Confesion good for the soul?

I hope so, maybe if I say/type it out I can get a handle on it.  It is a familar tale to some I am sure. I had open RNY 7/04 I started at 360ish, and now am at 173. Had my TT in Dec, they removed 12lbs and 2 hernias. However I have had some complacations in healing from the TT but am finally making progress and only have to pack one opening now. The swelling is still terrible by the afternoons but I understand that is normal. My asthma is gone now replaced with cronic iron anemia but overall a good trade, and well worth being able to get around and do things. The big problem I am having is this.....I have sudenly become obsessed with food. All I think out is eating, I know I am eating to much and the wrong things, candy. potatoes, breads etc. And after I get done stuffing myself till it hurts, the next thing I think of is what I will eat next. I know this has to stop or I will undo all the good I have done. I am not sure why this has suddenly become such a thing again. I keep having the same conversation in my head, about OK thats the last time, however before I know it I find myself stuffing somthing else in my mouth. I find I am so full all the time I am uncomfortable. It is becoming very depressing as I do not want to go back to where I was!!  I am hoping now if I write it down for all to see, maybe that will help? Or if anyone has any suggestions please feel free, Sorry to dron on and whine but I am getting a bit desperate about it. Thanks for listening. Juli 

Hi Juli, The problem with eating all the carbs, sugars, etc., is that they cause the blood sugar to spike, which triggers a big release of insulin into your system, which causes the familiar crash, and the hunger for something to relieve it---more carbs.  So it becomes self-perpetuating.  Hitting the protein and nonstarchy veggies really helps this.  At least if you eat something carby, eat a protein with it so it won't affect you as much. The other thing is that there are often psychological issues that need to be dealt with.  I'm not ashamed to say that I still go to a psychologist who specializes in eating issues and it really helps me.

At least know that you aren't alone in your struggles.  Stay here with us and we'll help you through it!!

Hugs, Connie -147#

Juli I agree with Connie.  I am beginning to wonder if the protein bars I eat make me want more.  I try to eat a half of one and always end up eating the 'whole thing.'  I saw on another board that someone questioned the chocoate in them.   I try to buy only one of them at a time.  If I buy more than one, I am not satisfied till I eat the rest.    I sent you PM.  

I understand that cycle too. Its like once you have it (the bad carbs) you just want more and more. I am definitely obsessed with food~that's why I made an appt to talk to someone about it. Its not normal, imo and for me its a very self destructive behavior that I no longer want to take part in. Detoxing from carbs is tough, but if you give it a try you should feel pretty good in a few days! Good Luck!

juli...i know what u r talking about. i am 5 yrs post op. have lost 157 lbs. just about 6 months ago all i started thinking of was foood. and now i have gained about50 lbs back. i am scared to death i am going to gain all the weight back. i dont know what to do.if u think of something let me know.  kathy

Juli, We all go through this at some point.  They did surgery on our stomach, but the real problem was/is in our head.  That's why they say the surgery is just a tool.  It's a temporary reprieve that helps you lose weight.  But at some point YOU have to make yourself keep losing and keep it off. It's much easier said than done, but you have to find a way to deal with what is making you want to eat -- and it's not in your stomach -- it's in your head. And I don't think it's cir****tances.  There are lots of skinny people out there who are a lot worse off than most of us (divorce, stress, kids, medical, etc) -- who can't afford to eat a high protein diet. I went to counseling for a while.  That helped me deal with how I saw myself, but not with why I go through periods of wanting to eat everything in sight. If anyone does find an easy way to do this, please let me know!  I struggle with this most days Deb