Transfer Addiction

Hey Guys...I jus****ched Oprah and it was about Transfer Addiction...In other words people who had Gastric Bypass and became addicted to other things ie: alcohol, drugs etc because they could not feed their food addiction any longer...I haven't had surgery yet as I am in the process of getting all of the required THINGS done...Do any of you guys have any thoughts on the subject ?

Hey Chrissy!  Glad to have you with us on the TN board.  Yes, I saw the Oprah show.  They mentioned that 30% of WLS patients have these transfer addictions.  On the other hand, I don't think they played  up the fact that 70% don't have transfer addiction. I'm in the same boat as you, I have not had surgery either, so these things bother me also.  Anyway, good luck on getting your ducks in a row, and we will save a place on the Losers Bench.

Hey Chrissy, I watched it too. This is my 2 cents, I think no matter what type of "addiction" you have you have to have it set in your "HEAD" that you want to change. Until you have it set there, then you won't change. These surgeries are just a "tool" to help us, it is as you have heard is not a quick fix. Before surgery I use to drink a margarita about 4 times a year. I have not had any type of booze since surgery, my first is gonna be week after next. So I will see what happens, we will not be out, me and DH have a cabin in Gatlinburg and celebrating our 5th anniversary. Sorry guys for mentioning it again. I am just so excited. So anyway, I guess the best thing is to do what the Dr.'s say and pay attention to what your body tells you. Hope this helps. Cheryl

I have just had my surgery and I firmly believe that if you have compulsive behaviors then you will carry them through out your life surgery or not. If you have more that one and quit one then you will over compensate with the other. I did not drink before this surgery so why would I go out and drink after? I think those who are emotionally not ready  should be honest with counseling  which by the way is part of the process. So you see if you lie to the counselors you are only hurting yourself so don't blame the surgery because you were not honest from the beginning. I think that woman who seriously thought this surgery would save her marriage and family was misled by someone. I say to all of you if you are prepared and ready GO for it. And its not a marriage saver its a tool for weight control and its DAMN HARD WORK! 

 Oh and for the record My hubby had to go to one counseling session with me.

OK with that said I love you guys MUAH!!!!!!! Big Kisses 

I was hoping that I'd transfer to a compulsive exercise addiction....7 months out no such luck! I think it's good to be aware that you can transfer these issues and if you've had issues with alcohol or drugs or whatever to approach with caution adding these things back into your life post-op. 

Thanks to all *****sponded...I really just wanted some feed back...I guess since I am just in the process of getting things ready for surgery my senses are certainly heightned...I absorb everything I hear about WLS...I do know all people are different, and there is no certainty to any outcome, but I am confidentI have the right attitude going in to this...This will HELP me not FIX me...I was certainly glad that Carney Wilson defended the fact that the WLS did not cause her to become an alcoholic!!  I only drink a couple times a year now so I am not worried, but I must admit it really got my attention... By the way ..Whats this party everyone keeps talking about? C

There is the Baptist Appreciation Night tomorrow night from 5-8 and then the board get together is at Hickory Falls in Smyrna. Can you make either or both? We would love to meet ya. Cheryl

No I'm sorry I can't make it, but thanks...My mom lives out of town and I am going to visit her...I would love it though, you guys seem like a great bunch of folks...

If you want me to be quite honest, it depends on WHY a person is/was overweight.  I had hormonal problems which caused me to start gaining weight in my freshman year of high school.  My lack of exercise contributed, but then my weight got so out of control that I couldn't lose it, which caused the hormones to be worse, etc.  Like a never ending cycle...  Anyway, along with the "weight loss journey" usually comes counseling.  You have to look at why you were overweight...  deal with issues that you might have, or will have, as you lose the weight.  I think its inevitable for everyone...  Now having said that, I will admit that after my surgery, and I hit maintenance level, I started drinking alcohol. (Pause here for gasps)...  But, I have only been drunk once.  I dont want to get drunk again.  I was curious more than anything and I was in a very safe place with someone who would take care of me .  I sometimes have a drink when I go out to a restaurant.  But that does not make me an alcoholic.  Losing all my weight has meant a change in values (I guess some would say I'm going to hell in a hand basket!)  And, I now live with my boyfriend so you know I'm having SEX... but I waited 37 yrs to lose my virginity.  Does that mean i am addicted to sex?  Well lol maybe, but not due to a transfer of addictions.  Its that I have finally come to the place in my life that I have always wanted... to be in love, to date someone, to be old enough and mature enough to make these decisions... But my counselor assures me all these things are normal and healthy... life is good... NO Life is the best its ever been for me...  And I continue to find my way on the journey... aware of what Oprah has said (its a rerun), aware of my own needs, desires, and doing my best to keep a happy medium, in the middle, and remain healthy in every way.  Hope this makes sense.

I think that was just beautiful. You said it perfectly. Congrats on the new life you waited so long to discover.