changing your relationship with food...

[erh92 1]

Okay, I have my surgery date and I am super excited! However, I was on the phone with my sister (who is supportive of the surgery!) and she raised some hard questions that I was unable to answer. She asked me how I was going to change my relationship with food. I told her I was going to go to support group and counseling. And, that will help. However, I spend a lot of time actively seeking out food and eating. What am I going to do with all of my newfound free time since I won't be eating as much? What did you guys do? How did you get over your obsession with food?

[Tiffykins 673]

I journaled in a notebook not online, I researched nutritional data for the sleeve post-op, I came here for support, and guidance from people that were considered veterans, I took walks to not be in the house.

I was a volume eater, but not compulsive in my habit. I ate generally 2 very large meals per day, and was not really a grazer by definition. I loved food, and still love food, but I had to find something to do after my little 20 minutes meals of just 2-3oz of food the first few months. It was not an easy task to let go of the desire to eat large quantities, but then something clicked and I realized I really was satisfied on smaller portions. Stock your fridge and pantry with the appropriate choices, and that will help you considerably. I also will have to say that I have lost all of my physical hunger. I realize that not all patients experience this post-sleeve, but it is for me. At nearly 11 months out, I still have to remind myself to eat. The ravenous hunger needed to be controlled, and so did my portions. The sleeve gave me both.

I think counseling and a support group are great tools for many people. I can't say that I had/have a true addiction to food as I've dealt with addiction in my past. It wasn't that difficult for me to give up the large volume of food that I consumed pre-op. Coping skills are definitely something I learned through other issues in my life, and I think that is what contributed to my ability to overcome a lot of the "food demons" we often discuss.

[pnw218 14]

I am only 2 months out and can honestly say that I am not over the food obsession yet. The mental has been much more difficult than the physical for me. I am not doing any counseling yet but my primary doctor has suggested it, more so for handling stress but I am sure I can bring up this issue as well.

My advice would be: if you are craving something, have a couple of bites and move on. Your stomach will not allow you to eat a quantity that will do super damage. You may be over your calories or carbs for one day, but you get right back on it the next day.

I have decided that I can have an ounce or two of lemoncello liquor on Friday/Saturday nights, but will not drink any other nights unless it is a special occasion. On the weekends, I am also having a treat if I want one. Yesterday it was a few bites of a brownie with cream cheese frosting. Today it was part of a mocha freeze from costco. I am so sick of chocolate right now, I doubt I will have any more for quite a while.

As for the extra time, I really haven't had that much yet cause it takes so dang long to eat 2 ounces! I really wish I could spend 5 or 10 minutes eating and then move on to something more exciting. :smile1: You probably will need to find something fun or productive to do, instead of grazing in the kitchen like we used to.

I am so glad to hear your sister is supportive! My sister has been great, altho I didn't tell her until the night before I left for San Diego. She was concerned for my safety and well being, but certainly did not try to talk me out of it. My 24 yr old daughter, on the other hand, still thinks I am crazy. But then, she knows it all :sad0:!!

Good luck to you! It is a wonderful tool.

[erh92 1]

Thanks for the responses and for the tips!