I have been reading a lot of posts and am realizing that I don't think I am the only one that is an emotional eater. When I am bored I eat, When I am sad I eat, When I am happy I eat.

The thing that I am having problems with is I am on Anti Depressants and if I do get approved for surgery do I have to have some sort of break through of why I eat emotionally?

My other concern is I smoke and I am afraid to quit because then I will gain so much more because that does help keep me entertained a little bit...

Alcahol One thing that I dare not to ask but I am very curious because I do enjoy the occasional beverage. Now I totally understand that they have empty calories (whatever that really means) which I know is a bad thing. I am fine with never having a drop just curious if anybody does have the occasional...

By the way since I have been doing the research all I can think about any more is getting this surgery but I just feel totally lost in what I am doing...

Thanks Guys for SUpport and talk and advice...

Love

K.

As far as smoking, check with your surgeon. Many won't even perform surgery unless you've been smoke free for at least a month, and most will randomly do blood tests to make sure you don't have nicotine in your system.

I was a smoker for 20 years and a heavy smoker at that. When I knew I wanted this surgery, I quit. I haven't had a cigarette in about a 18 months and my surgery was 8 months ago. Complications are much, much higher for a smoker than non smokers. They heal slower and less efficiently, they have more problems under general anesthesia, and they are much more likely to develop pneumonia in the days following surgery. For me, it simply wasn't worth the risks so I quit.

I smoke. 1/2 pack each day. My Dr suggested I quit...of course. But he still did the surgery...he just told me to let my anestheogist know. I had no trouble with surgery, healing or anything else. Not saying its the case for everyone... just my personal situation.

I am going to quit. thats next on the list. I am 9 lbs from goal.... once there I will cross that bridge.

I was never a smoker.

I do have an occasional toddy. But the calories add up fast!

Be sure your surgeon knows you smoke. The best would be to quit before your surgery, but if your surgeon is aware and willing, then take it from there.

As for alcohol, it is empty calories. I choose to have a glass of wine every evening. It was the one treat I didn't want to give up. I count the calories and work it into my 1200 calorie diet. Some doctors say no alcohol, mine didn't so check with your doctor.

As for your emotional eating, the band WILL NOT help you there! You will have to battle that demon yourself. I would recommend counselling to help address the emotional issues.

When I got my band I decided my life had to change completely......and it did. Now my food choices are healthy, there is NO junk food in my house anymore, I exercise daily (wow, never thought I would say that) and most importantly food does not control me....I control it.

Good luck on your journey.

I can't comment on the smoking or drinking because I don't do either, BUT, I can say you are most definitely not the only person who is an emotional eater. And to answer your question about having to find the source of your emotional trigger - you don't HAVE to but there's no way I would have been banded before getting my head straight. I was a very emotional eater. I was carrying so much stress that whenever my hands were empty or I wasn't moving, I got anxious. If I had to sit still for some reason, I would munch on something to keep myself busy. I absolutely recommend a therapy session (which is probably required through your process anyways) and get to the bottom of the unhealthy triggers.

I also am an emotional eater. I have a lot of other pscyh issues too, but this is just one of them. I am still in a battle over it and to say otherwise I would be lying. I do not know when or if I will ever overcome the emotional stuff, but for me realizing it and knowing when I am doing it has helped. Do not get me wrong, it hasnt always stopped me, but I now sometimes know when I am doing it and can shut it off.

Good luck

I gave up smoking 18 mos ago. I decided I wanted the lap band more than I wanted the Cig. Not smoking was one of my ins requirements. You have to decide for yourself what is more important Health or smoking

There's a great book, The Beck Diet Solution, that my psychologist at the surgeon's office recommended. We found it on ebay for $5 or $6 and it is worth it. Helps you to get inside your own head about why you eat the way you do. It doesn't replace therapy--but it helps.