stress eating

[bumble-bee 0]

I think we can all relate! I'm really struggling with this and scared to death about the next two weeks (my surgery will be January 13). My pre-op diet is two Protein Shakes and one frozen Weight Watcher or Lean Cuisine meal. Yikes! I'm so used to eating a lot of food that I'm terrified of this. Mine officially starts today. I just have to keep the goal in mind and STAY BUSY!! :party:

Edited December 31, 2008 by bumble-bee
test

[Natalie:) 0]

My pre-op diet starts on Friday and I am eating everything in sight - survival instinct has kicked in just in case I starve during the next three weeks, which is unlikely due to all the reserves I have!! I'm not a stress eater - I eat for every emotion :party:. I cannot wait to start the diet, because I will feel that my journey has properly started x

[jen414 0]

My surgeon has a twin brother who is in practice with him. The office scheduled me for the 13th and I was all set to start my pre-op diet yesterday. I went to my appointment on Monday and met the twin. They scheduled me with the wrong doctor. Luckily I was able to schedule my surgery for the 14th. Because of this I felt like I had an extra day of "real food" and went around yesterday thinking what should I have today? I don't think I did too bad but my mind was on food all day.

I start my Optifast today. I get six shakes and two bars because my BMI is 53/54ish. I am also allowed sugar free popsicles and carrots. I couldn't sleep because I was nervous thinking about the Optifast (I never did like Slimfast). It's not too bad, the chocolate tastes pretty good. I froze them yesterday and put them in the fridge last night. It was slushy and took about an hour to drink.

[Sar2748 0]

I had a lot of stress eating growing up and I was constantly being an emotional eating. I used to eat when I was bored, stressed, upset, happy, anything. food was my life. It still is for my family. They revolve around food. I seriously can't go to any relative's house without them asking if I want food or a drink or anything. How do you say no to something that is constantly around you?

I made healthier changes and I always carry a low fat string cheese or some baby carrots around with me. If I get bored, I clean a drawer over & over again (I have ocd) or I'll play a computer game and keep trying to beat my score. If I'm stressed at work, I take 2 walks around the building (getting exercise & giving myself time to cool down). If I'm stressed at home, I play the wii or go to the gym. What I'm trying to say is if you're emotionally eating before the surgery, I think it will be really hard for you after the surgery. The band will not help with emotional eating. That's why I made myself change my mind before I even started to lose the required 5% pre-op weight loss. I knew if I didn't change my ways before the surgery, then it was pointless to even have it.

Our psychological group sessions really helped with the changing too. They taught me to write down what I'm thinking when I eat something. If I eat too big of a portion, what am I thinking when I keep eating. At first I thought it was ridiculous but tried it anyways. After a few days, I went back and realized my habits. Then I started putting down behavioral changes to what I will start doing instead of eating the unhealthy item or this huge portion. Then they taught me other statements to tell myself when I'm stressed or bored. When dieting, I used to think "Oh well the day is completely useless if I have this piece of cake or whatever." Well, the group taught me to tell myself that the day isn't useless and do I really want this unhealthy choice? It quickly changed my thinking. Now I don't eat when I'm stressed, bored, upset, happy, or whatever my mood.

Anyway, sorry for the big book. I just wanted to help with this issue as it was a huge problem for me for many many years.

Sarah :confused:

[hltwhite 1]

Hey Jen414 -- we are just one day apart! January 15th here!

My doctor's office said they didn't use any pre-op diet -- i was shocked!! So.. I figured I might as well help he cause and do the shakes, Protein, fruits & veggies route starting about a week out.

Good luck everyone! The days will fly by!

[Embrace 11]

That last supper may look tempting but put the fork down and back away. :wink_smile:

My sister is having a bypass but doesn't have a surgery date yet and she's put on 12 pounds since her first consult with the doctor. She's scared to death it's going to make surgery harder to get through but she can't seem to stop chewing.

I've been on liquids for 4 days and am scheduled for the 27th. I beat back a bad temptation on Saturday by walking 3 miles. It was hella cold outside but I got away from the fridge, racked up good numbers on the pedometer, and stopped obsessing about food.

Check in again when you're feeling tempted. We're here for you.