I was told that given my past, I may be susceptible to two addictions as my body changes. Sexual and gambling.

I bring this up to illustrate a point my therapist said. I became this size as a defense mechanism to compensate for the loss or nonexistence of something else. While I can't speak foe everyone I will speak for myself. I use/used food as a coping mechanism. Stress from all aspects of my life. Home, work, school, family, inlaws.... You name it there's stress involved.

Food

Sex

Gambling

All will trigger the release of endorphins to give a feeling of satisfaction that isn't being met elsewhere. People, please address the issues (if any) as to why you're the size you are. Without a viable resolution, the underlying reasons can and often do transfer to another vice. The void that food fills has to be met head on and dealt with. Food addiction is dangerous as is. There are other things out there as bad or worse. Take the time to speak with a trained therapist if possible and address the issues. When the endorphins can't be made via eating the mind will seek out any other avenues to get that "rush".

Take care, VST

We're here to change our bodies, now take care of your mind too!

Awesome post!!!!

I am hoping that exercise is releasing enough endorphins to make up for what I am missing from food. I'm exercising 6 days a week, not because I enjoy it but because I think it helps my health. I originally went with 5 days per week so I could get off the anti-depressant I had to start taking during perio-menopause (for those who don't want to look up what that it, it's when you body starts changing, but you're still having your period :-).

I am afraid mostly of alcohol (I've always enjoyed it in moderation) and cigarettes (I gave them up years ago and some days one still sounds good). I'm old enough that I think other risky behaviors are behind me. I've either tried it and outgrown it, or it just didn't do it for me.

Lynda

Thanks for your post-it's important to think about these issues. I really appreciate that you took the time and effort to write this post.

Very well said...Oh those little endorphins.....Thanks

I was told that given my past, I may be susceptible to two addictions as my body changes. Sexual and gambling.

I bring this up to illustrate a point my therapist said. I became this size as a defense mechanism to compensate for the loss or nonexistence of something else. While I can't speak foe everyone I will speak for myself. I use/used food as a coping mechanism. Stress from all aspects of my life. Home, work, school, family, inlaws.... You name it there's stress involved.

Food

Sex

Gambling

All will trigger the release of endorphins to give a feeling of satisfaction that isn't being met elsewhere. People, please address the issues (if any) as to why you're the size you are. Without a viable resolution, the underlying reasons can and often do transfer to another vice. The void that food fills has to be met head on and dealt with. Food addiction is dangerous as is. There are other things out there as bad or worse. Take the time to speak with a trained therapist if possible and address the issues. When the endorphins can't be made via eating the mind will seek out any other avenues to get that "rush".

Take care, VST

We're here to change our bodies, now take care of your mind too!

Great post. I'm scheduled for May 21 in Mexico. I've used therapy in the past to work through issues, and have just started again in anticipation of surgery, particularly since I haven't focused on food issues specifically (though, frankly, everything's related I did a video post about this on my blog recently entitled "Why I eat", which hit a similar theme if you (or anyone else!) are interested...

http://gastricsleeve4me.blogspot.com/2012/05/why-i-eat.html

I was told that I definitely WOULD become an alcoholic. So far, I'm not. I see a therapist for my food issues as well. It's amazing how much of our lives and our minds are tied up in food. I'm working really hard to become addicted to exercise. I think that would be my best bet!

Great post - thank you for putting it out there!

Fabulous post! Thank u

Great post. I'm scheduled for May 21 in Mexico. I've used therapy in the past to work through issues, and have just started again in anticipation of surgery, particularly since I haven't focused on food issues specifically (though, frankly, everything's related I did a video post about this on my blog recently entitled "Why I eat", which hit a similar theme if you (or anyone else!) are interested...

http://gastricsleeve.../why-i-eat.html

Really enjoyed watching your video! And I found the information you have on your website very helpful too, especially since my surgery is 3 days away. You're simply AWESOME!

I ordered the Chike variety pack – 6 Flavors for a total of $13.43 and the Sample Pack from My Bariatric Pantry for a total of $24.29. I also have been looking for a good whey Protein product and have been using Slim Fast (not that great), so thanks for recommending Isopure – I will get it tomorrow, God willing. I love their website too, by the way! I'm also looking into getting the Ninja Master Prep Pro (my blender freezes when I put ice in it) – great deal at Sam's Club! Thanks for that!

