Question:
How many of you are still obsessed with food?
I am 10 weeks post op and find that I am still obsessed with food. How many of you are the same way? I make good food choices and WILL NOT cheat, but I am still always thinking about food. So far I have lost 46 pounds. I am happy with my weight loss but I wonder if this food obsession will ever go away. — Stacie B. (posted on September 9, 2003)
September 9, 2003
I too am still obsessed with food. I too eat right and do not cheat. I
always eat my protein first, then my veggies. I drink lots of water and am
trying to get a walking routine going. But I still find myself thinking
about all the food I loved before surgery, all my favorite resturants, and
what I would order if I could go there. I also find myself fixing regular
size plates of food for myself. Once I cut the food up into little pieces
I have to scrape 3/4 of the food off my plate. My husband says I am still
so early post-op, 5 weeks, -29 lbs., what do I expect. He said I ate
unhealthy for 27 years. And I am used to fixing regular sized plates. I
can't just expect my body to foget about all the bad food and big plates.
I kind of agree with him. But I am also a little worried. I am thinking
of finding a therapist to go to. I would like to know if there is some
underlying reason I am so obsessed with food. You are not alone. Just
keep up the good work!
— Maria S
September 9, 2003
I'm 15 months post-op, and I still often obsess about food. Some days are
worse than others, and other days it's not at issue at all, but the
difference now (as a post-op) is, I'm no longer obese, and I have the
necessary tools to keep my obesity in remission *IF* I don't get
thoughtless about my eating and exercise. Many of us will always have food
issues. I don't mind dealing with the food issue so much now, because now
I don't overeat constantly, as I did before.
— Suzy C.
September 9, 2003
I am, It's an every day battle, I'm an emotional eater, I don't drink I
don't smoke, I really don't have an outlet, One thing that I've started
doing is when I stress rather then grabbing for some chips or cookies, or
even worst a doughnut, I've started chewing gum........ It helps. Remember
it was tummy surgery that was done on us not brain surgery, otherwise we
wouldn't have issues, and that would be nice........
It's an every day battle but it reminds me of where I've been and where I'm
headed. Keep your chin up you'll get threw it,
Many hugs
— tannedtigress
September 9, 2003
I too am 10 weeks out and have lost 46 pounds. I absolutely still obsess
about food! It's not as bad as it was at 3 or 4 weeks post-op, but it
definitely affects me on a daily basis. I'm having a lot of problems
keeping down solid foods, and tend to obsess about the day when I'm able to
have just a *little* bit of my favorite foods. I think it's particularly
difficult when we're surrounded by food ALL THE TIME - on TV, on every
street corner, every billboard, people all around us, radio commercials,
etc. Imagine if a cocaine addict had to confront enticing pictures of
cocaine use everywhere they turned - it would be torture! And it's kind of
the same with us and food.
— Tiffany J.
September 9, 2003
I too am a food addict and still think about food a lot. The further away
from carbs I get, I am almost 8 months post op, the easier it seems to get.
I think that it is an addiction like any other and if you possess those
traits it is a lifetime battle. That is not to say that it does not get
easier because it truly does. Being aware of it and making actual choices
each time you eat I believe is the key to success. Good Luck!
— Carol S.
September 9, 2003
I surpassed my goal before my 11th month and was blessed with fast and
consistent weight loss. Every morning, I ask God to help me get through
another day of not giving in to my food demons. Although I am neither
obsessed with eating nor despondent over not being able to use food as a
coping mechanism, I know that I am just one cookie away from a binge. So,
in that sense, I am obessed with controlling my urges to overeat rather
than with what my next meal or snack would be. However, being able to wake
up and not feel guilty about all the food I had eaten the night before and
not feeling awful that I was sneaking eating more than compensate me for
the added attention which is required for controlling the food demons.
— SteveColarossi
September 9, 2003
I am 20 months post-op and think of food only as far as nutrition is
concerned. I do pay careful attention to what I eat but only in that I
make sure I get enough protein. I can honestly say that I never really
obsess about foods anymore - especially the things that I no longer eat.
— Patty_Butler
September 9, 2003
As someone who is just 10 weeks post-op, it is not unusual to obsess about
food. It does get better as you get further out, lose more weight, get
more active, eat more, and have a bigger variety in your diet. But
unfortunately, with that said, if you had food issues pre-op, like an
emotional eater, or binger, it may not go away without some therapy. You
do have a tool now to use that makes it easier to keep the weight off or to
lose it again, but we did not have surgery on our brains-that obsession or
"need" to eat is still there. We all have issues, otherwise, how
did we all end up obese? But many, many, post-ops have been very
successful at keeping the weight off due to their willingness to follow the
pouch rules and work at it. Its a rare post-op'er that loses their pre-op
obsession with food, eats whatever they want, doesn't follow the rules, and
never exercises or gains a pound. Most of us do have to work at it.
— Cindy R.
September 9, 2003
I am DEFINATELY addicted to food. I have only recently admitted this and
accepted it. I thought once I had the surgery, my mind would change as
well, but not so! I stress eat and eat for emotional reasons. I go into the
store and buy bags of candy - even though I can only eat a little at a time
- just because I know how good it is. Sweets have always been my downfall
and I don't dump very often. I still go to fast food places and have even
gone to 2 different places to get my favorite foods - only to be able to
eat a couple bites of each and have to throw the rest away! I mean, how
silly is that? It's a compulsion that is hard to explain unless you've been
there. I should probably see a counselor who specializes in eating
disorders, but I'm still struggling with the idea that I need "outside
help". I am at goal wt. but would like to lose a little more.
