Important Question

I'm in the process of being approved for WLS. But my big question is, how do you mentally overcome the issue with food? I want to eat all the time, I do consider it my addiction. I plan on seeing a therapist on a regular basis to deal with it. But does that constant need for food ever go away?

Congratulations on getting the ball rolling on your surgery.   

Mentally overcoming the need to eat food is the problem that each of us struggle with every day.  So many times you hear people say that after surgery they just don't care for certain foods anymore or never get hungry...but I certainly don't think that's a majority and it definitely won't last forever.  I do get hungry, mentally and physically and it can be very hard at times to distinguish the difference between the two.  That's where food logging will become a friend to you, to know if you are "hungry" or just bored.   Start logging now so it will become second nature for you.   Do you have trigger foods?  I am a salt-aholic.  I am the girl who can't have just one chip, I'll eat the whole bag plus more then I'll start on the peanut butter, cheese and crackers etc.  Some people have the will power to stop at just a few but I know I'm not that person so it's best for me just not to have that sort of food around.  Does that suck sometimes?  Yes, but fitting into size 10 jeans and medium tops is better.  

Going to see a therapist will help you, so good for you for going.  Try focusing your need to eat on different things, like exercise or a hobby you enjoy.   Again, do this now so you will already have the routine down for after you have your surgery.  

I posted this awhile ago, but I read a fantastic book called Crave: Why You Binge Eating and How to Stop by Cynthia Bulik.   It's not specifically for WLS patients but everything still applies.   I learned a lot of things about myself from this book and took away some very good advice.  

I don't believe that if you are truly addicted to food (which I am) that you ever become not addicted, you just keep your addiction in check.  Don't beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon, just pick yourself up and start over.  Each day is truly new.  

Best of luck to you!

~Emily~

Someone told me pre-op that they do surgery on our stomachs and not our brains---and it is oh so true.   I still fight the mental hunger.   Many times I am not physically hungry it is just something would either sound good or taste good.  After surgery you have to learn to eat to live, not live to eat.

I think finding a good therapist is one of the best things you can do.  Also, early out of surgery is the best time to form new habits, and new coping mechanisms.  You can do anything you put your mind to. ~ Leslie

hey hun, first congrats on beginning the process towards a new you!!
Im 3 1/2 months post op, i thankfully am one of those people who cant stand the sight of certain foods any more, and some smells even kill me. BUT i am very positive that doesnt last forever, and cravings will come back one day, im working on making new eating habits and making them second nature before that ever happens!! 
I honestly believe the mental aspect of WLS is much harder than the physical to deal with.
Its great that you will be seeking professional help, i would say do your research on who you choose, make sure they have SOME knowledge of your procedure and have studied the effects on our mental state post op! your surgeon more than likely works with someone who can be of great help!!

good luck

Thanks everyone for the great advice!

That's a really good suggestion. To not just find any therapist, but one who has dealt with WLS patients. I was looking into one therapist who deals with eating disorders and addictions. So I will ask her if she has any experience with this.