing if the psych have ideas.

First off, congratulations on reaching goal!!  I'm not at goal but am close, and I know what you mean.  I make a list of the changes that I have made in my eating, it is surprising how many there are.  I post my before picture on the fridge so I see the changes.  And last night a put on a dress that is form fitting and it doesn't tell a lie.

Having said that, for the first time since my surgery May 14, 2012 I am cutting a food out, crackers, they are too easy to eat and I think that is why I have stopped losing.  I say this because I eat them, not because I'm hungry, but out of old habits of munching at night.

So remind yourself how far you have come, the changes that are second nature now, and how powerful you are.

Keep you chin up.

bariatric psychologist or a private one is what crops to mind first.  What's triggering unhealthy eating and can that be solved by yourself.  support group for WLS.  No matter what I think of it comes back to a variation on the same theme, seeking help.  

Diminishing Dawn recommended a wonderful booked called the Beck Diet Solution.  I bought is on amazon for $14 (hardcover).  I love it.  She teaches you how to deal with head  hunger and all of the issues you are dealing with.  I would recommend this book to anyone thinking of having weight loss surgery.  Good luck and you can do it!

thanks - I will look for this book. 

Your feelings are so normal.

When i hit goal I looked in the mirror and didn't like what I saw. My face had changed. The last time I was thin I was only 33 and by goal I was 50. I look old and had a real image problem. I'm accepting now of this is how I look, and made some hair style changes etc.

but the old eating habits seem to wiggle their way back in and snacking at night is a huge struggle for me. Head hunger etc. It's something you will deal with every day from this point on. Get a hold on it now before the malabsorbion comes back cause then you will start putting it back on. You don't have to let it get like that. I have a friend who had WLS and we keep each other accountable, i had a terrible fall and am still struggling with a regain, but i've got 1/3 of it off again and will hit goal again soon.

Hey, you hit goal, that's amazing, just keep talking to yourself. Your head will catch up with your body soon enough.

and by all means find someeone to talk to it's good to vocalize these things and any suggestions from professionals or friends is helpful.

I had WLS in 2001 and have since gained all the weight back plus more.  I am seeking a revision.  I went through what you are experiencing.  I am determined to deal with the issues of why I eat when I'm not hungry.  I don't know what the answer is but I hope we can all figure it out.  Hang in there and I hope someone here can can help you as it would help a lot of people struggling with the same issues. 

Thanks for all the feedback - I think a big problem right now is keeping the food OUT of the house.  

As far as feeling fat....this will be an ongoing issue that I need to deal with daily.