Stress Management and Emotional Eating

When I first began my journey toward having a LapBand, I was told an odd fact: a fair percentage of bandsters often end up with other issues such as alcoholism. I thought that rather odd, and considered myself very well-adjusted. I couldn't imagine developing such a horrible problem back then.

I can now. What's more, I now understand why.

I'm a stress eater. When I get under stress, I run to the refrigerator, not a bottle. That is, I did until I was banded. While I can still swallow those naughty treats, I don't keep many around anymore. Even ice cream, which slides past my band like it wasn't even there isn't available as much anymore, long as I avoid temptation while in the grocery store.

But where does that leave me when under stress? I don't smoke. I can't eat sweets and junk because I don't keep them around the house. Booze? Yes, it's here. I keep a small stock for cooking.

Now I can see how some bandsters, deprived of their usual comforts when under stress, turn to booze. Oh, yeah. I have to admit, thanks to recent events here at home, I've had a few glasses of wine and actually considered going for the (yuk!) bourbon. I hate bourbon. But I was desperate for any tranquilizing feel-good effects.

Okay, so clearly that's why my doctor has a shrink on staff. She may spot potential issues like OCD, or stress management issues long before they become irrepairable. I can see that now. Scary. Very scary.

The trick has been to find new methods of calming down. Walking has worked. Working, like cleaning house, helped. Doing my crafts rather obsessively has helped. Finding a job that got me out of the house has helped. It's the little things.

Thanks for posting this. It's certainly good to be aware that we're all more inclined to have transfer addictions now...I just hope mine becomes exercise (never going to happen LOL).

I was shocked to find myself vulnerable, that's for sure.

I too have found that I traded one addiction to another. Mine was of course eating....I traded it for following the bandsters guidelines. It has been great because that is how I have had such good results, but I know that I need everything in moderation.

I talked to my doc and his nutritionist yesterday. The nutritionist, Sarah, agreed that many bandsters merely swap addictions --food addiction becomes a smoking addiction, so it's up to the bandster to find a good addiction. In the meantime, she suggested I take walks when the urge to misbehave hits. Seems to be working.