How do you deal with stress/anxiety without eating?

[Mrs. Reid 392]

Went in for my appointment and found that I have gained weight! Not good! A definate setback as I need to lose weight before they will send me in for insurance approval. I am a stress eater and this process has definately stressed me out. Seriously, I have never developed any other response to stress except to eat. If something happens....if ANYTHING happens good or bad...I want to eat...I want sugar...I want potato chips. The craving drives me to the point of thinking I'm going to DIE if I don't have it. I have another appointment with the NUT on November 21st and I need to show some weight loss.

How does a person deal with stress without food? Ideas? Suggestions?

[able2cope 193]

I'm in the same boat - I've put on 6lbs in the past month - and I've had the surgery - I'm over 2 years out Stress - eating has always been my go to also... and with all the Halloween goodies and the Christmas sweets about to appear - this isn't good... i'm a crafter - going to try and work on my knitting and take my stress and also boredom... hope you find something to help you too

[Kimber0721 9]

You need to stay busy and focused on the final result. I am a stress eater, had the surgery a week ago and have been on liquids for over 3 weeks. I do get cranky at times but I made a decision to do this. I read a lot of others stories on these wen sites, see the successes and want to be one of them. The food stays out of my mouth. Find a new hobby, find a new friend about to go thru this but focus on the end result.

[Kindle 8,667]

Have you had a psych evaluation during your approval process and did you talk about this? Stress eating is definitely an issue you need to deal with before and after surgery if you want to be successful. Surgery will do absolutely nothing to fix this. I could eat potato chips or ice cream or candy all day long if I wanted to. If you have access to a therapist or counselor you really need to figure out a plan before proceeding with surgery.

[Healthy_life2 8,324]

I wish I would have known that you can go to your local barbaric support groups pre surgery.. Many other people in the same situation. I really could have used the support and information when I was loosing weight for insurance approval.

I agree with @Kindle. Behaviors that have gotten us to the point of having weight loss surgery must be dealt with. I hope you find what work's for you.

Jenn

[puttingme1st 143]

Find a support group. I started going after my first consultation and it has made a world of difference for me.

[hamitchell 15]

I want in Jenn's "Barbaric support group". Sounds interesting and way more fun!

[hamitchell 15]

Let's see if my ticker works. Sorry to hijak a minute.

[hamitchell 15]

Nope. Oh well, just like the office, can't figure out the d@mn computer. Sorry.

[GreenEyes604 753]

@cynthiarm2000 I too was in the same boat as you being an emotional/stress eater. I had to figure out something before I went crazy because sweets are my nemesis.

I started slowly moving myself to sugar-free items. It's amazing how good the taste is of some of the artificial sweeteners. It took a little getting used to, but now I can't stand the taste of really sugary stuff. I would rather have just a little bit of sweetness that artificial sweeteners offer.

You might want to consider trying it. I know it worked wonders for me and I cut out a TON of sugar and carbs from my diet. Every now and then I'll get that "itch" again and have a little something too sweet, and I immediately remember why I wanted to get away from the sugar in the first place.

Just something to think about...

[goinghappy 25]

What has helped me...

I have made a commitment to myself for my future health and fulfillment of my dreams. Nothing, certainly not a bite of pizza or a potato chip, is going to stop me. I have it set in my mind that I have changed for my positive future. There is no going back for me. Period. I was sleeved 10/24 and I have a long way to go. But, I will get there! And, I will enjoy the journey.

I hope that my perspective is helpful to you and that you find the right resources for you since each of us have different situations and perspectives.

[S(he) be(lie)ve(d) 151]

Before I gained my weight, I used to clean or organize stuff in our house, go for a long country walk, workout on my elliptical, etc. Since we can't just binge anymore, I have taken up my old de-stressors back up again. You just have to get into the habit of doing something else, but make it something that is productive and keeps you busy.

[Kindle 8,667]

Before I gained my weight, I used to clean or organize stuff in our house, go for a long country walk, workout on my elliptical, etc. Since we can't just binge anymore, I have taken up my old de-stressors back up again. You just have to get into the habit of doing something else, but make it something that is productive and keeps you busy.

JodiS I have a whole house you could come over and distress with! ???? ....especially the office and garage.

[GreenEyes604 753]

@Jodi_S and when you're finished at Kindle's place, you're welcome to run right over to mine!

[S(he) be(lie)ve(d) 151]

Ha ha! Love the offers to go clean & organize your houses! Actually, mine is needing some attention right now too. As a photographer, right now is my insanely busy time of the year with the gorgeous fall colors. Then add my hubby being gone on his hunting trips for a week plus at a time for both deer & elk seasons. So, I am basically a hunting widow during this time, taking care of 3 little girls all by myself and juggling my business at peak time. At the moment, I am doing my best just to remember to eat. It's been a little difficult, I have to admit. But, only about 3 more weeks! Then things should die back down to being more manageable.