Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

I am booked to be sleeved on Nov 12th and I am Soooooo excited...

However I am curious about cross-over addictions. See I have two very good friends that are post- op and they have jumped from over eating to other addictions :/

One started drinking and smoking... She is 1+ post-op

The other is popping pain killers... She is 6 months out

Concerned :(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have heard of cross over addictions also and feel it is a legitimate concern. I'm 9 weeks out and have gone thru many emotions over the loss of my comfort buddy food but I've been determined from the beginning to kick this addiction in the butt. I've kicked so many other addictions from my past, it's freeing to have this as one of the last on my list (only next to caffiene). For whatever reason, I feel very protective over my new stomach and couldn't imagine drinking or smoking now (I used to enjoy both very much) and possibly hurting it.

If you are concerned my best advice is to be proactive. I find the rough spots in the road much easier to deal with preparation. Get a good therapist and continue through until you get to a good place comfortable with the adjustment (bcuz it is a BIG adjustment)

I went to Mexico so there was no kind of psych eval or any mental preparation for what I've gone thru and I was a little surprised at some of the emotions I experienced. How can I feel depressed when I finally got what I've been dreaming of for 14 years???? I'm pushing past it and am excited to live a life not controlled by food!

My faith has also been a huge rock to help along this journey so I'm thankful for that. Guess I could say I have a Jesus addiction but hey it's nothing but positive energy and no negative side effects so I'll probably keep this one. Caffiene, however, I'm putting you on notice, cuz your butt is getting kicked next! haha

Good luck and congrats on your upcoming surgery!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sorry to hear about your friends. Did the smoker smoke before the surgery? I smoked years ago, but I haven't had any cravings for cigarettes for a long time. I think I would rather be fat than smoke. And I did put on about 30+ pounds when I quit smoking.

My biggest "common" concern would be alcohol, but not necessarily because of addiction or alcoholism.

It is easy to start going out more once you drop a few pounds because you feel more social and feel/are more attractive. Alcohol can add a lot of calories, and drinking can lead to other things like overeating, poor food choices, smoking, DUIs, sleeping with ugly people, etc.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've been chewing my nails AND FINGERS down to nubs! I'm also ripping skin off my thumbs. It's terrible and incredibly painful, but I don't even realize I'm doing it until I'm bleeding. I've always been a nail biter, but it's much worse since surgery. Gum chewing could help, but we're not supposed to chew gum. Ideas?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've been chewing my nails AND FINGERS down to nubs! I'm also ripping skin off my thumbs. It's terrible and incredibly painful, but I don't even realize I'm doing it until I'm bleeding. I've always been a nail biter, but it's much worse since surgery. Gum chewing could help, but we're not supposed to chew gum. Ideas?

I think the advice against gum chewing is a bit overstated for sleevers. A lot of the advice gets carried over from RNY. Chewing gum is definitely better than eating your hands. Manage the risk and chew some gum if you need to.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was never told not to chew gum and I do all the time. sugar free of course. My doc told me before surgery that some people are nauseous for a while after surgery but that it eventually gets better. It did not happen to me but I was warned that it might.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't get the gum and straw warnings. Neither have bothered me in the least. I rarely chew gum, but I've tried it with no ill effects. I use a straw all day every day and have since surgery.

Hey, back in the day when my 40-something kids were little, they sold some bitter-tasting preparation to keep kids from sucking their thumbs. Maybe they still make it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think having a therapist is extremely helpful and will help all of us build our self awareness and bolster our commitment to healthy living.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks to everyone for the comments...

I am excited to start my journey!

Good Luck everyone and please be aware of cross-over addictions...

I have shared the info with my family to keep a watchful eye on me... I have never had any addictions- expect for sweets especially chocolate Lol :)

But I don't want to start any new ones either!!!!!

Continued Success to All & God Bless! O:-)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Bashbee91

      Hey guys new to the process looking forward to this new life. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Bugg

      Hi everyone! I’m brand new here. I just went through all my pre-op requirements per my insurance company and now everything has been submitted and I’m just waiting for final approval and my surgery date. I’ve been doing research, watching YouTube videos, TikTok’s, ect.. trying to prepare my mind and what to expect so I’ll be ready for the surgery. I was so sure and so set and so ready and excited. However, now that I’ve done everything & it’s almost here, I am sooooooo scared! I know why I want it bc I’ve tried everything and I just don’t feel like I can lose weight by myself. I’m tired of being overweight my entire life. I’m miserable, but I keep psyching myself out afraid of GERD bc I know how that can be and I don’t want to have to get a bypass after already gaining the courage to even get VSG. I’m scared of complications like I’mgoing to regret doing it and be depressed that I didn’t just be more disciplined and try again to lose the weight on my own even sitting here typing this knowing in my mind i just can’t and don’t possess the discipline. I’m also afraid I won’t be able to handle the restrictions of the sleeve. What do I eat? I don’t know how to eat healthy really and don’t enjoy healthy food. I don’t know how to do this! I feel so defeated!Someone tell me they felt anything similar to this or am I not ready? I thought I was. I am so tired of being sick and tired and so tired of myself and so tired of being stuck and stuck in this body and somebody different on the outside from what I feel inside. I just want to ball up and cry.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      over 20 lbs down since4 the pre surgery diet and surgery on the 14th
      · 1 reply
      1. Selina333

        Yay!! Congrats. I know how good that feels. 🤩

    • Jenopolis

      Had a sleeve in 2017, lost over 100 pounds. Had a DS surgery this year (2025) for more sustainable weight loss. 🤞
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      The 14th was my day. I am home and recovery is going pretty smooth. They even let me walk out of the hospital. Picture of me in recovery curtesy of my boyfriend lol. 

      · 3 replies
      1. DaisyChainOz

        Glad it went well!! Wishing you a speedy recovery and wonderful success!! 🤗

      2. buildabetteranna

        Thank you ❤️

      3. Selina333

        Neat you have a pic of this day! I was sooo happy to get my surgery. It was well worth it! And I'm not even near my goal. I had surgery Dec. 2!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×