I am very interested in getting Gastric Bypass surgery but lately I have been slipping back into my bad habits again. I am a food addict. I have been having so many cravings and been binge eating and feeling horribly guilty about it. I lost 10 pounds last month but have gained 5 pounds back.

I need to go to the gym and get my head back into the game.

I just wanted to write this down here because I know many of you can relate.

@@Jaghomer

I think it's very brave of you to write your feelings here, in a public forum. I can't speak for everyone, but I think seeing your fears/faults in writing is very powerful and motivating. We're all rooting for you to get back on track- you can do it!

I too am addicted to food. Cycles of binge eating followed by periods restraint; I have worked my way up to 310#. Three years ago I began the process for gastric bypass(259# at this time) During my three month nutrition counseling I began to loose weight and working out. I convinced myself that I didn't need the surgery. Yes I worked hard and lost nearly 100#. I told myself "I'll never go back". Fast forward, I could not maintain the 100% lifestyle it required for me to succeed. 310# TADAAH!

All I can think is if I would have stayed on track with surgery, where would I be now.

I am now 2 days away from surgery, very nervous, but I know this is the tool I need. This will not be an easy journey and requires commitment and a present mind. Do not get discouraged by mistakes. That only leads to a vicious cycle and sets yourself up for future disapointment. It has helped me to admit where and why I "failed" , pick up my bootstraps , leave it behind and move on. If I need to reformulate the plan, I do, if not then I'm back on track. I know you too will come to a conclusion about what is right for you. There are a lot of resources out there.

Take a look at a 12 step recovery program. Replace the word " alcohol" with good. The 12 step program has worked for me with alcohol. I've heard of it working with other addictions (food, work, etc). I had surgery Dec 30th. Had to lose 30 lbs before. The first 10 lbs were the hardest. Once I lost 10 lbs, it motivates me to keep on track. I would eat healthy for 6 days and have one day I would eat what I wanted, but would keep away from the carbs. Good luck.

Take a look at a 12 step recovery program. Replace the word " alcohol" with good. The 12 step program has worked for me with alcohol. I've heard of it working with other addictions (food, work, etc). I had surgery Dec 30th. Had to lose 30 lbs before. The first 10 lbs were the hardest. Once I lost 10 lbs, it motivates me to keep on track. I would eat healthy for 6 days and have one day I would eat what I wanted, but would keep away from the carbs. Good luck.

I think she meant "food", not "good". Go to www.oa.org for information about Overeaters Anonymous, meeting lists, etc.

It's a lot more complex than a mental addiction, I'm sorry to tell you. Over eating has it's basis in biology and the way our bodies and blood sugar function. Obesity is not just a choice, it's a disease. This surgery is the closest thing to a cure for what you are dealing with. Do it.

Before surgery I was a carb junkie and sugar aholic to the extreme. I can't stand that stuff now. The surgery removes the grehlin ( which causes hunger) and the hormones in your stomach that create sugar cravings. It stabilizes your blood sugar. These are things no amount of 12 stepping will do for you.

Obesity and drug addiction are not the same thing, no way. You have to eat to LIVE. Please don't beat yourself up you have a disorder. Your body will fight you every step of the way to hold on to your weight. That's the way we are evolved. And the chemicals you crave in foods create stronger and stronger cravings. It's not you fault. Have the surgery and never look back.

Given you may have some emotional,ties to food to work through but it's so much easier from this side of the bench.

Thank you so much for your post.....it means a lot to me.

I, too, was a food addict. I constantly, and ate in large volumes. Six weeks ago I had gastric bypass. The first two weeks were terrible because I had head hunger… My brain still craved the foods I loved before, but I was on liquid and purées only during that time, could only eat very small quantities, and nothing that appealed to me at that moment. It got much better after that because this former food addict suddenly start craving the things I had lunch so much before. I started craving vegetables and salads and foods that had crunch and texture because I was tired of mushy foods all the time! Of course, that phase passed, too, and now I am at stage five where I can have all my regular foods again. The crazy thing is that I can go hours without eating and don't even think about it. My stomach no longer growls if I forget to eat a meal. I have to remind myself to eat, and make myself eat enough. This too, will pass as the months go on. I tell you this so that you will know that your food addictions will most likely cease post surgery. it's crazy, amazing, but true for most people. Best wishes to you!

P.S. Sorry for all the typos. I was using voice diction on my phone, and didn't proofread before I hit reply. Hopefully you'll be able to read between the lines and get the gist. :-)

Thank you so much for your post. I really appreciate it.