Question:
Are there any Post-Ops out there that were Binge Eaters?

I am a pre-op (285#) who is also a binge eater. After 2 years of research, I am planning on using WLS as a tool to overcome this. I am hoping that by losing the ABILITY to binge eat for at least the first 10-12 months, I can use that time to overcome this issue. Looking for others who have experienced this and your input please. Were you successful?    — Renee D. (posted on March 22, 2002)

March 22, 2002
I, too, was/am a binge eater. If I splurge on something now it is so minor that I try not to worry about it too much. I had my surgery 8/2/01 and have lost 175 pounds so far. This surgery has been the best thing I ever did for myself. I am 7 months out and I can tell a difference in the amounts that I can eat now versus when I first had my surgery but they are still nothing compared to before surgery. This surgery is an excellent tool in teaching you limits and the mechanisms in place, i.e., the sickness, throwing up and bathroom visits, that happen should you eat something you are not supposed to work very nicely for me. Good luck and best wishes!
   — Sharon R.

March 22, 2002
Binge eater.....that would be me. For 10 years, I simply did not care what I ate, when or how much. Well, it caught up with me. The good thing about the WLS and post-op care, is that we are still binge eaters in a sense in that we still have to eat like every few hours to keep the little pouch full and when we're not eating, we're consuming liquids, so I find it similar to the old lifestyle in a sense, only this time we have a built in "dump-o-meter" that's going to tell us when we flub up. We'll know when we get laid out on the bed for a few hours or get all clammy and hot and feel miserable. Are you getting the picture? Good luck on your journey. I'm down 65 lbs. at 5 months post op. Best to you.
   — blank first name B.

March 22, 2002
Yes. I am/was a binge eater, too. I was honest about it on my psych eval, and ended up being told by BTC that they wouldn't consider me for surgery until I'd seen an eating disorders specialist for a number of months. I was very dissappointed at the time, but it's the best thing I've ever done for myself. I regained control of my eating BEFORE the surgery, felt much better, and even lost 19 pounds on my own in the months I was waiting. I'm 6 months post op now, losing very slowly, but feeling great. And not binging...the closest I came to binging, one time was eating more than one cup of vanilla sugar free pudding! And I haven't done it again. I'd highly recommend a good therapist.
   — Yvonne R.

March 22, 2002
Hi! I, too, was a binge/stress eater. For me, my mind-set towards food has changed totally. Also, our food likes and dislikes change after surgery. Add those to how great we feel watching those pounds disappear. Now I eat because it is necessary. I will admit, I have had a few moments when the stress made me run to the kitchen. After a few bites I feel so miserable that I stop. (I tend to forget to chew enough when I am angry/upset) That keeps me from doing it again for a long time. You will be fine! Just allow yourself to be human and forgive yourself when you do have a minor slip.
   — grammie5

March 22, 2002
Hi, yes, yes, yes, I was a binge eater. I was actually diagnosed with binge eating disorder years ago and sought counseling, which helped me to understand it more and the reasons why I sabotaged myself, but honestly, it didn't help me to get a handle on it. I am now 10 months post op, 2 pounds below goal weight with a loss of 113 pounds!!! Post op binging...NO WAY! Can't even imagine it! I really have learned how to eat and make good, healthy choices, I plan my meals carefully and have no desire anymore for anything that will do my body harm. I do get hungry, but that intial post op time really did help me re-learn my thinking and my tool keeps me in check. My health is great, blood sugars completely normal (pre-op, they were off the charts and I was on insulin and pills), blood presure normal, heart rate is that of an athlete (woohoo!) and cholesterol completely normal. If I can change, anyone can! Best of luck...
   — Vicki K.

March 23, 2002
I am 22 months post-op (DS surgery). Although my surgery greatly reduced the quantities I could consume when I binged, I still have the binge behavior and thought process. My weight loss has been successful, but I will need to remain vigilant to insure that I do not allow my eating disorder to sabotage my surgery. I do not believe WLS cures these types of disorders, it helps keep the disorder from killing you! -Kate-
   — kateseidel

March 24, 2002
Thanks so much to everyone for your responses and support! I'll be sure to post when I get a surgery date. Thanks again!
   — Renee D.