Anyone else struggle with major emotional issues after food is no longer a comfort option?

[auntbrat 1]

I am a food addict and I struggle with depression and anxiety issues. This band experience has me spiraling out of control emotion-wise.

I was covering over all my feelings with food and my reaction to that and to feeling all the feelings now that I don't have food, is overwhelming. I have turned into a total rage-a-holic. I find that there is just a lot of anger that I'm dealing with that is coming up now that I don't have food.

My psychologist has assured me that my feelings are not going to kill me but I have to learn how to feel them. She said that in the end this is going to help me be healthier emotionally. I know this is true but at the moment I am an emotional basketcase.

If anyone else has experienced this or something similar, I would appreciate your input on how you deal with it and how you get through it.

Thank you.

[michelle37 0]

I am a food addict and I struggle with depression and anxiety issues. This band experience has me spiraling out of control emotion-wise.

I was covering over all my feelings with food and my reaction to that and to feeling all the feelings now that I don't have food, is overwhelming. I have turned into a total rage-a-holic. I find that there is just a lot of anger that I'm dealing with that is coming up now that I don't have food.

My psychologist has assured me that my feelings are not going to kill me but I have to learn how to feel them. She said that in the end this is going to help me be healthier emotionally. I know this is true but at the moment I am an emotional basketcase.

If anyone else has experienced this or something similar, I would appreciate your input on how you deal with it and how you get through it.

Thank you.

I can definetely feel your pain. I did not think food was such an issue for me....well boy was I wrong. Sometimes I get very frustrated with my husband because he still wants to eat out and it is not all about food for me anymore. It is not enjoyable to go out especially so I can watch him eat desert. Then I realized he is not the one with food issues so I can and just try to engage in conversation and not let it bother me. I am not sure we will ever overcome those issues. I am 10 months post band and lost 30 pounds. I only had 70 to lose to start. I have tried to use my energy more towards exercise. Now if I am home on my day off where I use to snack all day long I go to the gym and do a spinning class which helps with the hunger issues. Join a club of some kind, get hobbies and shift your focus from food. If you dont find a way steer away from those thoughts there is nothing the band will be able to do for you. Hang in there, losing the weight is the best feeling in the world and the rest we will overcome in time.

Good Luck

[kristallynn13 18]

I can totally relate. I am a month post op and have a sense of not being quite right. food has been my friend/enemy for so long. I am having a hard time dealing with any emotions. I keep tellin gmyself this will pass. I am going to the Psychologist and it does help some. I don't get any enjoyment out of eating anymore. I feel lost without this enjoyment. I have been trying to channel these feelings into some other type of healthy addiction, but so far have not been very successful. I have begun working out everyday and maybe I can become an exercise nut. Good luck to you. We will make it through this hurdle together!

[auntbrat 1]

Thank you for your kind words of support. I'm taking it one day at a time dealing with the emotional issues.

Yes, we will have to get through these hurdles together.

I wish you the best on your journeys as well.