??? About Transfer Addictions

I have been reading on threads about "transfer addictions". I do see that many people transfer from food to alcohol. I'm not much of a drinker. One wine cooler in a year is a lot to me. But I'm wondering if there are other types of transfers. Has anyone out there transferred their addiction to other outlets than alcohol?

Hi I know this sounds funny, but mine is coffee. I always drank a lot of coffee. But now I have to have a cup with me all the time. I even take mine with me to shop. At one point it was shopping for clothes. I never wanted to shop when I was big, but after surgery I could go every day. Strange things happen to alot of us.
Nan

Yep. Exercise. I chose it before I even had WLS. Why? Because I'm an addictive personality type of person. I think the key is for you to know a head of time what your going to use instead of food.
Now...I always will be an emotional eater. That hasn't gone away. It never will. Food will always be an issue for me. Like you I'm not much into alcohol, my father was an alcoholic. Food was my choice of drugs.

Am I "addicted" to exercise? Nope but when I don't exercise I feel crappy. Exercise elevates me into a "happy mood" most of the time.

I also did a lot of shopping at Thrift stores for clothes. I think most of us women enjoy having nice clothes being smaller. Thank God for the Salvation Army and Goodwill and Garage Sales!

I won't lie...I do have a wine cooler once in awhile now. Makes me instantly relaxed so I'm very aware of wine coolers.

During summer season I'm addicted to pedicures! Now that I can see my toes, I want them pretty! Really a "transfer addiction" doesn't have to be negative in anyway, especially if you decide on something that won't harm you like: exercise, reading, sewing, volunteering your time...I think you know where I'm going with this. Let your post WLS experience be the best for you all around!

Very good thoughts, Deb.  I don't drink much either.  1 or 2 drinks a year.  None at all since surgery.  My dad drank, and I can't stand it if I drink too much.  But food?  Yeah, food was my drug of choice.

I like your take on a positive transfer addiction.  You always have the best thoughts!

When I drink I get soooooo loooopy! I'm a wild girl without drinking and people say I'm more fun sober anyway! LOL
I can totally understand people who never drank before WLS drinking and liking that feeling they get. Ugh...not me. I've always said give me a hot fudge sundae instead and now I don't do ice cream.

Yep, make your transfer addiction Positive! Have a great weekend Vickie.
I'm out of here at 4:30 and headed for the gym. Whhoooooo! Love the pool.

 Debbiejean, you crack me up!  I always said I'd rather spend my calories on chocolate rather than alcohol.  LOL  I don't do ice cream now either, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE frozen sugar free and non-fat yogurt.  Usually try to get one every weekend, with fresh fruit on top and maybe a few dark chocolate chips.  

But I agree to the positive transfer addictions.  I think I've become an exercise fanatic.  Still dealing with eating issues, especially late not eating, but then Rome wasn't built in a day.

Wish I could hit the pool.
Jan

Hugs Jan,
Last night had a great workout with BFF who is another Deb, we are called "The Deb's" at the gym. We are each others cheerleaders and it helps so much because we challenge each other. I know I have to be at the gym, we depend on each other.

Good for you becoming an exercise fanatic. That is so positive. We just have to be careful not to hurt ourselves. I'll never be a runner but I love the pool, spin class and all out cardio classes.

Yep, you are so right that we will always have eating issues. Always learning is great. We can teach an old dog new tricks. I love my skinny cow and any of the WW frozen treats. Hugs Debbie

Thanks for all the great advice and input. There is much to be contemplated about redirecting my addiction(s). It would be smart for me to look at what my "needs" are and pair them up with a skill and see what direction that takes me. I really am looking forward to this whole process. I want to make this the most positive experience, even if/when I have setbacks. The posibilities are endless

Hey Kristi-

I know of someone who had a RNY and transfer her addiction to QVC shopping and sale shopping.  Then she went back to eating and gained most of the weight back.  If you're considering yourself addicted and worrying about transference you might want to consider OEA.  I'm considering it for myself since I have addictive behaviors.  I do like the posts about exercising, pedicures etc...

Cindi

Cindi,
Do you mean Overeaters Anonymous?  That is shortened to OA, just like Alcoholics Anonymous is shortened to AA.  I went to OA for a long time before I had my surgery.  I am thinking of returning there, but have to get my butt to my AA meetings more first.

Hugs,
Trish