If Not Food Then What?

[jessie0303 6]

Is anyone else concerned about substitute addictions? I worry about why I feel the need to replace overrating with overspending or a few more ativan than I really need. Does the complusion go away after surgery?

[jenneliza 257]

Is anyone else concerned about substitute addictions? I worry about why I feel the need to replace overrating with overspending or a few more ativan than I really need. Does the complusion go away after surgery?

I've been thinking about this alot lately. After having some very stressful and anxiety provoking days at work all I wanted to do was curl up hide and eat. But I couldn't and found myself searching for something that would alter my mood the way food did. And three things came to mind... Shopping, smoking, or having a drink. I said no to both and instead forced myself to really think about my feelings. Poor coping mechanisms helped us gain weight. I think the key is to avoid starting these bad behaviors and setting up healthier ones. I know -easier said than done!

[jessie0303 6]

What kind of coping techniques are you using? I am so tired of positive self talk....I just want to feel better without feeling worse afterwards...

[jenneliza 257]

What kind of coping techniques are you using? I am so tired of positive self talk....I just want to feel better without feeling worse afterwards...

Just basic relaxation techniques and positive self talk. Meditation and basic distraction have all worked for me so far. Lol I have been playing on my phone a lot at night and cleaning when urges kick in. Pintrest is a great distraction! Just gotta remind yourself that you can do it and being thinner and healthier is the goal.

[BBdoodle 483]

Prior to surgery I smoked so that was one of my coping technique along with food. Now when I have stress I work out and boy does that relieve stress. I either run like the wind on my treadmill or take my dogs for a really long walk which I love doing anyway. Also yoga is amazing for relaxing !!!! I channeled my bad behaviors into good behaviors.

[jessie0303 6]

Yoga? Can heavier people get in those poses? I think I need to find a way to spike my dopamine levels in a non-addictive way. Any suggestions? I am still pre-op and stagger like a dying cow when I try to run.

[worm2872 635]

LOL I too look like a dying cow. Anyway, yoga is great. And yes us chubby people can do it we just look a little weird check out Amazon for a good DVD ( i like all the ratings they have) and try it. Also, cleaning helps. I was also thinking about a hobby like knitting. I know someone on the boards started woodworking.

[mommy2boys 40]

I started meditation. It's been amazing...

[LosingItForMe2011 320]

I've worked with a therapist for this same purpose because it was a big decision to have this surgery and I didnt' want to replace the emotional eating with another bad habit.Meditation helps me as well as Reiki music and practicing Reiki. I also surf the net, play in here and Pinterest. On weekends I tend to clean house, read find things that will keep me busy. Crafting is another good busy thing to do and it gets my Christmas gifts going

[BirdAlert 29]

For me, I have to re-educate myself.. Have the right tools!

Clean out all the un-healthy cookbooks, replace them with organic cooking & recipes that are healthy, which means purchasing the fresh groceries to go along with it. My daughter, my mother and I are going to continue getting together & help cook for each other, healthy meals.

I have a weekly date with two of my grandsons (3 y.o. & 9 mos) and were going to make healthy pizzas & play games. They can learn how to decorate their pizzas with good fresh ingredients given to choose from.

Start slow,, food will taste different, textures will be different.

Spend time researching this site, read what has worked for others; talk to people and find out what works for them..

Change your habits.. The first day of my 2 week liquid diet had me a little concerned. My 'habit' was to come home after work & pour a glass of wine before anything.

That first day I came home & literally walked around talking to myself "Must find a new routine" and I got busy with some things I had put off a long time, found myself distracted & alas a new habit was formed. No regrets.

Keep focused, but don't make it too complicated. Set some short-term goals & long term goals.

Those are some things I have done...

Dawn

[jessie0303 6]

Dawn

Thanks for the tips! I somehow have gotten into the habit of sleeping instead of eating.....I seriously need some activities that keep me distracted enough that I am not tempted to use or eat. Meditation makes me hungry but I like your idea of getting rid of the old cookbooks and starting a new collection.

[BirdAlert 29]

Dawn

Thanks for the tips! I somehow have gotten into the habit of sleeping instead of eating.....I seriously need some activities that keep me distracted enough that I am not tempted to use or eat. Meditation makes me hungry but I like your idea of getting rid of the old cookbooks and starting a new collection.

Hey, you are welcome! I'm waiting for my new books to come!

Look on Amazon.com. I purchased 3 New books; 1. Organic for Dummies 2. Simply Thai (A friend has it, uses it DAILY, it's delicious and healthy!) 3. Cook without a book, Meatless Meals (I will have to adapt!).

The fornt cover was attractive,

So look before you buy.

[jessie0303 6]

Meatless meals? Aren't you worried about getting enough Protein in? I am trying to do Atkins because I have metabolic syndrome....never thought it would be so hard to give up carbohydrates! Worse than quitting smoking!

[BirdAlert 29]

Yes! Lots protein! I will "adapt" the recipes.

18 day post op

24 # wt loss so far!

Dawn

Ps: happy to be on this side !!

[ladyspl 161]

Im hoping the 1000's of dollars I have spent on sewing machines, embroidery machines, and sergers, will be my new addiction. They have sat in my spare room for far too long with only being used a handfull of times a year. I have crafts backed up since 2009 LOL I actually thought I would set it up downstairs in my dining room when I bring out the Christmas decorations. For whatever reason, Christmas usually gets me in the sewing mood, and since I will not be baking the mass amounts of Cookies this year, I'm gonna need something to do with myself! LOL