I was banded 2008....lost 50 lbs but I have gone up and down with the same 8-10 lbs for over a yr. I feel like i am out of control again!! Its always i'll start over tomorrow. I am a food addict....this is my addiction. I will always have to fight it....it will never end. I have to want it bad enough i guess. I feel like i dont even have the band to help me I dont know what my problem is...

I struggle with food addiction too, and the past 8 months it's been hard to get under control. I was banded in August 2009, and the first year of banding it was like my food addiction didn't even exist. I guess I was so excited and determined that I didn't let food get in the way. I lost weight very easily the first year. The second year I've struggled. I've only lost 15 pounds in the past year because I've been riding the weight loss roller coaster. Up and down, up and down, up and down... I'm slowly getting back on track now. I want to lose another 30-40 pounds and I know this last 30-40 pounds is going to be harder than the first 150! I have to take it one day at a time...heck, sometimes I have to take it one meal or one snack at a time. I have to track everything I eat and hold myself accountable. Food addiction is a horrible thing to have, but something we addicts will have to deal with for the rest of our lives. I have to plan my days ahead of time, and when I'm craving something I have to stop and THINK about what I'm about to do. Am I really hungry or just bored? Am I eating because I need to or because I'm emotional? Sometimes it's ok to give in to small indulgences, and other times it's best to put it away. Go for a walk, read a book, exercise, anything to keep your mind off food. Find someone who you can hold yourself accountable to...a friend, spouse, family member. My hubby has been put under strict orders to tell me NO when I want to go on an ice cream run! (we live 2 miles from a Bruester's and they know us quite well). Have you considered joining Overeaters Anonymous? It's a great program that may help you work through WHY you eat and gives you a ton of support. It also is big on accountability. I've found that with weight loss, it's all about accountability baby! Own up to your choices and be accountable for what you put in your mouth. It's simple really...but it is in no way easy. You can do it if you just take it one day (or meal) at a time!

Hi,

I have the same issues. food addiction. It sucks. I truly believe food addiction is harder to kick than any other addiction because you have to eat. If you were a drug addict or alcoholic you could give up those substances and never have to take them again. But with food, we are faced with it every day.

I definitely recommend therapy. Get someone who specializes in food addiction or eating disorders or is a cognitive behavioral therapist.

Also, there is a good book that I have read. It is called "Shrink Yourself" by Roger Gould. It talks about emotional eating and gives step by step instructions on how to identify and deal with emotional triggers. Shrink Yourself They even have a web site with a 12 week online class to deal with emotional eating.

The main thing is, you need to decide you want to change your life. You need to make a plan regarding how you are going to make the changes. Your band is a good tool. Do you need a fill? I know that with a proper fill the amount you eat should be limited and you should feel full. Perhaps you need to see your surgeon.

Good Luck. I wish you much success!

thanks everyone for the nice words I appreciate them :-)

I agree. I've been struggling this past summer, actually this whole year with an addiction to ice cream. I got banded last August and came down to 200lbs and finally 196. My goal is 165. Unfortunately, I've become addicted to ice cream. Once I eat one, I begin to binge every night. I even have to wait till my wife falls asleep so I can go out secretly to buy some. I feel like I've let myself down. The lap band is wonderful but it won't stop me from overeating on these type of foods. What it does is keep my hunger in check. However, what happens if you eat when you're not hungry. I have to get over this ice cream addiction.

Not to mention that I get so confused on how to eat. I figure low carb is what works for bandsters but then my doctor says eating fruit is okay too. I'm just so frustrated and in need of a pick me up.

I agree. I've been struggling this past summer, actually this whole year with an addiction to ice cream. I got banded last August and came down to 200lbs and finally 196. My goal is 165. Unfortunately, I've become addicted to ice cream. Once I eat one, I begin to binge every night. I even have to wait till my wife falls asleep so I can go out secretly to buy some. I feel like I've let myself down. The lap band is wonderful but it won't stop me from overeating on these type of foods. What it does is keep my hunger in check. However, what happens if you eat when you're not hungry. I have to get over this ice cream addiction.

Not to mention that I get so confused on how to eat. I figure low carb is what works for bandsters but then my doctor says eating fruit is okay too. I'm just so frustrated and in need of a pick me up.

I here ya on the ice cream! I was never so into ice cream and sweets as I am now . I wish I new what to say but I am dealing the same issues. I guess we just have to want it.

It was as though I wrote this post myself. I was banded Oct 2008. I lost a total of 135lbs and have now gained back 25-30lbs. I cant seem to stop eating sweets at night. I dont know what is wrong with me. I want this so bad but dont seem to have the self control anymore. I havent been on here for a while and thought I would look here for motivation instead of hitting up the DQ drive thru. Thanks for reminding me I'm not alone. Good luck!

It was as though I wrote this post myself. I was banded Oct 2008. I lost a total of 135lbs and have now gained back 25-30lbs. I cant seem to stop eating sweets at night. I dont know what is wrong with me. I want this so bad but dont seem to have the self control anymore. I havent been on here for a while and thought I would look here for motivation instead of hitting up the DQ drive thru. Thanks for reminding me I'm not alone. Good luck!

