Food Addiction

[traute 0]

Hello, my name is Traute and I started my weight loss journey when I reached 375 pounds. My sleeve surgery was on February 25, 2009. Today I am 270 and feel alot better than I did 100 pounds ago, however I have figured out a way to eat around my sleeve. I found out that I can eat alot popcorn giving me that feeling of binging again - the popcorn simply dissolves. I found out that I can drink Frozen Cokes (slurpees where I live) - ok so I go to the bathroom alot. I eat chocolate bars - no problems. I can have 1 piece of pizza and be full. I can eat 1 scrambled egg with cheese with no problem. If I drink milk or Protein shakes too fast, I get nauseous. Needless to say, I have lost weight and have maintained my 100 pound loss but I am tired of being stuck. I eat all the wrong foods and I am going no where. I know I am addicted to food but I dont know how to get out of it. And I am afraid to go to a food support group because I am not a very social person.

Back in April 2010 I visited my weight loss surgeon because I had developed a hernia right above my belly button. I thought seeing him was the right thing to do since I had trusted him once before and all went fine. However, after visiting him and hearing I am dissappointed with your weight loss, I was so ashamed of my actions. He was right, I fell off the wagon and didnt get back up. I only found a way around my weight loss surgery. Ya I lost weight but I didnt complete my journey and change the way I eat.

I feel so ashamed and discouraged in the same breath. Because I was so big, I now have a saggy stomach (apron) and saggy legs, and giant sagging arms. Yes I am lighter, but my body image didnt change, it just jiggles more - ALOT MORE. Im crying now typing this - I think my body image is what is hurting me the most. I feel that why should I bother, my sagging skin is still going to be there why should I bother.

I am reaching out to strangers, I dont know what to do to fix myself.

:blushing:

Traute

[determined1 3]

Traute, I am so sorry your going through this and sorry your Dr didnt give you some advice on where to get help. Don't give up, easier said than done, huh? We all have a bond here, we are (or have been) overweight, fought the yo yo dieting. You took a big step in getting the sleeve. Perhaps you can take a step in going to Overeaters Anonymous (or counsel with someone experiences with bariatrics). I just went first time Saturday and I'm not a social person~it was a real comfort to meet others who understand and dont judge you. Please hang in there, and please look into getting help from others who can/willing to help you! Good luck and keep us posted on your journey. XX Kelly

[Lori21769 14]

Hello Fellow Michigander-

Do not give up, my friend. You were given a tool, and you have forgotten how to use it. Go back to a week or two of just liquids, then do mushies, start all over again.

Write down all the reasons you decided to have the surgery in the beginning.

Did you think about the flabby skin when you made your decision? I did. I knew I was going to have some body image problems along the line. For now, I can cover everything with clothing. Later, when I am closer to goal I will start looking for solutions that I can afford.

Are you exercising? Drinking enough Water? Go back to the beginning, get out your pre-surgery literature and just commit yourself to using this tool to your best advantage.

If you still can't muster up the resolve, you may want to ask the surgeon to take the second step and give you a gastric bypass. Lots of super obese people start with the sleeve, and work toward bypass.

Don't give up on yourself!!!

[pumpkin07 32]

Wow, I too am so sorry. I think that you should still Celebrate the 100 lbs, and if this surgery didn't do the whole enchilada for you then if you don't mind a little more saggy skin then don't give up.y

You have lost a TON of weight. So this surgery IS a success for you. Perhaps try your darndest to eat Protein first, measure carbs, limit sugar grams. Be your own best friend. And then leave at that until you are ready to think about another surgery with an excellent surgery.

As you know, the sleeve may not be enough for every person. But there are more options for you out there.

Don't be scared to come here. We just might not have all the answers.

[Jane_J 117]

Hi Traute, I am so sorry you are having a bad time. I agree you need to do all those practical things the others ahave suggested but could you also ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist (not a support group) where you could get some help dealing with the reasons and triggers for your emotional eating? I think sometimes you need a two pronged attack on weight issues, after all we are sentient and if all your best physical efforts are being sabotaged by your brain, thats what needs attention next. I speak as someone who has had therapy, and I found it both times I had it to be very helpful.

Much love.

Jane x

[kayjunqueen 3]

Dear Traute,

I very highly suggest you assess whatever other forms of self-destruction (education, relationships, financials, etc) might be going on through self-evaluation and/or counseling.... with a Good counselor. I only know that through counseling I rooted out the cause of my own self-destruction, addressed it, and did away with it... and when the temptations come back, I do away with them again... choosing to succeed .. maritally, financially, sexually, and nutritionally... one hard choice at a time.

We ALL have faith in you.

Candis