Food torture

[whitters22 8]

So I am 9 days post op and have been watching food videos, like how it's made and what not. But bad food like pizza and burgers and loaded fries. I'm torturing myself and I'm not sure why. It's strange, anyone else doing this to themselves?

[klingie84 91]

Yes I've watched the how it's made episode on cheesecake today n omg drool....rny 5/23

[Pam_2-06-2017 375]

OMG...no way!!! That is absolute torture:-)

Turn off the tv and step away!!!!!

[MSinger 348]

I'm watching the little Gif recipes that get posted to Facebook feeds. I don't get it because if there was a plate of food sitting in front of me I'd never eat it.

[whitters22 8]

So maybe it's like an emotional break up with food? Like if I broke up with someone I would look at old pics and think about good times even if I knew I shouldn't.

[Navigating the Wilderness 824]

This is very counterproductive behavior. Watch porn instead of food, unless food is your porn in which case seek psychiatric help! Seriously though, don't do this to yourself!

Edited June 2, 2017 by Navigating the Wilderness

[whitters22 8]

I will tell you right now, aggressive comments will not be tolerated by me. I never said it was productive behavior, it is something I found myself doing and I sought a place that could help me understand why I am doing this or if anyone else has experienced it. So if your comment is negative or aggressive keep it to yourself period.

Edited June 2, 2017 by whitters22

[MSinger 348]

My spidey senses are telling me there is something unhealthy about this. It feels like the same happy centers in my brain that fired off when I would overeat are doing the same thing when I watch these videos. I'm thinking this might be a way of succumbing to head hunger without actually eating. Physically, my body wouldn't let me eat the type of stuff I'm watching because it makes me sick to think about it, but let's be real here... my head hunger is what got me as big as I am now (working in conjunction with physical hunger). I chose to eat a pint of ice cream instead of an apple when my stomach growled. I'm worried if I keep doing this it's gonna reinforce my head hunger and once the physical hunger returns it's gonna be bad. I'm not gonna do this anymore.

[whitters22 8]

I agree, it's an emotional roller coaster! And I think I'm going to stop watching the videos. I know I can't have that food nor could I tolerate it but this is a mental transformation as much as if not more so than physical. I hope through all the changes I can talk things out here.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

All I did was watch cooking shows for a month. I had basically zero reaction to them and it was nothing short of glee. I was basically testing my head vs physical hunger. I knew I had a serious disconnect between my brain and my stomach and I loved it. It was very reassuring to not get hungry looking at food. It took me months to get interested in food, probably not until after 12 months.

[RunningWithScissors 74]

I'm sure it's not productive, but it certainly is normal! I did it too.

I like your analogy to breaking up with a partner. Breaking up with food really is just like that! I felt depressed and empty the first 4 months. I have a wonderful and supportive husband, so I had everything going for me. But I just couldn't shake the feeling of loss. I'm 5 months out and just starting to feel normal again. It takes awhile.

[RunningWithScissors 74]

I'm sure it's not productive, but it certainly is normal! I did it too.

I like your analogy to breaking up with a partner. Breaking up with food really is just like that! I felt depressed and empty the first 4 months. I have a wonderful and supportive husband, so I had everything going for me. But I just couldn't shake the feeling of loss. I'm 5 months out and just starting to feel normal again. It takes awhile.

[LivingFree! 478]

whitters22,

Of course, at 9 days out, you are still healing physically (and mentally). Your food cravings/mourning you are experiencing are very normal. Try not to use too much of your energy overthinking it. Your best job to do for your mind and body right now is to heal well, doing your best to follow surgeon's instructions through the food stages recommended until you are back to eating regular foods. I'm sure you know this, but eating as close to whatever is recommended by your surgeon and drinking the recommended Protein Drinks and Water will also help keep those cravings and head hunger in check a little better.

Then when you have healed--

That was when I had to "reframe" my thinking a bit (about any food). It wasn't that I CAN'T have it. It became that I CHOOSE not to have it. When we say "can't have it" our brain says "don't deprive me." When we say "I choose not to," it tells our brain we are taking control of whether it goes in our mouth.

It is very real that we "mourn" the loss of our old familiar food and eating habits (for me it was a constant fast food regimen, tons of candy, baked goods, ice cream,cookies, chips, etc). That's why the first year post-op is so critical in forming those new habits that carry us through for life. I am still amazed, six years later, how addicted I was to all that junk food and how that hard work during that first year so paid off for me. The desire for that stuff just no longer exists. Everyone approaches their journey differently, but the important thing is to HAVE A PLAN. A real plan--not just something rumbling around in our heads, a written plan, with identified triggers to address, and plans of action to remedy unhealthy behaviors.

Could you be ready yet to embark on a new kind of healthier food mission? There are MANY bariatric-friendly foodsites that could help you really believe there IS good, tasty, healthy eating after WLS! You may already be aware-- but in case you are not--I will share my favorite because it is trusted and reputable. Michelle Vicari of Temecula, CA who is also a strong advocate for WLS patients and a Board Member of the Obesity Action Coalition, has a fantastic website/blog. She is 10-years post-op and has extensive information on her site, including ten years' worth of bari-friendly recipes. Go to www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.com. Pinterest is another good source for bari recipes.

Wishing you WLS good health, fun, and excitement... And I'm wishing for you that you can ditch those words "food torture" TODAY!!!