Do you ever feel like since you can't eat like you did before, you make up for it by doing something else......A LOT! I have found the need to shop shop shop. Like I have a million dollars to blow or something. It satisfys that part of my brain that food did. I've been really focusing on cutting out this habit, but its kind of like I switched one for the other. I dont like it either.....(throw in fit here)

During my preop testing my doctor warned that sometimes you trade addictions, and to be careful with alcohol and things like that. For me, I worked really hard and I can finally say that I have traded my food addiction for working out. YAY!! But I still have to try really hard not to shop too much. Especially since there are so many more cute things in a size 14/16 then in a size 26/28! I knew I would have to substitute the food for something healthy because I tend to have an addictive personality! UGH!!

I am very worried about this- I think that I too will need to switch it to working out

I know exactly what you mean, and this new obsession of mine is aggravated by the fact that I work in a department store where I get a generous associate discount on all my purchases! I'm trying to cut back by eliminating recreational shopping. I let myself shop when I actually need something, but if I'm just shopping to distract or comfort or entertain myself, I have the items I want put on hold for 24 hours instead of actually purchasing them. Often when I go back to buy them, they don't appeal to me or fix whatever feeling or problem I had when I picked them out the day before.

I can honestly say I think I will be addicted to shopping before I would be to working out--don't think that will ever happen...have you ladies tried crafts or scrapbooking? I have heard a few ladies on here say they have become addicted to that, and it is something easy to pull out whenever you have a craving...maybe you could even make things to SELL...then you would be MAKING money! lol

I can honestly say I think I will be addicted to shopping before I would be to working out--don't think that will ever happen...have you ladies tried crafts or scrapbooking? I have heard a few ladies on here say they have become addicted to that, and it is something easy to pull out whenever you have a craving...maybe you could even make things to SELL...then you would be MAKING money! lol

I hear what you are saying but I started this journey in March at 372lbs. I couldn't even get down or up off of the floor to play with my son. If you told me 10 months later I would be addicted to exercise I would have laughed at you....but now I am at the gym at least 4 mornings a week. I don't always love getting up but I am addicted to how I feel after. I guess my point is you just never know.....and I am so not crafty!!! Good Luck!!

I can honestly say I think I will be addicted to shopping before I would be to working out--don't think that will ever happen...have you ladies tried crafts or scrapbooking? I have heard a few ladies on here say they have become addicted to that, and it is something easy to pull out whenever you have a craving...maybe you could even make things to SELL...then you would be MAKING money! lol

Oh, I do lots of arts and crafts, and I also enjoy shopping for the materials I use. I've sold some of my artwork but not enough to put a dent in the huge inventory of supplies I've acquired!

Oh, I do lots of arts and crafts, and I also enjoy shopping for the materials I use. I've sold some of my artwork but not enough to put a dent in the huge inventory of supplies I've acquired!

I would probably become addicted to buying craft supplies. I'm hard wired to shop. LOL!

My closets are overfilled, now! So, yes, after 2 years, I am, now, trying to control the urge to shop for something new! I fail, a lot!! Good luck to us all. Overshopping is better than overeating! Happy New year. Karen

During my preop testing my doctor warned that sometimes you trade addictions, and to be careful with alcohol and things like that. For me, I worked really hard and I can finally say that I have traded my food addiction for working out. YAY!! But I still have to try really hard not to shop too much. Especially since there are so many more cute things in a size 14/16 then in a size 26/28! I knew I would have to substitute the food for something healthy because I tend to have an addictive personality! UGH!!

love your quote at the bottom of your post! And congrats, by the way!

I hear what you are saying but I started this journey in March at 372lbs. I couldn't even get down or up off of the floor to play with my son. If you told me 10 months later I would be addicted to exercise I would have laughed at you....but now I am at the gym at least 4 mornings a week. I don't always love getting up but I am addicted to how I feel after. I guess my point is you just never know.....and I am so not crafty!!! Good Luck!!

I can honestly say I think I will be addicted to shopping before I would be to working out--don't think that will ever happen...have you ladies tried crafts or scrapbooking? I have heard a few ladies on here say they have become addicted to that, and it is something easy to pull out whenever you have a craving...maybe you could even make things to SELL...then you would be MAKING money! lol

Best of luck on your surgery! Your world will start looking so much better, as you will!

Knitting or crocheting may be a good substitute. It keeps our hands busy and our minds busy on what pattern/stitch we are on.

It worked for me during one of the many times I lost weight on my own.