Post surgery depression/anxiety

[KayCTheNewMe 50]

Tomorrow is 2 weeks post op for me and I am feeling more depressed than I was before I had surgery about food. I have broke down every night these past few days and now it's becoming almost a mealy thing. I am so addicted to food before hand and with me having a hard time eating anything right now makes it so hard to see that this is better for me than how I was before. How were you able to overcome the cravings, the ridiculous amounts of commercials and food places you see, and fighting the temptation to eat things you shouldn't?

[luckysmomma 407]

I turned the tv when a food commercial came on...I was a lucky one - no cravings or anything at the beginning..find something to keep your attention - read, write, draw...do something other than think of the food..I know it is really, really hard, but you can do it. Also, work on your basics... walk, drink your Water, work on your Protein....those things will help.

It does get easier each day. Hang in there. Give it time.

Best of luck to you! Take care!

[MsSarena 13]

I will be 2 weeks post-op tomorrow too and proir to surgery I don't think I knew what it really felt like be hungry since I ate all the time for other reasons! Bored? Make something to eat. Mad about work? Eat something good. Sad or depressed? Eat something. I would eat for entertainment and pleasure even when there wasn't something wrong. I guess what I am getting at is that you need to recognize what triggers your cravings and why you choose food as your fix-all. There are support groups and sites available to help you develop ideas for how to change the role that food plays in your life. A big thing that helped me was to think of better ways of finding pleasure besides eating. Hobbies, or other things like treating yourself to a new book can become your new reward vs. food. Talk to your doctor too about support groups in your area, and good luck!

[SqueakyWheel&Ethyl 160]

I'm on Day 20 and have cheated because I wanted to be able to chew on REAL food. But, I felt awful after even one bite. Not guilty-awful. SICK-awful! So, now, if I think I HAVE to chew, I do... I chew.... Then spit it out. I satisfy my urge, and enjoy the flavor, but I refuse to feel the burning in my chest two minutes after I swallow it. And, the emotional roller coaster! I had a couple of days of crying and ranting about how much I'm sacrificing. Then, I thought about my goal to feel better.... Get my health back... And, I read posts here... And, I know I can do it.

Not meaning ANY disrespect towards amputees and what they endure, but I think this is a little like Phantom-Limb Syndrome. Psychologically, we think we are hungry when we see a sizzling steak blown up on the 60" TV screen. But, marketing experts already understand about what happens subconsciously when our eyes send the signal to the brain. When I find myself falling for their hypnosis, I jolt myself back and say, "the BRAIN being hungry doesn't mean the body really IS hungry."

We have to re-BRAINWASH ourselves...reprogram... Even give our brains a "warm boot" to change the subconscious paths we automatically go to. No one said this would be easy. But, everyone here is saying it GETS easier. And I can tell you today is a LOT easier than a week ago was for me! Just hold on.... Ride it out. And, buzz me if you need to chat! I'm on a lot in the evenings.

YOU CAN DO THIS! And, you are going to be happier. I promise.

[circa 333]

It cannot be dressed enough that these things need to be dealt with before surgery. Is that helpful to you now!? No. But seeking help for it now is! It's not too late! Get thee to your doc!

Sent from my iPhone using VST

[makemyownluck 785]

chewing something and spitting it out is an eating disorder as well... it's something anorexics and bulimics do. I don't think that should be the solution, you're just finding a way to give into your eating addiction... just my 2 cents

[melissa130 135]

Please find a good support group and a behavior specialist. It will be soooo helpful. I tried chewing on food I was missing and spit it out instead of swallowing. It was awful- I felt like it was vomit. So now I have lots of sugar free gum. Whenever I want to "chew" - I get the gum.

[TES 858]

The 2nd and 3rd weeks were the hardest for me. This too shall pass. Walking really helps, especially if you can get outside--fresh air and endorphins make a world of difference.

[melody2 61]

Take time to mourn what was and even get angry if needed. This will help with closure. For me, this was the unlimited access to food. As you move to acceptance, develop a list of goals that are weight related but not necessarily scale related. When you lose weight what do you want to be able to do? For me, I want to be able to run a 5K, not have to ask for a seat belt extender when traveling by plane, etc. Also, remember that your hormones are adjusting....it's normal to feel this way two weeks out. I know, easy for me to say but hard when you're living the moment. It will pass.....you will begin to feel better. I wish for you hope, encouragement, and strength. You can do this.

[SqueakyWheel&Ethyl 160]

chewing something and spitting it out is an eating disorder as well... it's something anorexics and bulimics do. I don't think that should be the solution, you're just finding a way to give into your eating addiction... just my 2 cents

Thanks for this input. I didn't know that! I've only done that 3-4 times, but I won't anymore!