I have to STOP!!

Well... I have hit one of those stressful patches in my life.  I used to lean on others to get me through it, and when I left my husband, I felt like I needed to do it on my own.  I can't.  I know that is what OH is for... so here is my confession.

When I get stressed out... I eat.  I haven't been eating when I am hungry, I eat whether I am or not.  Here is my problem... and I am looking for any suggestions that anyone may have.

I don't post on here much, so many of you don't know me.  I had to have my RYGB reversed due to malnutrition.  Before I had it reversed... I had to eat all day long, and I was told to eat the most high calorie foods that I could tolerate.  Any time I didn't feel full, I was putting food in my mouth.  Do you see where the problem is forming???

Even with eating that way, and a feeding tube, I still had to have the reversal.  Now I am having the cravings for junk, and I am used to eating withough feeling hungry.  When I am having a craving for something, I can't seem to think about anything but. 

Any suggestions?  My BMI has gone from 18.4 to 26 in six months.  I do not want to continue this way.  I am okay with my weight... but I have GOT to start maintaining.  What do you do when you can't get the food out of your mind?

-Kim T

Kim... I can certainly see where this has it start. Now that you are aware of it you can do something about it. Perhaps you need to get some counseling to you help you deal with the emotional issues that brought you to this in the first place.

Like so many others have stated here: WLS isn't BRAIN surgery.
But we really do NEED to work on our mental issues surrounding our food addictive personalities. This is especially true for someone who has undergone WLS then HAD to eat to maintain & gain due to being malnourished.

How is your vitamin supplementation going? ARE you getting enough?
This also can have a negative impact when it comes to cravings...

I know if i don't eat well for more than a few days... I start thinking about things that are not in my best interest... so perhaps you need to have some comprehensive blood work done to see where that is.
Boost your vits and start feeling better...

Hang in there...

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!


Judy

Thank you for your advice.  I have not been taking any vitamins.  When I had my surgery reversed, I was told that I didn't HAVE to take them because I get them through what I eat.  My surgeon still tells me that I should take them because every adult could use vitamins. 

You are right... counseling would be a good idea.  I need to do something soon, because I don't want to gain all of my weight back.  I will start my vitamins as of today.

Take Care.

-Kim T

 Kim,

I agree with JEllen... find a professional to help.  I can't imagine going though everything I have and then having to have it reversed without a professional to help me deal with it all.  We are always here for you if you need to talk or vent.  Hang in there and God Speed!  *hugs*

Hi Kim-

Let me say that my thoughts are with you and I'm sending up some prayers to help you get through this rough time. 

I think it's AWESOME that you are reaching out to your WLS support system and know that is why we are here! 

Some suggestions for you: Outside help, therapy is always good to help us with those mind games our head tends to play.  Does your employer have an EAP (employee assistance program) program that could help you find someone?

Do you have a specific support person who can be there for you no matter what?  Close friend to confide in and call during those stressful moments? Life coach? Accountability partner?

Can you still attend support groups at your bariatric clinic?  It could still help to be around people who have always struggled with food? What about a local OA group? Not sure how you feel about either of those?

Can you take some time, sit down and make a list of alternative things to do when you are stressed out? ( I know easier said than done)

Here is an idea for you ~ take a minute and write down 10 Daily things you can do for Kim.  10 sounds like a lot and it might take you some time but try it out.  Make those positive things to help focus on you and your recovery.  Maybe focusing on those positive things will help you when those stressful times come and you want to reach for food.  Things that you enjoy.  Maybe that list consists of things you do for others you care about so the focus isn't completely on you but more on things you can do to help others that make you feel good!  :)

Do you have trigger foods in your house?  If so remove those foods that make you want to eat more.

Here are some other ideas;

Read positive affirmations/quotes
Read a self-help book
Volunteer at the local animal shelter/library/hospital etc..
Crossword puzzles/word search
Yard work
Journal about your emotions/stress/eating
Listen to something therapeutic
Start a new routine - walking at certain times of the day
Take a yoga/Pilate's/martial arts class
Take a relaxing bath
Set aside time for meditation

A fellow weight loss surgery friend of my just said last week remember "It's just food, it's not your friend, it's not your relative, it's just Fuel for our bodies!"

I hope something in this post helps you during this time and know that we are always here whenever you may need us!

Have a great day...

Trac~