Food addiction issues

[Jacqueline K 93]

I am 16 months post op and haven't really reached where I want to be weight wise and I have stopped losing and it's probably mostly my fault. My food addiction is rearing its ugly head and I'm scared. I tell myself that I will stop snacking and will stop eating when I'm not hungry but just like pre op I keep doing it. I can eat most things without getting sick so that doesn't help. I ate Breakfast today then a snack like an hour later. Then a snack around lunch time. Then I made a medium size pizza and over the course of 5 hours I ate all but 2 slices of it. It's getting out of hand and I just need some encouragement.

I have lost 176 pounds but am still at about 210 pounds. My low was 203 so I haven't had too much regain but I would like to get to 190 and I'm going in the wrong direction. I need to get control before it gets out of hand. I know I can do it but it would be good to hear from some other post ops on how they handle addiction.

[Bring It On 55]

Call your nutritionist associated with your doctor as soon as you can. They are very sympathetic to your needs and back-slidings. Don't let your pride get in the way. You have come way to far to stop now!!!! It will just be a matter of getting back on the Protein for awhile! Good Luck!

[smiley922 447]

http://bariatricfoodie.blogspot.com/2011/01/bf-survival-guide-to-making-it-through.html

I found this helpful, hope you will too.

[Jacqueline K 93]

Thank you! I added it to my iBooks so I can access it on my phone whenever I need to. My problem isn't just one meltdown it's been ongoing for weeks now. But I do think that reading this will help and encourage me so I can stop beating myself up.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

If you haven't found a good support group you might want to consider finding one: OA, a group through your surgeon's office, and/or therapy might be helpful.

[MsUjima 109]

I think that food addiction has to be addressed like other addiction. Do you have a psychologist or counselor you work with?

[Luvin_Life125 558]

My suggestion is to find a therapist that specializes in eating disorders. I did my pre op required psych eval and was cleared for surgery after the one visit. That doesn't mean I am cured and don't need to deal with what got me to this point as far as eating habits. I took it upon myself to seek a therapist I can meet with and work through why I got to be obese in the first place and how to change the bad habits to good habits. It is a struggle and will be a struggle for a long time. I am still pre op, but I figured it couldn't hurt to start working through my mental issues and I bet it will be a long term battle to keep my mind healthy to keep my body healthy. We all need a little help to learn healthy habits and learn to change the behaviors/thoughts that got us here in the first place. None of us became morbidly obese because we have a healthy relationship with food. Find the support system that works for you whether it be support group, private therapist, nutritionist, etc. Surgery fixes the stomach, but I am afraid that is the easy fix. Fixing our thought patterns and brains are the hard part and will always be something I need to be vigilant about. Please don't give up! You can make it all the way to goal! Look how far you have already come and stick with it. You have done amazing to get where you are. Be proud of yourself for recognizing you need support to finish this journey. Reaching out and asking for our support is a huge feat.

[James Marusek 5,244]

I am 17 months post-op on RNY. I bottomed out at 7 months and have been in maintenance mode ever since. My weight has been very stable. But about 2 months ago I contracted a stomach flu and lost another 10 pounds and decided to set this as my new weight goal and maintain this level.

I follow a very regimented approach. I tend to eat the same things every day and at each meal. I do not beat myself up if I stray and I do eat Snacks. But I also track my weight very accurately and daily. If I gain, I modify my habits. I think it might be advantageous to look at what you are eating as Snacks. Protein is always good as a snack. For me I tend to eat fruits. I meticulously stay away from processed sugar, which is my weakness. But I am not afraid of artificial sugars. Since the low-carb was the only diet that ever worked before pre-surgery, I am not afraid of fats. They take the edge off of hunger. So I tend to use Adkins products as my snacks. There are different types of carbs. I limit myself to only one meal a day that contains complex carbs (bread, Pasta etc.).

Also you have lost a goodly amount of weight thus far. Congratulations! You are doing something right. Do what it takes to maintain this loss.

[catben78 0]

I'm in the same boat! My old habits are creeping back in! I have an appointment next week with my doctor and nutritionist. I how to get back on track soon! (RNY 6/2013)

[Larly109 19]

Search for Dr. Matthew Weiner on YouTube - he has a series of very informative videos about WLS. He also has a book available through Amazon called A Pound of Cure. His basic philosophy is that it's all about WHAT you choose to eat. I think most of us realize that processed foods are the worst for you - and that includes healthier versions of processed foods (low calorie frozen meals and the like). What Dr. Weiner advocates is making fresh vegetables, fruit and Beans the majority of your diet. I have found his videos and book to be very helpful. I plan on adopting his plan after I am past the first 3 months and more fully healed.

[MsUjima 109]

You know this is a mental issue, right? Are you working with a psychologist? To help you understand and address the underlying issues. I don't think your surgeon or your nutritionist can be helpful. food addiction has to be addressed like other addictions by seeking continuous help from a qualified counselor.

[Jacqueline K 93]

You know this is a mental issue, right? Are you working with a psychologist? To help you understand and address the underlying issues. I don't think your surgeon or your nutritionist can be helpful. food addiction has to be addressed like other addictions by seeking continuous help from a qualified counselor.

I'm not working with anyone right now. I did some research and found a support group that meets in the new city that I've moved to and plan to start attending the monthly meetings there. I have gone back to school for a master's degree and jabs crappy student insurance through the university. I will have to check if they cover mental health visits. I know if they do they'll make me use certain doctors as I must use the student health center for all my needs unless I'm more than 50 miles away. It's a real pain!

I do realize this is a mental issue. I haven't gained any weight but I do still have 20 pounds that I want to lose. I'm 5'9 and 210 pounds so losing a bit more puts me in overweight BMI rather than obese. I am having a Tummy Tuck in May/June so that will remove some weight too.