Question:
Had gastric 3yrs ago, suffering depression and axiety which has caused drinking.

Any advice would truly be appreciated at this time..I've enjoyed previous posting and would like to know if anyone's having both problems and any suggestions of free wls support meetings in houston,tx..laid off 1/09 need help quickly...cant do this alone!    — dawny (posted on June 14, 2010)


June 14, 2010
Sorry to hear you are such a state. I had both depression and drinking problems (before OH). I had finally had enough (suicidal), went to a psychiatrist who put me on meds, psychologist, and to AA. I couldn't have it without all three. Please seek professional help for your problems, they don't go away by themselves. OH support groups are great for weight loss and WLS issues, not the ones you are describing. God's speed. Hugs, Jane
   — Jane W.

June 14, 2010
I am sorry you are having a hard time. I am going to see someone weekly about emotional eating. That is helping. I too have had problems with depression and anxiety. I had the lap band done and it wasn't a good option for me so I am considering rny. Is there something new that has happened in you life or is it from not being able to cope with out having your food to help you cope. I would like to know . Hang in there it does get better with some help don't beat yourself up.
   — pandavenise

June 14, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of your problems, AA is such a powerful tool. Good luck!
   — FSUMom

June 14, 2010
I hope that you decide to get help from professionals. This is a serious issue. There are agencies with sliding fee scales. The local United Way should be able to point you in the direction og services. I think AA would be helpful. In the forums on OH there is one on cross assictions. It is not unusual for someone to become addicted to something other than food, once food is no longer their addiction.
   — MargaretHM

June 14, 2010
Hi Dawnyell, I live in the Houston area also and can see if there are any groups around for you. Send me an email to the address listed further down this post and let me know what area of town you are in so we can focus the searcch within a reasonable distance. I will help you search for support. I suffer from anxiety and recently accepted the diagnosis of major depression (after YEARS of denial) and was put on anti-depressants and am actually TAKING them this time LOL! Emotionally I feel better than I have in a very long time so they are working. As for the drinking, I am 10 years post-op from RNY. About 6 months post-op I began smoking to have something to do with my mouth other than eat and I turned to alcohol to calm me down, help me go to sleep (I have horrible insomnia), and to cope with things that I had stuffed down with food before. My life became a nightmare very quickly. In just three and a half years I went from someone who rarely drank to being so physically addicted to it that I couldn't go more than two or three hours without it or I would start having withdrawals. I knew nothing about transferring addictions at the time but that is what happened. My drinking was affecting my body terribly but I couldn't stop. I walked into AA in 2004 and I will celebrate 6 years of sobriety soon. As Shelly said, AA is a powerful tool. You learn to work the 12 steps not only on alcohol but on anything troubling you and you are given other ways of coping without a drink or any other harmful substance or activity. If you would be interested in finding a meeting I can help with that too but no pressure here. I would just like to help however I can. E-mail me at [email protected] and lets see what we can find for you. The main thing to remember is there IS help out there. You are NOT alone. Hope to hear from you!
   — Kellye C.

June 14, 2010
I think it's providential that you wrote this today. I live in Akron, Ohio and last weekend was Founder's Weekend. Akron is the home of AA and people come from around the world to celebrate the founding. I live 2 blocks from Dr. Bob's house and a mile from the house where the first meeting was held between Dr. Bob and Bill W. It is such a wonderful weekend. People talk about how AA saved their lives. Please look to see if there is a meeting near you. If you work the program it will work. Good luck to you - you've won half the battle by even recognizing there is a problem.
   — Muggs

June 14, 2010
Liquor is sooooooo rough on your pouch. I am bipolar which often leads to depression. I am anxious alot. Please use the money your spending on drinking to get to the doctor for help. There are definately things you and the doctor can do to help your situation. I implore you to get the help you need.
   — Barbara P.

June 15, 2010
Anxiety and depression are common aftr weight loss surgery, even years later. We used food to cover feelings now we have to face them or cope some other way, like drinking. Check with the surgeons office that did the surgery they often know of support groups in your area. Being laid off seems like it would add to the anxiety and depression, so asking for help is a really good thing. Both of these conditions respond well to therapy and medications. if you have medical coverage see your primary care doctor for help but getting the drinking under control is also very important. AA is a good resource since they will know of other resources in your area as well.
   — trible

June 15, 2010
Sorry to hear your having problems! I by the grace of God have been clean and sober for 23 years thanks to AA. I myself am 3 1/2 years out and I am still having a hard time beating the Head demon regarding the weight. Good luck to you and Hope I can help just remember your not alone we all still have to stick together and keep fighting.
   — seachelle




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