Yes , It is nice to know we are not alone. :-) This is why we got the band in the first place right? We have a problem with food. I have not been on here in awhile either and came seeking motivation too. :-)

I quit eating sweets..things with sugar..back in February before I had my surgery in May. I eat the sugar free popsickles and that is good...also skinny cow ice cream, but you still have to limit what you eat. At work we have birthdays with cake and ice cream about twice a month and then someone is always bringing in donuts or cupcakes. I pass it up...they say one bit won't hurt..but for me, it will....one bite leads to two, etc. I am not craving it..so I am not going to give in and start the craving...besides what happens if I take that bite and its not as good as I remember? I have dreamed I am eating M&M's...what a deal, I get to taste the chocolate but not worry about the calories!

ha ha!!! I've dreamed of eating food too! Thank god its only a dream lol!

This sounds so much like me!! I doubt that we are alone. Learning to keep our weight off and finish what we started has got to be the hardest part of all. I, too, have 30-40 lbs left to go. I've gotten back on track this summer but am worried about the winter months when we can't get outside. I took action when I gained over 10lbs ...went back to the psychologist, support group, and joined a weight loss program. It all helps me to be accountable which you identified as key in this journey...I so agree with you! I am hoping to make better plans, but it is so easy to let those addictions take over and make excuses...such a roller coaster! Congrats on all you've done and good luck to both of us in completing our greatest accomplishment!

I struggle with food addiction too, and the past 8 months it's been hard to get under control. I was banded in August 2009, and the first year of banding it was like my food addiction didn't even exist. I guess I was so excited and determined that I didn't let food get in the way. I lost weight very easily the first year. The second year I've struggled. I've only lost 15 pounds in the past year because I've been riding the weight loss roller coaster. Up and down, up and down, up and down... I'm slowly getting back on track now. I want to lose another 30-40 pounds and I know this last 30-40 pounds is going to be harder than the first 150! I have to take it one day at a time...heck, sometimes I have to take it one meal or one snack at a time. I have to track everything I eat and hold myself accountable. Food addiction is a horrible thing to have, but something we addicts will have to deal with for the rest of our lives. I have to plan my days ahead of time, and when I'm craving something I have to stop and THINK about what I'm about to do. Am I really hungry or just bored? Am I eating because I need to or because I'm emotional? Sometimes it's ok to give in to small indulgences, and other times it's best to put it away. Go for a walk, read a book, exercise, anything to keep your mind off food. Find someone who you can hold yourself accountable to...a friend, spouse, family member. My hubby has been put under strict orders to tell me NO when I want to go on an ice cream run! (we live 2 miles from a Bruester's and they know us quite well). Have you considered joining Overeaters Anonymous? It's a great program that may help you work through WHY you eat and gives you a ton of support. It also is big on accountability. I've found that with weight loss, it's all about accountability baby! Own up to your choices and be accountable for what you put in your mouth. It's simple really...but it is in no way easy. You can do it if you just take it one day (or meal) at a time!

You mentioned both of my weaknesses...sweets and nights!! I tend to get carried away with the sugar addiction and snacking late at night has always been my worst habit. How to break it is a mystery. I can do great for a significant amount of time and them bam...I'm right back to battling those demons again!! I try to plan, but am always able to justify my bad behavior...right now I'm doing okay, but know the winter is coming. Walking really helps me to los4e and maintain...once the snow flies it gets more challenging. My goal this winter is to try to stay the same until the spring thaw!!!

It was as though I wrote this post myself. I was banded Oct 2008. I lost a total of 135lbs and have now gained back 25-30lbs. I cant seem to stop eating sweets at night. I dont know what is wrong with me. I want this so bad but dont seem to have the self control anymore. I havent been on here for a while and thought I would look here for motivation instead of hitting up the DQ drive thru. Thanks for reminding me I'm not alone. Good luck!

I am right there with ya. I have figured out that I am truly a food addict. I have been overweight at least 34 of my 43 years of life. It's a HARD thing to battle. I have said that same thing so many times about how this is one of the hardest addictions to have since we NEED food to live. I have cried in prayer many times, wondering why this is my cross to bear, but it is something I KNOW I will have to deal with the rest of my life too, even after I get banded. My only hope is that the band will HELP me during those times that I would normally binge. I have been up and down with weight loss so so sooooo many times. It's such a struggle. You are definitely not alone. I just wish that others would not be so judgemental. Those that do not have this problem can NEVER truly know the horrors of having this addiction. I wish blessings to all of us during this process.

I'm sure glad I'm not the only one that feels this way. I have my days & Lord knows I have the worst time trying to eat breakfast right now but I get sooo hungry and crave things in the afternoon/evening when it's easier for me to eat. Right now it's frustrating and I work out like crazy, along with plenty water...I have 50 left to lose & it's not cooperating with me. I'm in for a fill Monday, hopefully it will help. I appreciate you all & your stories, we're not alone.