I know this doesn't really help, but I wanted you to know you're not alone!
:0) Hugs!
— michelle T.
September 9, 2003
I was wondering about this same question. I feel like food is a big part
of my day. I may not be eating the huge amounts I used to eat but I am
constantly thinking about sources of protein, how to modify recipes, if I
will ever be thin enough to allow myself to have a bite of creme brulee
which was my favorite. I am like you and making good food choices. I too
think about food a lot. It just feels like my obession has turned from ice
cream and fried chicken to detour bars and cheese and beef jerky. I feel
just as caught in the web of food obsession sometimes. The only thing I
have notice though is that I may think about it but I don't act out with
food. Food is all about protein and nourishment now. At least I am
getting a grip on the notion that food will fix, soothe, or celebrate a
dang thing. I still like for food to taste good. I just am not drawn to
the same things. My tastes have changed. I know it won't be like this
always. I am just trying to do my best for the rest of the 12 months I
have left in my "honeymoon window". If you ever need support,
feel free to email me.
— Ann B.
September 9, 2003
to & from work I drive past 2 mcdonalds, 1 burger king, taco bell,
wendy's , baskin robbins, Kalidascoops ice cream, Culvers (for those not in
the midwest the best frozen custard in the universe.) and dairy queen.
Sometimes I think I get the withdrawals just driving past them. I think
about food alot. I love to cook, I read cookbooks recreationally. have
taken classes ant a culinary school, have several recipe sites bookmarked
on my computer, it goes on and on. Am I obsessed?????? maybe just a
little :-) but I have lost 115 #. my food profile is on WWW.fitday.com web
llink is
http://www.fitday.com/WebFit/PublicJournals.html?Owner=%2A%2Awillow%2A%2A
— **willow**
September 9, 2003
I am so glad I'm not the only one wrestling with this terrible obsession.
I did fine on my 3 week liquid diet and then when the soft foods started
all of my food issues did too. I've been very good and haven't cheated and
for that I'm truly proud. At 5 weeks out I'm down at least 34# (as of my 3
wk. check up) and for that I'm truly happy and thankful. But I find myself
thinking of food almost constantly. I remember as a pre-op hearing posties
saying that they never think about food and have to force themselves to
eat...I'm beginning to think only about 1/4 of those people were telling
the truth. Although I may not be eating all the time, I sure do think
about it enough. I only pray that I keep the strength to use this tool
I've been given properly so that I get the greatest benefit!!
— Rhonda Y.
September 9, 2003
Thank God you guys are being honest about this...I get so tired of hearing
the "party line" sometimes! :) I am 11 weeks out tomorrow, down
58# and have thought sometimes I am losing my mind. For example, my
surgeon has a strict regimine of 600 calories a day, minimum of 65-70 grams
protein. I work out 5-6x a week and obey all the darn rules. But the
whole time, in the back of my mind is this litany of desires. I allow
myself something nice and plan it into my calories and protein and I spend
the whole day obsessing about whether or not 1 piece is enough, how can I
juggle my calories to get in 1.5 or even 2?! On top of this, I never feel
full, so have worries about my stomal health. That being said, I continue
to find that 1 piece is more than enough (physically) and I am generally
satisfied (mentally). That doesn't stop me from worrying about it next
time, though. From what I can see, most of us with this problem in an
acute state are all around 2-3 months post op. If we can only survive
another month or two, hopefully it will get better. Good luck to you all!
— Rachael B.
September 10, 2003
i am absolutely a food addict. the big difference for me (at about 5
months out) is that i have a physical limit on what i can eat that prevents
me from acting out on all my urges. before the surgery, my addiction was
more powerful than i was. the surgery gave me the additional tool i needed
to make this a fair fight. but it's still a battle, and i expect it to
continue to be this way for the rest of my life. HOWEVER, don't take this
as discouragement. i am thrilled with the surgery, and more than willing
to do the hard work needed to keep the food deamon at bay. it isn't easy,
but it is sooo worth it when i consider how much better i feel and how much
better my quality of life is. it's not for me to judge the folks who say
that after the surgery they loose all interest in food - i wish i were so
lucky, but i won't let the fact that i'm not keep me from having the
success that this surgery can offer!
— carol B.
September 11, 2003
I am almost 11 months post op, I have an eating disorder. I have been in
therapy with an eating disorder specialist for several months. I really
realized that I had the disorder when I found myself eating through this
surgery. Its true that the small pouch can only hold a few ounces but it
is also true that the pouch empties out within a half an hour of eating.
So if I chose to, I could eat every hour or so and not overfill the
pouch...when you find yourself thinking those types of things or notice
yourself doing those things, as I was, it is definately time for outside
help. My weight loss had stopped and I was getting depressed and had
refused to accept the blame. I finally was able to be honest with myslf
and got help. I am losing weight again and feeling better about myself and
not constantly feeling guilty. And even though I am in counseling, I still
fall off the wagon. Its not such a hard fall and I dont beat myself up
over it. I Praise myself on being smart enough to see what I am doing and
I stop. I will be in counseling until I get to the point that I can
realize before I start a 'binge' that its coming and I can prevent it. It
is not easy, but it is not impossible either. YOU ARE NOT ALONE....You are
welcome to email me privately if you wish. [email protected] highest
weight 485, pre op weight 388, current weight 255.....terri
— cherokey55
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