What Are Your Coping Mechanisms?

[justmeandmysleeve 91]

So, yesterday was my first major test since starting my pre-op diet and I failed. I waited too long in between meals and when everyone sat down to dinner I helped myself to three chicken tacos. I am supposed to be on shakes, bars, and veggies. My nutritionist has allowed me to have a chicken breast here and there, but the tacos were completely overboard! To make matters worse I was mentally flogging myself so much that I got home from the in-laws and devored 3 spoons of Peanut Butter while I was feeling sorry for myself.

I am most worried about sabatoge post surgery. I know that when life becomes overwhelming, I eat. What can I work on in the next two weeks to mentally prepare myself? I will no longer have the ability to use food as my comfort and I am really worried.

For the vets, what are your coping mechanisms? How do you overcome head hunger when you know you really aren't hungry or shouldn't cave into eating?

[Changing B4YourEyes 118]

Hi, I am not a vet, but I am in my 2 week pre op stage, 3 shakes and a lean cusine meal. I have to admit that for 2 days since startin on Sunday, I had some chicken that I roasted, I chalked it up to, I just eating my Protein. The chicken is gone now, so I have been walking and keeping busy when the family is eating. I know its hard, for me next week will be all liquids. Just take one day at a time and come up with something that you can do when others are eating. Hang in there! What other things do you love to do?

[danyelleb 386]

Don't be so hard on yourself. No one is perfect. Yeah, you didn't stick to your plan, but you know what you need to do differently.

I was a huge stress eater - I wouldn't eat a lot of volume, but I would make the worst food choices. Or I would wait too long in between meals and then consume way too much food. I'm not a vet by any means- I was sleeved 3.12.12. I have found that I CAN'T overeat. My sleeve prevents that from happening. I get sick. As for making good food choices... Well I'm not perfect but I do really try to eat the required Protein and drink my fluids. If I NEED something sweet- I eat maybe a bite or two.

The sleeve is a wonderful tool. It'll help u from making mistakes and will do wonders if u eat right and exercise.

Don't stress too much and good luck on ur journey.

[Meli01 53]

I don't think your food choices we're all that bad. Yes you had a lot, but after surgery you won't be able to overeat. I have a chicken taco for dinner all the time. I do t eat the shell, and I can usually only eat about half of it.

As far as the Peanut Butter, I eat a spoonful of it a few times a week as a snack and it hasn't effected my weight loss at all.

[CaliKat 153]

Yes, you overdid it. But its not the end of the world.

I have found the best coping mechanism in the world is HAVE A PLAN.

With a plan......

1. You wouldnt have arrived hungry and overate stuff should shouldnt have.

2. You would have had a friend, husband, etc make you a plate of WLS friendly food so you wouldnt have been tempted.

3. You would have realized that IF you did overdo it (just a bit) its not the end of the world and you can counteract it with a bit of working out- instead of Peanut Butter with a heaping serving of guilt.

Pre-op its kind of like having a car wreck going 100MPH- stuff gets out of control fast.

Post-op its a small fender bender going 10MPH- your misteps are easier to correct.

Bottom line is you have got to have a plan.

[AliveAgain 283]

You are very normal and human, happens to the best of us

If I find myself very hungry, I usually grab something to drink (if it's not within 30-45 minutes of when I'm supposed to be eating). Usually you are actually thirsty or dehydrated when you may think you're hungry.

If I find myself famished before a meal, I make sure I measure anything going on my plate (at home) or I "eyeball" what's on my plate with the palm of my hand (about 4-5oz) and eat no more than what's on my plate. Also, chewing very slowly, talking to everyone to give myself time between bites, or just putting the fork down helps you get that "full" feeling before you've gone past it. But believe me, I've done it as well when I'm with lots of people and don't pay attention!

[thinoneday 445]

I'm 3 years out and let me tell you that the mental aspect of all of this is the hardest thing you'll ever know. . . sometimes I think "was it really my stomach that needed the adjustment, or was/is it my brain?" I still suffer from head hunger alot and it really takes alot of self talk and fighting on my part. . . this is really where the "will power" plays a big part. . . you have to be really really ready for this mentally and it's really hard. . .but it's doable and you can do it. . .you have to really busy yourself, get so busy that you forget the thoughts about food and meals and Snacks and such. . . when you are watching TV at night and the munchies crawl in, you have to get up go shower, do laundry, vacuum, wash the floor, whatever to fight that monster, drink tons of Water. . . you have to be stronger that it is. . . and for me it's been a constent battle, its always there but I say I am stronger that it is and i will win! I didn't spend $15,500.00 on surgery to lose this battle. . . good luck!