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Admitting I'm a Binge Eater

By RavenClaw779

· 384 views

When I'd finally reached the end of my rope with my weight last fall and began the process of considering and applying for WLS one of the things my surgical practice required was an "essay" on why I wanted WLS. I posted that essay at the beginning of my blog. One thing I commented about myself somewhat laughingly was that I am a "bulimic who doesn't vomit", thinking that I was a rare bird or that I didn't really have a problem.

Recently, my NUT recommended, OVERCOMING Binge Eating by Dr. Christopher Fairburn. What an eye-opener!

I'm not uncommon and I'm not alone. Sadly, I never felt comfortable telling my doctors about my secret problem. I'm a classic Type-A; organized, perfectionist, Miss-do-it-all, not willing to admit weakness. In fact these are traits often possessed by a bulimic/binge eater. Handling stress, disappointments and sadness but stuffing it down - metaphorically and physically. I now know that if I'd had the courage to reveal my weakness, maybe I could've gotten help before I got to the point of considering WLS. I find it some what distressing, that no doctor - including my surgeon, and their affliated dietitian, and psychologist - ever picked up on it - even when it was there in writing and there was no evidence that anyone had ever addressed this problem with me.

So here I am - most of the weight I've lost since banding in March has been pre-surgical. I'm not gaining - I'm stuck at 238.

I'm still binging but for the obvious reason, I can't consume as much. I'm still not getting straight answers from my surgical practice and no one there has bothered to bring up the obvious - Jill...why aren't you losing weight?

So I'm starting to work through this problem on my own - the above book has a Part II; a self-help workbook - and still looking for the right therapist.

There is no way that anyone who says WLS was the easy way out has a clue as to what I'm (and I'm sure a number of fellow bandsters) are dealing with - it's not just the surgery, it's everything else that's coming out as a result. Pray for me as I will for you.

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    4 Comments

    Recommended Comments

    Guru in Training

    Dadkins8

    LAP-BAND Patients

    I think that you are taking a good first step in identifying the problem and trying to work through why you do it in the first place. Don't feel like a failure. Just take it one day at a time. You can do it! Keep me posted.

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    • Bariatric Evangelist

    sandradee0124

    LAP-BAND Patients

    Great self-awareness and heartwarming post. Every day I pray for my fellow bandsters. We are all, in our own way, going through something. Many of us find our way through the issues. I pray you do as well.

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    • Expert Member

    HEALTHY111

    LAP-BAND Patients

    Losing weight is very much an emotional and mental thing as well as physical. I am praying for you. I do not understand if you are not losing why the staff at your Dr office isn't inquiring as to your diet, activities, etc.. This is part of their job as well as your job to watch what you are consuming. I noticed one thing that helped me A LOT when I felt like I was hungry or wanted to eat another meal I would make a chocolate protien shake and chew two sugar free strawberry flavored Fiber Choice tablets. It works trust me. The Fiber Choice is obviously fiber which is filling in itself but also it has Chromax & Green Tea which helps to promote fat metabolism and the bottle even says it helps with weight management. I just bought another bottle on sale at Rite Aid for 9.99 for 90 tablets which is a good deal because I paid 16.99 for my last bottle!!

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    • Novice

    Holtzclawk

    LAP-BAND Patients

    After reading your post, I am going to buy the book too. This really hits home to me too. It is great knowing that other bandsters have the same issues. I have lost 33 lbs, I had my wls on May 11, the last 2 weeks my weight has stayed the same. GRRRR.

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