Question:
Who can help me with overeating post op?
First of all I don't want to be bashed I know wls is only a tool but I need some help and I want to know where to look. I am eating out of control candy, chips, cookies, cake, fried foods all of this after 7 months and losing over 90 lbs. Im know im addicted to food and I know I need to get some counseling but where do I look? What do I look for? I went to counseling after surgery but the person I saw didn't deal with food issues and didn't think I needed to be in counseling. I know I desperatly need help what is a person who deals with these issues called how can I look one up? Will insurane cover it? Has anyone else gone thru this? I honestly can't get a grip on my eating im never full and sugar doesn't bother me at all. I havnt lost weight for 8 weeks and im still 25 lbs. from goal, its not even not making it to goal that bothers me its the fear of being so out of control and knowing that if I keep this up im going to gain all the weight back. — [Anonymous] (posted on February 18, 2002)
February 18, 2002
Have you tried Overeaters Anonymous (sp)?
— rebeccamayhew
February 18, 2002
Hi. I agree with Rebecca (see post below.) OA helps me to maintain my
sanity with food (and with my life!) Be honest with the group and tell
them your surgery and how you're suffering with compulsive overeating. If
they're not accepting of the fact that you chose surgery as a tool to help
you, then find another group. I am a compulsive overeater... that will
never change. The surgery worked on my body, but I need other tools (like
OA) to help me with my head. Please feel free to email me personally if
you have more questions. JK, RN
— Joya K.
February 18, 2002
Another suggestion is to look for Eating Disorders in the Yellow Pages. If
you don't find anything, and there is a Children's hospital in your area,
call them and ask who treats people with anorexia. That doctor may be able
to put you in touch with a therapist. I know that it may seem
contradictory, but compulsive overeating and anorexia and bulimia all have
a great deal in common, from a psychological standpoint. Eating disorders
therapists have much experience in dealing with food issues, body image
issues, and all the emotional 'stuff' that surrounds eating. Feel free to
email if you like. Good luck.
— garw
February 18, 2002
After I posted, I went out and did an internet search. I just put eating
disorders in the search engine. This is one of the first sites I found.
This URL will take you to a place where you can find someone in your
state.
http://www.something-fishy.org/treatmentfinder.php When I went to my
state, the first listing is of a group I have dealt with personally and
consider to be absolutely excellent. There are probably many other helpful
sites.
— garw
February 18, 2002
First of all, I am sad that you think people would bash you on this board.
We care about each other in this little web community of ours, and we all
understand the frustration of out-of-control eating. My suggestion, if you
can do it, is to limit your meals to 4-5 per day, telling yourself you can
eat whatever you want, but only at mealtimes. You'll find that you start
choosing healthier things, because they make you full longer. Eating sugar
makes you crave sugar. Protein makes you full. Good luck and feel free to
write anytime.
— Terissa R.
February 18, 2002
You have already taken the two most important steps: 1) You have admitted
you have a problem; 2) You have asked for help. The next step is to
follow what folks below have recommended and find a therapist who handles
eating disorders or try OA. You have shown that you have the courage to
reach out, and that is so hard. Good luck to you and let us know how you
do. Nina in Maine
— [Deactivated Member]
February 18, 2002
There is a doctor (Ph.D.) in the Atlanta area who specializes in treating
Bariatric Surgery patients and eating disorders. She herself had the
surgery about six years ago, and has since begun her practice. She has a
profile here on obesity help, I believe. She will do online and telephone
counseling with people. She also has a book that was just published called
(paraphrasing here... not sure exactly): "This is not brain
surgery", implying that you have to work on your brain, the surgery
will only provide the tool. It may be worth looking into. Her name is Dr.
Teri Kai Holtzclaw. Good luck to you.
— Jennifer P.
February 18, 2002
I know what you mean about being "bashed". I remember well some
people asking if anyone regrets having WLS. When some people who were hurt
by it were honest, they were blasted and made to feel to blame. (Like being
raped and told you raped yourself). Those people who kick others when they
are down should have a good taste of it themselves.
But anyway, I too started having trouble with overeating... again, at about
8 months out. I can tolerate sugar, although I've tried to stay away from
it. I started eating a few pieces of candy, a few prezels, and a few other
things with carbs. Carbs are my weakness and always have been. They trigger
eating binges and I could'nt stop. Honest, I just could'nt stop even post
op! I had to try to find something to eat (when those violent-strong
cravings hit) that hopefully wouldnt put weight on. Then I found something
to buy that looked good tasting. It was "Puffed Kasahi". (By the
way, I had two other kinds of Kasahi and hated them). I measured out a
portion (one cup) and put two-three teaspoons of Splenda on it (perhaps the
Splenda is setting off my sweet cravings?). It has 70 calories. 1/2 gram of
fat, 2 grams of fiber and 13 carbs. Now I find when I'm hungry I only need
a "half cup" which I put in a very tiny bowl! So it's hardly any
calories, low in carbs and fat. It's filling too. I put 1/4 cup or less of
milk on it. Just enough to let it go down wet. It solves my carb addiction
and I don't think it's adding to many carbs. Now after eaing that for
several days (it's been a week now) my carb addiction and overeating is
back in check. I was VERY scared of my eating this time. Perhaps you should
find a kind of Kashi you like (they have several) and try this. You are
only out the price of a box of cereal if you don't like it. Make sure if
you are craving something sweet to put Splenda or something like it on the
cereal (no sugar, of course!). And the best of luck to you. (I'm sorry that
this is so long).
— Danmark
February 18, 2002
By the way, I save the Kashi for between meals when "I think" I'm
going crazy with hunger. So I get less than 7 carbs, 1/4 gram of fat, 1
fiber and 35 calories with the half serving. It's the best way I found to
eat when I "think" I have to eat between meals. I hope it will
work for you.
— Danmark
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