Anxiety, Addiction, and Control..HELP!!

LilBoPink · April 24, 2006

Hi All

I should be setting my date this week for the end of May with Dr Joya in Puerto Vallarta. I have researched until I do not know where else to look! I am totally comfortable with my choice in the doctor etc. My anxiety (honest, REAL anxiety) has just come in to play this weekend reading (and thinking about) the post op diet. Being the control freak I am (not as bad as I used to be) I will have no choice but to follow the liquid diet. This in turn has shown me my addiction to food and compulsive eating habits. HELLO!!:party: I knew I loved food, am an emotional eater, and lazy. I just didnt realize my addiction until I became overwhelmed and anxious about the post op liquids. What advise do you have getting through the liquid stage? The preop will be just as bad (no solids) but Im not anxious about that, yet. Also the fact that Im taking out a loan to do this is a lil nerv racking. If I have complications I do nothave the money to go back to Mexico. I do have a fil doc line up but thats all she does is fills. Any suggections? By the way this forum is awesome. Yall are great! I am SO happy to have found YOU!

Sherri

West Monroe, La

pre-bandster @260 BMI 41

JanetC · April 24, 2006

My biggest piece of advice is to ALWAYS have something in your hand. You'll be SO sick of liquids, but find something that sounds the least unappetizing & make sure you have it next to you at all times -- a glass of Water, a cup of tea, a popsicle, Jello, whatever.

Focus on the fact that it's a SHORT period of time & that you're healing... scare yourself into obeying. You'll make it through!! It seems like forever when you're going through it, though, so find a band buddy or 2 on here that are getting banded about the same time... you can moan to each other!

Good luck & congrats!

DonnaB · April 24, 2006

One day at a time. If need be, one minute at a time. Just like any other addict has to do. I know that doesn't seem to be much of an answer but in reality it is THE answer. You just have to live from minute to minute, hour to hour, day to day. The good news is, the time DOES pass. When you come out the other side there will be food again.

Like you, I was in a panic about losing the food. I'm happy to say I survived it. Believe me, you'll go through this again and again - every time your post-op diet changes in fact. You'll get through it. We all did.

LilBoPink · April 25, 2006

Thank you guys for the advise and support!

tinaj · April 26, 2006

hi,

I am going through the same thing right now. I am on day 2 of my pre-op diet and it has definitely brought out all of my issues. I think the first day was the hardest but I am struggling with the fact that I see no end. I have at least several weeks of this maybe a month before food. It terrifies me. I get banded on Thursday and like everyone said I am just trying to stay focused one day at a time. tomorrow i will be very busy and I am hoping that helps. Honestly, I am surprised I've made it this far. It is such a mental thing. I too, just thought I loved to eat but I now know just after two days that I really am an addict. food is my drug.I know this isn't helping you but I just wanted you to know that you are alone. When you get to that pre-op stage email me and I will try to help. I don't think I will forget how hard this has been!!! tina

3loves · April 26, 2006

LilBoPink ~ Hi there...you are not alone. You should come over to the May thread and join us there: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=16512&page=3

We will all be banded in May. :biggrin1: I discovered how bad my addiction was last year. You are making progress to the "new you" by acknowledging your addiction. Like DonnaB said, one day or one minute at a time. You can do this!!