Question:
Food Addiction?!!??
— LauraMarie (posted on December 18, 2009)
December 18, 2009
I don't know all the answers to your post, but I do suggest finding a
support group. It sounds like you need some major support and
encouragement. Good luck to you.
— Meeky
December 18, 2009
I agree with Romika. Also, you said that you work full time. Perhaps your
health insurance would pay for you to have therapy. This would be more
personal and help you to address some of the reasons why you're eating. It
would help you to identify the void that you're trying to fill.
— browngathers
December 18, 2009
Yes, see a therapist who specializes in disordered eating. It's not the
food you want. Enjoy your journey to your Self. Read the book, when Food is
Love, by Geneen Roth
— infodiva808
December 18, 2009
I agree with the previous poster. Get the book WHEN FOOD IS LOVE by Geneen
Roth. It's an excellent book to help with an over-eating addiction. I
also agree with joining a support group, even if it is Over Eaters
Annynamous. You must have a support system in place. Good luck whichever
path you choose
— katiecakes
December 18, 2009
— ditzyangeluk
December 18, 2009
I am exactly where you are, i have not lost in 3 months and i am only 1
year out. i think about food constantly. it never goes away. i am scared i
will gain all my weight back. i am seeing a shrink about this and really
hope she can help me. even if you dont lose any more weight , try to not
gain any more. that is what i am doig. if i can only stay where i am i
would be ok with that. to think you will never have goodies again is
unrealistic but do it in moderation. yet i have a hard time following that
rule my self. its very hard but keep trying. i wish you all the best with
this incrediably hard journy
— pinky_711
December 19, 2009
Hi Laura, I'm so glad you reached out for help. I am also addicted to food.
Food and I have been the best of friends AND the worst of friends over the
years. While this friend comforted me, this friend was also betraying me.
One way I think our surgeons let us down is by not emphasizing the mental
aspect of food addiction and where to go for help with this issues we have.
Where most any other addiction has its support mechanisms to overcome the
addiction, ours does not. While other addictions are for
substances/behaviors not necessary to sustaining life, ours is not. We must
eat to live! Why don't our surgeons help us more with this? It is extremely
difficult, if not impossible, to find a therapist with experience in this
area. Even the therapist I saw to be approved for my RNY surgery was not
experienced with food issues. So, not having any luck finding a therapist,
I have turned to books. _When Food Is Love_ is a great book. And here's
another I repeatedly turn to, and am still using on a regular basis: _The
Emotional First + Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric
Surgery_ by Cynthia L. Alexander, PsyD. I highly recommend this book. I
hear you when you say you have a busy schedule and meeting weekly with the
nutritionist is not possible. This is a great alternative, but so is
finding a support group of people who have had your surgery. That is really
where I have learned the most and gotten the most support. I wish you the
best. You're almost there and you're worth it!! It is time to get this
figured out for yourself. You CAN complete the race!!
— Cindy E.
December 20, 2009
Hi Laura :o) Congrats on your Rny and losing weight. I agree 100% with all
the above comments to seek out as much emotional support as you can get;
therapist, if depression medication is what you need get evauluated, seek a
WLS support group, Overeaters Anonymous meeting in your area or on the
phone, the book When Food Is Love is also a great read! I have done all of
the above for the past 2 years and it's changed my life. You're not alone,
good luck to you!
— CaliNik1979
December 21, 2009
i have had a food addiction my entire life. i am now 59 and going to
receive the lap-band early next year. your story sounds exactly like mine
except i didnt realize i had an actual addiction to food at a much later
age. you are quite smart to know that now as you can help yourself sooner.
i will tell you what i have learned from therapy and actually doing this
one step (altho sometimes i forget :)): my problems with overeating begin
with "deprivation". so i ask myself before i reach for something:
am i hungry? or am i feeling deprived? and deprived of what? and the
answers will be as varied as you are. i hope that helps you and i hope you
give it a try. and geneen roth is excellent. she doesnt offer diet plans;
just offers insights into her food addiction. oh and one last thing: when
we overeat to soothe ourselves, all we are doing is swallowing our feelings
right along with the food. listen to your heart. talk to yourself as you
would your friend. brightest blessings to you and good luck!
— Lynda M.
December 21, 2009
I feel exactly the same way. It is as if this problem is so much bigger
than me.
— Dale Elaine S.
December 22, 2009
Please please get in therapy, whether group or individual. The biggest
hurdle we WLS patients have to overcome is whats going on in our heads, not
in our bellies.
YOU CAN DO IT, but it helps a lot to get comfortable in your head and your
skin :-)
— mollyt
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