Question:
What can I do to get back on track from depression and benge eating at night?

I do not have an appitate in the day time but at night I feel I have to eat something. I had my surgery in Sept 2003 and did good for a while but now I seem to be eating more. I started at 310lbs and now I don't seem to go lower than 175, and a size 12-14 please help me out. I am 5 ft 9 1/2 inches tall and now 61yrs of age. I know I am not the only person of my delima and age.    — Chelsealynn (posted on December 29, 2005)

December 29, 2005

   — Kasey

December 29, 2005
You have hit the nail on the head. your body is starving, you need to eat to loose weight and feel better. I am 2.5 years post op and usualy track my calories, and at times I only get 600 a day, and with malabsorbtion, my body is even getting less calories that it needs to function. Food will also elevate your moods and raise your blood sugar and make you feel better. I have noticed when I up my intake, and add a few carbs...pasta, potatos, I feel better, the brain needs carbs too to function, as well as the protien, and since your almost as far out as me, you should be eating a regular normal diet, except in smaller amounts. Did you drink coffee, or diet pop pre op? depression durring the day is definatly contributed to not eating, and the benging in the evening is your body telling you to eat so you can both feel better...you mind and body. For you age and height your bmi is normal. Maybe you could have plastic (reconstructive surgery) and that would get you a size or 2 smaller. So my advie to you is to start eating regular meals, add a few healthy snacks, pretzles, fruit, veggies, cottage cheese smoothies, yogart, protien bar or drink. I think this will help you emensily. Good luck and enjoy the ride. Rosemary 300>150-150 @goal 5'2 (for my age and height)
   — wizz40

December 29, 2005
Bettye how the hek are you girl this is Dana my email is [email protected] email me and I will try to help you. I have some online support groups maybe we can help you. YOU are not alone. I miss you. Dana
   — DanaDee1969

December 29, 2005
Betty, Night time is my problem too. I haven't had my surgery yet, but I have been seeking other alternatives to eating at night. I think it is that at night the world is quiet, and we think about things...or at least I do. I have started journaling, and plan that time to do my eyebrows, to color, journal, etc. I love to read too. I hope you find an answer. I know how frustrating it can be. Another thing I know adds to it is that I don't eat until early afternoon, so I am still hungry late in the evening. Make sure you are eating breakfast....my Dr said I should be eating 5-6 small meals a day to keep my metabolism going. Good luck! Sandra
   — Sandra.M

December 29, 2005
I have an off-beat approach that I use successfully, but want to send it via your email, so I hope your email addy is up to date here. Let me know. Theresa
   — SouthTX LapBand

December 29, 2005
I have talked to my PCP about this (I have NOT had surgery yet) and she recommended drinking a glass of fiber mix around 6:00 PM. I have not tried it, but if it is OK with your doctor (and I would definitely ask first. I would hate to give ill-advice) Also, I agree with planning out activities. If you sit in front of that TV at night (like I do), you are definitely going to feel restless and your body will trigger that hunger feeling in your brain. Good luck.
   — Princess_Someday

December 30, 2005
You must eat and have your meals during the day no matter what. It seems to me that you are sabotaging yourself. You must be careful with the nights eating. You are aware of your depression and of your benge eating and it is one step in the right direction. Now try to heel and come to term with the issues that are bothering you and are pushing you to eat at night. Call a friend, share your pain, ask for moral support, share your fear.....Once you follow those suggestions, I believe the obcession with food will be lifted and things will get easier for you. If you need moral support, I am willind to listen to you. My direct email is [email protected] I will be glad to help. God bless you. I understand, and I know what depression is all about. Believe me I also understand night eating. Don't be discourage. The fact that you reached out and you asked for help, means that you are on the road of recovery and are willing to get better fast and to change the bahavior. I am here to help.
   — Dani96

December 30, 2005
For someone who is hitting the 2 year wall, I recommend the Grad list. Everyone is 1+ years out, most of us have hit the 2 year wall and can maybe help you get past it. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG
   — vitalady