chrystine

It's not worth it, it really isn't. I have read a lot about alcohol abuse after surgery. Our body's can't handle it and it goes through our system very quickly. We would need more to get the same affect. Why trade one addiction for another? Where I work a woman was fired after WLS because she became an alcoholic; she actually came to work under the influence. I am going to France and would love to sample some wine while I am there but it won't be worth it (I will have a dessert or two though...also a no-no but no DUI)

Pandora, Thank you for sharing your story. I am so happy for you that you have found peace and have transformed yourself, and how you feel about yourself. It sounds as though you are much happier and healthier and I really admire your outlook and attitude! Chrystine

Awareness of addiction is a huge step. Geneen Roth has written a number of books about addictive eating that I have found helpful. Mindfulness and DBT training can also be helpful in overcoming compulsive over-eating and replacing negative thought processes. Some people find 12 step programs helpful. For many, the answer really is eliminating the trigger foods such as white flour or sugar. It's important to realize though that an over-dependence on sugar substitute never quiets the longing and desire for sugar though. I don't think there is any "one size fits all" answer. I know that I come from a family with compulsive and addictive behaviors. I have never picked up cigarettes, drugs or alcohol but have definitely relied on food. For the first 25+ years it wasn't much of an issue because I could eat what I wanted and stayed close to a healthy weight (maybe 10 lbs heavy). By the time I finally got a handle on my compulsive over-eating, between my Hashimoto's which is difficult to control even with Synthroid, my metabolic syndrome and the pain that makes working out difficult, I know WLS is the only way to help me attain a healthy weight. If I hadn't wrapped my head around the food issue though, having the surgery wouldn't really help in the long run. I had my first WLS appointment Jan 2 and have lost 15 lbs since then. Such a struggle since my metabolism is so messed up. Do I still have an occasional candy bar and Coke pre-surgery? Yes. But I can't remember the last time I had a 16 oz bag of fun size Snickers bar and devoured them in an evening. If you are already post-op and still obsessing about food, please find a program, therapist, behavioral lifestyle class - something to help set you free. Best wishes, Chrystine

Have to agree with everyone. One biggie that jumped out at me, especially after my pre-surgery "lifestyle classes" - what the heck are you doing snacking in front of the t.v.? That's a "no-no"! To be successful, one must eat mindfully. One can't eat mindfully while watching t.v. And while a handful of nuts has great MUFAs, they also have a lot of fat and many contain a lot of sodium.

I think this post is ironic because I don't know anyone who discusses their mental health treatment in casual conversation (I for one do not) and I certainly don't plan on discussing my WLS in casual conversation. I am sure some people will ask once I start losing large amounts of weights. If asked directly I won't lie, If asked point blank I will say yes and change the subject, but I don't feel it's my personal mission to educate people any more than I feel it's my personal mission to lead people to therapy, ECT or any other kind of mental health treatment. If someone whom I really care about and I think trusts me asks me a question, I will give an honest opinion/experience - otherwise, why bother? Most people are only going to believe what they want to believe.