??? About Transfer Addictions

I had all of my addictions prior to my surgery, so I did not have to transfer any of them.  I am an alcoholic, binge eater, I shop, and I even used sex at one point.  I would do anything to not have to deal with my feelings. 

In therapy, I have learned to identify the negative emotions, and also learned some coping skills, which when I use them, I am able to successfully change them. 

Some of the coping skills are :

Exercise
Deep breathing
Meditation
Visualization
Phone calls to supportive friends
Journaling
Prayer
Crochet/Knit/Sew
Volunteer work

Have you checked out the Transfer Addcitions Forum? http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/crossingtotransferaddiction s/discussion/

I participate in Alcoholics Anonymous.  I also used to go to Overeaters Anonymous, which is a 12 Step program for people who wish to stop compulsive overeating.  I need to start attending that again, but have not been consistent with my AA attendance before I add another fellowship to my agenda.

Feel free to ask me any questions about any of this stuff.  I have been dealing with my addictions in therapy and AA for over 20 years.

Hugs,
Trish

Kriskaryl,

I suspect that everyone who is morbidly obese can make the claim that they are addicts; otherwise, we wouldn't have gotten morbidly or in my case supermorbidly obese.  I am an addictive personality but, like you, alcohol isn't one of those things I would ever indulge in enough to become addicted.  I guess, when I reflect over my weightloss journed, I transferred over eating to over exercising.  I was so happy to be able to walk, that I planned long walks three or four times a day.  And, when I found out I could run, I went nuts.  I also am an active member in two dance clubs.  So, I suppose I did transfer the over eating to over exercising.  The difference for me is that I ate because I loved it and wanted to eat, but I don't particlular love exercsising.  I love how I feel afterward, the control it gives me over my body, and the adrenalin rush that comes halfway through a fast run.

When you get where you can really get out and do some running or dancing or something like that, force yourself to do it.  It is much better to be obessessive about exercising than it is to obessess about drinking or shopping or any of those other things that can really hurt your body or your pocketbook.

 

 I have not had any transfer addictions but I have heard of many who have.  for some it is alcohol and others it is shopping.  I have heard gambling mentioned as well.  I know the word "addiction" is thrown about a lot but I don't think all of us are "addicts".  I know that may sound naive or like denial but I truly blieve that.  We all used food for something other than nutrition that's obvious, but we are all different.  I am an emotional eater but I emotionally ate for every emotion.  If I was sad, hurt or angry I used food to feel better,  If I was happy I used food to celebrate.  I am just grateful that my WLS and the suppot and knowledge I have gained on this forum and others like it have made it possible for me to make a major lifestyle change.  I have my ups and downs but I always manage to get back on track if I slip.

I have been giving this much thought. Certain types of food are my addictions, not everything. While I know how to crochet, I feel guilty about sitting too long and I'm always thinking there is something else I should be doing. I'm refraining from buying any new clothes right now and am getting rid of things that I know will be too big for me by this November. I'm not the kind of person who likes to hang around the mall, mostly because they have stores that specialize in size 0 clothes, so shopping isn't an issue. When we do go shopping, I'm always looking for stuff for the grandkids...and they have tons of stuff! I do love to read and have quite a few books loaded on my Nook (2nd best thing I ever did for myself and highly recommended).

Exercise would be the most logical, safest, lease expensive, and productive transfer for me. My oldest daughter will be very supportive. She is a fitness expert, personal trainer, body building champion, and fitness model. She is constantly training, like its a full time job...I told her she is OCD...I will check out the transfer addiction forum link on OH.

You are all wonderful for sharing and being open with your personal issues and addictions. This is a most interesting journey with new things to learn every day!