Question:
How do I handle stress now that I can no longer binge eat?

I used to binge eat when stressed. I am 2 1/2 months post-op and am not in danger of trying to overeat now. But I still have stress and now it doesn't know where to go. I recently had a lot of stress with more to come and have had horrible problems with gas pains and burping because I appear to be swallowing air (I think I just swallow the "lump" in my throat and swallow air with it). I also notice an extreme increase in saliva production when I'm nervous and I end up swallowing it. After swallowing saliva for awhile, I will get sick and have to throw up. My stress has always centered around my throat! I have tried to come up with other ways to handle stress, but nothing has worked so far the way that eating myself into a stupor used to work. Taking a deep breath just doesn't cut it. I tried to learn to crochet, but that seemed more frustrating than relaxing! Bubble baths are nice, but I can't take one on my lunch break when I'm having a hard day at work. Anyone have any tips for me? Thanks!    — ediecat (posted on December 12, 2002)

December 12, 2002
A couple of very simple stress management techniques include: 1. Focus on your breathing. Simply clear your mind and attempt to notice the exact point at which you switch from inhalation to exhalation and vice versa. Do this for about 30 breaths and you will notice a distinct calming. Remember you typically breath about 12-16 breaths per minute so 30 breaths is not a very long time. 2. Go for a walk or climb some stairs or any other activity that involves moving large muscle groups. Focus on the muscle as it is being used. This also helps to reduce stress. Lastly, consider increasing drinking, smoking and sex! What I mean by that is increase your sense of humor...lighten up and notice that most things aren't worth getting stressed over. Good Luck!
   — merri B.

December 12, 2002
The reason deep breathing works so well at reducing stress is the same reason the lamaze techniques work during labor. Your mind cannot effectively concentrate on two things at once. So, if you're concentrating on how you are breathing, you cannot be concentrating on your stress as well, and within minutes, you feel your stress reduced dramatically. Give it a try, it works!
   — thumpiez

December 13, 2002
you can try a couple things...mind you I am not a dr, but you may want to bring a walkman to work with some relazing music to you and you can use that to relax, you may want to contact your family dr, and talk to him/her about this, they may be able to subscribe you something to help you with this, i wouldnt let it go unchecked Stress does a great deal to people, and you arent alone on this. good luck Michelle
   — Michelle M.