Overeating

[littlefroggy 0]

ok, I have realized it... I am totally an "overeater" and it's a problem. I have done well on this lapband journey more or less, though I do over eat on occasion. The last couple weeks (holiday stress maybe) have been the worst.

I have even drank while eating so I could eat MORE... should I join a support group? Get a counselor? What would you do?

How did you overcome this?

(edit: the R and the lapband trademark is totally a thing on the page, I didn't do it myself. weird.)

[HeatherO 7]

I agree with Jack, you just have to take the bull by the horns and not overeat. If it was easier to overcome, I wouldn't be banded today.

We all have that desire and I still have my little binge demon whispering sweet nothings in my ear from time to time.

What I have learned is that power to overcome it accumulates. If I can say no . . . I can keep saying no. If I say ok, just this one because of this, that or the other . . . I am likely to do it again in the very near future.

If the desire doesn't go away, I have something like carrots or broccoli . . . I can never binge on these things much because I get tired of eating them long before I overdo it.

[Louisa Latela 226]

Hi Littlefroggy,

it is really great that you are aware you are overeating and the things that you are doing to sabatage your weight loss success because before you can change a behavior you must first be aware that it exists. one thing you might try is to take a deep breath before you put anything in your mouth. in that moment when you take that breath you can then ask youself if you are physicially hungry and/or if what you are wanting to eat will support your highest good.... how will you feel physically and emotionally about 20 minutes after eating that particular thing.... ask yourself what you would be doing if you weren't thinking about food in this moment, what is it stopping you from being present to in your life? remember this: all feelings are energy in your body... and all feelings eventually pass... you just need to learn to ride the wave of the emotion... not stuff it.... get together a little bag of tricks... so when you are wanting to overeat... besides breathing you could call a friend, journal, go outside for a walk, read a book, do a crossword puzzle, sing a song, say an affirmation, etc.... if after doing all that you are still determined to eat...well then put whatever it is on a silver platter and eat slowly with passion and presence! be kind and gentle to yourself.

joining a support group may also help. it can be a great place for you to process some uncomfortable emotions instead of stuffing them. and think about this: never give up what you want the most for what you want this moment!!

all the best,

louisa latela

[lapbandtalker 0]

I take a more laid back approach.

Hungry - eat!

Craving something - eat it!

But that's me. I've allowed myself to have anything I desire. But for me that has cut down the level of desire. So this many not work for you or any other person out there (so those of you ready to flame me- don't)

What I have come to realize is that even though I feel like I'm overeating...ounce for ounce I eat less than before I was banded. So my binge after my mother's funeral was 3 handfulls of chips versus the entire bag like preband.

Hopefully you've found this to be the case. Drinking while eating hasn't help me eat more...just makes me slime. So if you know you can eat more if you drink....

at least value yourself enough to not do that. Change this one behavior. {trying to change many behaviors at once can backfire on some people-like me}

But start slowly. This is a process so learn. If you have a bad day or week-so be it. Just pick up where you left off.

If you gain a pound or are really struggling - call your doctor. He/she can assist you on your journey.

Just know you are not alone.

[NewOutlook 0]

I think I understand what you are talking about. I have a problem, not when I am not eating and sometimes decide I am hungry and want to eat. That is not the problem. For that I just chew a piece of gum and it solves the "my mouth needs to be busy" syndrome. My problem is when I am eating something I really like. I just have to have one more bite. The only thing that has saved me is that I usually end up throwing it back up. That is a nasty little lesson. I can't say I am totally cured yet but lets just say that I do it a lot less often now. And drinking doesn't do it for me. That just makes me bring it back up faster. So I never drink while I am eating anymore. It's a hard lesson, but I have learned that they are all hard lessons; eating too fast, one more bite, not drinking while eating, trying to eat something I know I shouldn't, like McDonald's fries. I tried that one 3 times and all three times ended up running to the bathroom before I finally gave them up. All I can say is I feel your pain. It is a long hard road and nothing gets solved overnight. Just take it one day at a time, try different things that may help you. Take a portion on your plate up front and put the rest away in the fridge, or if eating out ask for a to go box up front and put half in the to go box and close it for later. Try destroying the food after your last satisfying bite so it isn't edible anymore, like blow your nose in your napkin and then put it on top of the food on your plate. Anything that works for you. Once you get that one down and can get the will power to stand not taking that last bite write again and let us know what you learned to do. Maybe it will help everyone else here who hasn't beaten that demon yet. :cursing:

[TQUAD64 9]

Yes, connect with a support group in your area and perhaps it is time for a fill????

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Behavioral therapy can work wonders. I understand the "JUST STOP" mentality! It didn't work that well for me, though (much to my horror and frustration). Some behavioral therapy sessions helped me quite a bit. I'm not much of a "group support" type (one thing I hated about WW...although I like this board) but if that works for you, try something like that! Good luck.