Learning Experience!

[buforu21 33]

So I am not the poster child when it comes to wls, I mess up and eat things I shouldn't but I'm okay with my behavior because I am consistently losing and I wanted to make this a lifestyle change, not another diet that would make me miserable. Anyway...I sometimes creep into old habits (for pre-op people, vsg will fix the physical but WON'T FIX THE MENTAL) such as eating out of boredom or eating in binges (nothing like before surgery, but def more than what I need). So I found myself first snacking on a 100 calorie pack of almonds, which was fine. Then I had a magic pop, more nuts, a couple of chips, and finally nutella. Now I'm sitting here feeling absolutely nasty and this nutella is giving me a headache, it was so disgustingly sweet! So I was wondering if anyone has any advice to avoid these old behaviors, it's almost as if I go on autopilot. One hour of removing my stomach is not going to change 19 years of poor eating habits lol! I would love some help if anyone has experienced this (and hopefully overcome it!) Thanks

[SeriouslyChange 319]

Speak with your psychologist that you had to see to get your date. Many of them have seen these problems before as they have to evaluate us all.

[buforu21 33]

My insurance didn't cover it, so I was self-pay. Therefore, I didn't have to go to one, nor did I want to since I wasn't mandatory. But I'm thinking that maybe going to one, just once to see if I like it, might be worth it.

[SeriouslyChange 319]

Yeah, just ask if they have experience with overeating or Bariatric patients.

It's a pretty common issue that a lot of us face so I'm sure you can find someone

[buforu21 33]

Thanks seriouslychange, I appreciate your input

[KristiKayCurrington 1]

when was your surgery? I am 8 days out and I feel the same way....I want food so bad a literally cry. I am not really hungry it is just in my head and everyone around me just eats eats eats whatever they want... I was cooking chicken for my family yesterday and I had a bite and was so mad at myself. Its like I have no self control. I had mashed potatoes today also I am suppose to be on full liquids still. But I have about had it with all the broth and shakes and Jello. ugh sorry for the rant good luck to you!

[Butterthebean 8,146]

I think we all feel this way to varying degrees. Our way of eating is largely responsible for what got most of us here. I'll tell you what worked for me and you can take it as you like. I don't want to come off sounding like a food eating saint, but I pretty much made up my mind that I was going to reinvent myself nutritionally speaking. For me, hoping the sleeve would taper my old eating habits was never going to work. I needed a whole new plan. I educated myself on nutrition, reading many books and websites. I started exercising regularly and my outlook on food changed drastically. Now I look at food as fuel for my active life. I eat what I need, and I choose food based on what will help my body get through my workouts and recover.

I know nobody here wants to feel like they are on a diet, me neither. But I also don't look to food as any kind of reward or treat. Nor do I plan events or entertainment around food any longer. This can be tricky because most of the world still does. But I decided that eating food was like shaving and bathing, it's a necessity but not something I dread or look forward to. After 7 months I very rarely crave bad foods. I usually have no trouble being tempted, but I also actively stay out of situations where I know I might be. On rare occasion (like Thanksgiving) where I know it's unavoidable, I gave myself permission to have a piece of pecan pie. It was very good, but I didn't "need" it and I haven't wanted anymore since.

I'm just not good at doing anything in moderation so I felt this was the best solution for me. The interesting part is it has not taken a big effort of will power, sacrifice or deprivation. While I was educating myself on nutrition (thanks to my nut) my eyes were opened to all the havoc and devastation that certain foods reap on our bodies. Once those facts became evident, I didn't want them anymore. It was kinda like taking a tour of a dirty meat packing plant...total turn-off.

Anyway, that's my story. Sorry if it was long.