Addiction

I've been reading the main page for a while and this one for a shorter period.  Haven't heard anyone really address the issue of addiction other than to say this is a tool, it doesn't fix your head.  So how do you deal with the addiction?  I am a food addict, that's how I got to be the size I am.  I will still have the same issues after the surgery.  I understand that surgery physically limits what and how much I can eat, but how do you deal with the food addiction on a daily basis? Thanks.  I'm pre surgical, have to do a six month supervised diet J and I'm just trying to get a better understanding of how it feels especially after the honeymoon.

Please read the book 'Anatomy of a Food Addiction'.  This is by far the most incredible book I have ever read that addresses and explains this complex subject.  I only wish I had known about this book years ago!  I was told about this book by my therapist - and I cant thank her enough.  The author wraps her arms around your shoulder, takes you by the hand, and with her words shows you that you are not alone in the struggles of a food addict (this was surprising to me, as I thought I was a failure since I had had my surgery, but was still struggling with food!) Best wishes to you on your journey...I am sending you positive thoughts...if I can be one of your positive supporters please let me know!  Take care! deb

My advice to you is to make the most of your 6mth supervised diet to start learning how you will need to eat and drink as a postop. Try and impliment a new strategy each week so that it becomes a habit, ie. not drinking with meals, cut out simple carbohydrates, and fatty foods. Eat protien first. Also don't be afraid to get professional help if you need it to get to the bottom of why you eat.  It is a lifelong learning process for most of us. The most important thing is to not throw in the towel when  you make a bad choice. Just pick yourself up and get back on track. All the best on your  wl journey. Sher

I am an emotional eater and a food addict. For me, the missing link in my wls journey was dealing with these 2 issues so I have started seeing a therapist that specializes in eating disorders. It has been about 3 mths now and it does seem to be helping. I wish that surgeon's offices included a staff of therapists just like they have nutritionist b/c obviously most of us didn't end up being MO without some form of food addiction.  Good Luck to You!!!!!!!!

I wish u much luck in your journey, and yes you are right about the addiction. Unfortunately it is hard to get rid of even after surgery as it is only our stomachs that are worked on and not our heads. Did you know that there is an addictions forum on this website, I suggest that u go onto that also. Keep posting here and check out the website as much as possible as it's a great support system. Are u talking to a therapist about this? Our heads are the last thing to fix and the hardest. I am 19 months post op and while I have lost 110lb and feel physically wonderful, I am still dealing with the head games but it is getting better for me. I refer to myself as a skinny person in an obese body, just like the recovering alcoholic, never cured but on the wagon.  Take care and things will get better for you  especially if you are willing to do the footwork. Good luck with everything my friend.

Hi Fellow Addict!   Funny how we dance around things that we feel most uncomfortable with.  The food addiction is something I knew would be my biggest problem with surgery.  It's manageable.  But I don't think we ever get over it.  But if you stay tuned to the process.  Look at what triggers and pay attention we can manage the addiction.  I don't think I will ever overcome it.  Don't stop paying attention to you and your needs ever.  You need to stay focused because when we stop doing that, the weight falls back on and we become the invisible person again.  I have gained so I am not a good example but I have not given up.  I will fight to try and stay on top of this.  I have to....Its all about me and it has to be all about me.  I would like to share one thing with you....don't eat till you are full....eat the amount needed to survive.  I hope this will help you with your journey.  Good luck and enjoy the ride. Debbie

Thank you all for responding!  I am seeing a counselor, she doesn't specialize in food issues but I think she will be able to help.  I will keep reading and researching.  I know it isn't the same but I quit smoking a year ago.  So at least I understand the concept of one day at a time.