I was discussing my surgery with a WLS nurse the other day and she was telling me that it is quite common for people to develop new addictions to replace their food addictions. Some people turn to unhealthy addictions: drugs, sex, etc.. I want to get some ideas of new areas to focus my attention (other than fitness). I don't think I will ever be addicted to exercize (although I suffer through what I need to). So what have all of you turned to????

My old addiction is quilting, but I never have much time. I think it's going to be my NEW old addiction once I get this done. It really takes my mind off of food. (Or is it...OLD new addiction....?)

Same as my old; quilting!

Great question! I would love to hear about new "addictions". I'm sure working out is super popular. I was a foodie before surgery (not long ago) and I've really enjoyed learning about new food combos that are super healthy and tasty.

I *highly* recommend http://theworldaccor...e.blogspot.com/ for recipes and honest blogging about her WLS journey!

I've heard bad things about patients going back to their food addiction or moving to drinking alcohol excessively. That's terrifying.

I don't think I had an "old" addiction... I will say that I enjoy shopping a lot more now, but I don't think it's an addiction, just an enjoyable activity. Something kind of strange, though--I worry less about keeping things "perfect" now. I used to be a neat freak, totally organized, unable to relax if things were disordered. Not so much any more!

I have a weird answer to this question...I'm addicted to cooking and baking now! I an obscessed with cooking now, buying cookbooks and trying new techniques. Half the stuff that I make I shouldn't or won't eat, but I still love making it. I've been baking bread-I'm sure as heck not eating that!-and I love it!! My hubby says that I'm making him gain weight so that I will look like I'm losing it faster (he was completely joking) I'm loving making delicious low-carb supper menus for our family, and I'm making menus about a month in advance. Most of the time I will bake loaves of different breads or bake cakes or cupcakes and take them to other family members or work so that it's not here tempting me!!

same as old , but taken to new levels--with all the money saved from not eating out---Ebay!!!

I dont really have one. I do exercise now, but not obsesivly. My nurse at my gp practically tried to talk me out of the surgery because she believes that everyone who has wls developes secondary addictions after. i am 5.5 months out and I am not addicted to anything, so I am happy to say she was wrong.

Well, I already had a secondary addiction I'm trying not to activate, which is spending money. What I am trying to put in place as "healthy" obsessions are knitting and crocheting.

I've compulsion hopped my whole life. food and money are my most dangerous ones. Like prior posters, I am scared to death of developing another bad addiction.

why not develop an addiction to eating healthy? That's my new addiction. LOL

I don't think I had an "old" addiction... I will say that I enjoy shopping a lot more now, but I don't think it's an addiction, just an enjoyable activity. Something kind of strange, though--I worry less about keeping things "perfect" now. I used to be a neat freak, totally organized, unable to relax if things were disordered. Not so much any more!

So you can relax now. That's a major triumph! I find I'm not wound as tight either. I guess we can add it to the list of unexpected benefits!

I was a crafter before but it's been really helpful to me post-op. If I crochet or something while I'm eating, I am able to eat much slower. If I don't keep my hands busy it's too easy to reach for that fork sooner than I should between bites.

I really thought I'd become a shop-a-holic because I LOVE shopping but so far I've been pretty hesitant to buy new clothes because I'm still shrinking. I'll have to really watch it when I get to goal and have to buy new everything!

Yup! Fitness for me. But more to the point... Running!! I guess because I could not run before, I feel like I've conquered demons everytime I get out there. My other addiction is more physical play with the kids. No more sidelines for me!! I'll jump on the jungle gym with them ; )

I think it's obsurd that someone in the medical field would place the thought in your mind..that you are going to have another addiction. It's probably not always the case..they could've at least told you something positive..like "you may want to find something else to occupy your time" or whatnot. I hope my "new addiction" will be excercise and being happy enjoying new quality time with my family.

Everyone is different but I find myself doing more physical things outdoors that I have not been able to do in years. I have become a gym rat to try and get into the best shape of my life. I am trying to get away from a lot of the things that contributed to me becoming obese in the first place such as sitting in the house watching TV or at the computer all day. I am trying to spend much more time doing anything that is physical that my weight prevented me from doing before. Now that I have all of this new found energy, it is a blast to work in the yard, the garage and any other projects I can come up with.

Now as far as an addiction, I would have to say shopping. I love bargin shopping and now that I wear a size large instead of a 4x, it opens up a whole new world to me. I hated shopping before so this is kind of a surprise that I enjoy this so much.

I was not there and do not know the context of what was said about replacing the eating addiction with another addiction but I will tell you this, there are many healthy addictions you can have, they do not all have to be bad. I am a little obsessed with being healthy now, I figure if I went through WLS, I got a second lease on life. I eat healthy now and do not drink alcohol or put anything in my body that does not have nutritional value. I will be the first to admit that I am a little overboard on this but I feel so much better and there is absolutely no way I ever will slip back to my old bad habits.

I was discussing my surgery with a WLS nurse the other day and she was telling me that it is quite common for people to develop new addictions to replace their food addictions. Some people turn to unhealthy addictions: drugs, sex, etc.. I want to get some ideas of new areas to focus my attention (other than fitness). I don't think I will ever be addicted to exercize (although I suffer through what I need to). So what have all of you turned to????

I wish it were sex :biggrin5: but it seems to be shoes.