i had my surgery on 2-26-10. i am so happy to feel a freedom of the shackles food had over my life. i am noticing other behaviors in my life that werent really an issue before becoming addictive behaviors... especially since my first fill and i CANNOT overeat or use food as a comfort or drug. i dont want to get into these addictions because they are unhealthy to say the least. i wanted to see if anyone else have had this problem and what i can do to not allow these behaviors to continue? :thumbdown:

Hi I just noticed your post & wanted to bump it up because I think its a good topic for people to think about! I'm a pre-bander so you'll probably have more luck posting in the post banded section to hear from veterans. But I just wanted to comment generally that having this or any lifestyle change should cause you to first realize why & what triggers your dependent qualities that first led you to need the comfort of food- and now which ever 'addiction' that you say is unhealthy for you. In your case food may not really be the culprit but a cover up for the emotional baggage you carry. The band may help you stop overeating & thus save your life (from the physical & emotional side effects of being obese) but it can't save you from whatever emotional burdens you carry if you don't address them & figure out WHY you need a vice. Trading an unhealthy addiction for another is worthless to your mission for an overall heathier life & body. I would really suggest tracking your behaviors & trying to figure out what it is that makes you turn to your new addiction as you once did food. Unsettled grief? Family or work stress? Relationship insecurities? Unsettled childhood issues? Image distortion? To name a few. Maybe talking to a unbias professional would help? Not to go all Dr. Phil on you but I think its important for you to get to the bottom of why you sub-conciously try to sabotage your health with addiction as you self proclaim to be doing. For me personally what put me on a major down spiral weight wise was the unexpected death of my fiance- though he was 3weeks out deployed he did now make to any combat zone he mysteriously died a traumatic death in thailand while their unit was on 'libetery' (like a mini vacation). This put the nail in my coffin for binge eating & the start of my drinking. I could never have moved on to a healthier lifestyle without figuring out that anytime I heard the word 'marine' or 'thailand' or 'balcony' I felt I needed a big bowl of pasta & a cranberry & vodka! Then with my lack of self esteem I was sure id never find another person to love & support me at my size even then (60lbs lighter). My issue was pretty evident yours may not be but its in your best interest to work on it at least. You've taken a huge step in the right direction to reclaim your life & its wonderful & commendable that you did so don't let this awesome opportunity at a higher quality of life & a LONGER life allude you by trading for other unhealthy addictions. You deserve a shot at life so I hope you're able to get it all figured out! You're definitely in my prayers. Best wishes.