I’m also searching for an affordable therapist in my area that specializes in bariatric surgery. I definitely emotionally eat (you can read more about that here if you would like, post # 11). Therapy has been in the back of my mind for a while now and I know it will be the best investment if I want to be successful long term.

Sorry for the long post, but I can’t thank you enough! I don’t know what I would do without this forum. I’m addicted.

Really enjoyed watching your video! And I found the information you have on your website very helpful too' date=' especially since my surgery is 3 days away. You're simply AWESOME!

I ordered the Chike variety pack – 6 Flavors for a total of 13.43 and the Sample Pack from My Bariatric Pantry for a total of 24.29. I also have been looking for a good whey Protein product and have been using Slim Fast (not that great), so thanks for recommending Isopure – I will get it tomorrow, God willing. I love their website too, by the way! I'm also looking into getting the Ninja Master Pro as well (my blender freezes when I put ice in it) – great deal at Sam's Club! Thanks for that!

I’m also searching for an affordable therapist in my area that specializes in bariatric surgery. I definitely emotionally eat (you can read more about that here if you would like, post # 11). Therapy has been in the back of my mind for a while now and I know it will be the best investment if I want to be successful for the long haul.

Sorry for the long post, but I can’t thank you enough! I don’t know what I would do without this forum. I’m addicted.

Glad you found it helpful! Best of luck with everything...definitely try out different protein powders. Everyone is different in their tastes, that's for sure! Some people really hate isopure, lol. So try to always get mini versions to try first. Good luck with surgery! You're only 11 weeks behind me and I'm down nearly 50lbs...that'll be you soon too

Does anyone know how to find a good therapist for food issues? Anyone in the St. Louis area maybe? Don't even know how to begin! Thanks! Tracy

Does anyone know how to find a good therapist for food issues? Anyone in the St. Louis area maybe? Don't even know how to begin! Thanks! Tracy

Hey Tracy! I started searching yesterday just using Google and found a couple of therapists in my area that I really like. I searched for "Bariatric Therapist" and then put my city "Los Angeles". I also tried using the keyword "Psychological Eating" after finding it on several therapists' websites so I can narrow down my search even more.

I was searching for therapists in your area and ran across this cool website: Psychology Today; a therapy directory. It seems better than the way I searched because you can narrow down therapists easily using more precise search parameters, unlike Google. I hope you find someone on there that you are comfortable with and is within your budget.

I was told that given my past, I may be susceptible to two addictions as my body changes. Sexual and gambling.

I bring this up to illustrate a point my therapist said. I became this size as a defense mechanism to compensate for the loss or nonexistence of something else. While I can't speak foe everyone I will speak for myself. I use/used food as a coping mechanism. Stress from all aspects of my life. Home, work, school, family, inlaws.... You name it there's stress involved.

Food

Sex

Gambling

All will trigger the release of endorphins to give a feeling of satisfaction that isn't being met elsewhere. People, please address the issues (if any) as to why you're the size you are. Without a viable resolution, the underlying reasons can and often do transfer to another vice. The void that food fills has to be met head on and dealt with. Food addiction is dangerous as is. There are other things out there as bad or worse. Take the time to speak with a trained therapist if possible and address the issues. When the endorphins can't be made via eating the mind will seek out any other avenues to get that "rush".

Take care, VST

We're here to change our bodies, now take care of your mind too!

i started smoking after surgery!!! YIKES

I know that I had a food addiction going before surgery. Now I can't indulge like before but I can get in the horrible sliders. I am totally discussed by the food industry these days. The way food is processed sets people up for obesity. I am a therapist and I recommend to all my clients that they go to more of a paleo type of eating if possible. The food industry adds so many discussing chemicals int he processed foods that do contribute to people's addictions. Sugar, fat, and carbs are mixed together to appeal to our addictions. Fast food is easy and convenient and very tantlizing. I don't eat anythng that has corn in there due to beef are fed corn to help fatten them up for market. I haven't found myself with any other addictions coming my way, except for stepping ont he scale daily. So I am working on continuing to eat healthy. This is for life.