Question:
Post-op success with binge-eating disorder?

Binge eating disorder is recognized now as a distinct psychiatric disorder. I believe I have this; at the very least I engage in frequent, harmful periods of overeating. I want surgery to completely change my life and will do ANYTHING to make it work. I wanted to hear from others who have overcome this same problem. What did you add to your life to replace the loss of food as a familiar friend?    — Lorri S. (posted on June 9, 2000)

June 9, 2000
Here is a good abstract for binge eaters and the need for constant follow up and modifying eating behavior to have a successful outcome... <p> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=0010065590&form=6&db=m&Dopt=r <p> Binge eating in gastric bypass patients before surgery. <p> Saunders R Center for Behavioral Change, Richmond, Virginia 23294, USA. [email protected] <p> BACKGROUND: Binge eating in the obese, specifically those undergoing bariatric surgery, has only recently been investigated. This study is a continuation of a long-term effort to determine the impact of eating disorders on the outcome of bariatric surgery. METHODS: Self-report questionnaires (Binge Eating Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Questionnaire on Weight and Eating Patterns) were completed by 125 patients preparing to undergo gastric bypass surgery. RESULTS: Binge eating was clearly a problem in this population, with 33.3% showing severe binge eating problems on the Binge Eating Scale. Over half of patients engaged in bingeing or grazing, most reporting a frequency of two or more times per week. A high level of depression was associated with binge eating. CONCLUSIONS: Because postsurgical long-term weight loss maintenance is contingent on modifying eating behavior, the identification and treatment of such disorders may be critical to successful long-term outcome in these patients. <p> <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/ok3/vbowen">Gastric Bypass Information, Links and recipes</a><br>
   — Victoria B.

June 9, 2000
I was a binge eater, a closet eater, a depression eater, a celebration eater, a happy eater, a mad eater. Hey, I was just an eater!!! It has been 8 weeks since surgery. The thing I've noticed is my eyes are too big for my stomach. I'll bye the regular foods I would get when I go out, or take out, and I usually don't want it at all after smelling it, or after a one or two bites. I've lost 47#, and I'm down to 165#!! Surgery is the tool I needed. Good Luck and God Bless You -
   — CohenHeart

June 10, 2000
I was a horrific binge eater for years and years. I deluded myself into thinking that I couldn't understand how I could keep gaining weight, losing, and gaining back more and more since I didn't really eat that much (HAH-when people were looking that is). Finally at 375 pounds my body felt like it was going to explode-certainly most of my organ systems were starting to break down careening to a sure death. So in desperation I was able to have surgery to save my life (January 6, 2000). At first my eating was definately diminished due to the immediate post operative recovery. After 2 months I started to feel much better, especially as I was able to eat a bit more food and not feel sick about it. But I also started to feel those cruel urges to want to eat more. Granted, I mechanically CAN'T binge like before but I continue to have the mental struggle with wanting more food even though I'm not hungry, wanting to finish all the food on my plate, eyes bigger than my stomach, and generally feeling like I want more. Unfortunately I know that because my obesity was truly caused my my binge eating and lack of exercize, I know that I must continue to go to Overeaers Anonymous meetings to keep me in check. Like any addict, I will always be in a state of dynamic recovery. May I urge you to read some books about compulsive eating, humble yourself and go to a 12 step program like OA (boy did I resist that one-and it turned out to be the best help of all) Good luck to you-there is support in out common struggle and bond(age).
   — Fran B.

June 10, 2000
I'd recommend that you watch your progress very closely if you decide to have the surgery. It's bound to be helpful but may not be enough alone. You might need to seek some psychological support if the BED kicks back in post operatively. It may not necessarily do so. But I also think that cognitinve/behavioral therapy of the type practiced by Chris Fairburn is the most effective treatment for BED. If you haven't already seen it you might want to purchase a copy of his book: Overcoming Binge Eating, NY, Gulliford Press. 95. Get your entire family to read it too if you can. At least everyone who lives with you. Good Luck Carol in Philly
   — Carol M.

June 10, 2000
Fran, excellent post about binging and the benefits of Overeaters Anonymous. I went for several years and virtually eliminated compulsive overeating. Working the steps works. I also benefitted from the little tips like: HALT, Hungry Angry Lonely or Tired, the four things that can make us susceptible to binging. I really think it is an excellent way to handle the distinctions between head and stomach hunger. Fondly,
   — merri B.