Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

Hello,

Im new to this site and new to sleeving. I'm considering having VSG surgery and have a consult with MD this week. I am also a recovering alcoholic and I attend AA meetings regularly for 2 years (almost 2 years sober). I've recognized for a long time that I use food to "medicate" much like I did when drinking, so my question relates to not be able to use food to medicate after the surgery. While it's become easy for me not to take a drink a day at a time, I will still have to eat after the surgery. Are there others out there who are struggling with other addictions besides food (I dont mean to presume all here are addicts), and how have you been able to cope?

Thanks!

Maxxer

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Congrats on 2 years sober!! I am certainly no expert, but most people seem to find relief, at least to an extent, for their constant hunger. I was a food addict and I think the very long (8weeks) of not having any food that wasn't liquid or pureed has helped me break the head hunger.

It is very common that people will transfer their food addiction, though. Similarly the way that you shifted from alcohol to food. You may want to prepare in advance with a support group - like this one!! And meeting group or therapist to support you through this. My sister went through wls and became addicting to shopping - a very expensive habit!! She has joined a support group and is back on track. Some transfer their addiction to exercise - as long as you don't become obsessive/compulsive with it, that could be a good transfer!! Welcome and best of luck!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Transference is an issue with all of us at one point or another. Once you go through the very uncomfortable reaction from over eating, you decide that it's time to change your ways on food too. I now recognize that the comfort and satisfaction I felt when eating is more from the social interaction and not the food. I did go a little overboard on exercise too but I'm reeling that in, with the help of a very supportive wife.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Im also a recovering alcoholic and I have talked to my doc, my sponser and we are all coming up with a plan to prevent a relapse because of course i went from alcohol to food and do not want to go back. Its going to be one day at a time, but if we keep working the program we should be fine :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • jparadigm

      Happy Wednesday!
       
      I hope everyone is having a lovely week so far! 
      It's been a bit of a struggle this last week...I'm hungry ALL the time.
      · 1 reply
      1. BlondePatriotInCDA

        Have a great Wednesday too! Sorry you're hungry all the time, I'm pretty much the same..and I'm sick of eating the same food all the time.

    • ChunkCat

      Well, tomorrow I go in for an impromptu hiatal hernia repair after ending up in the ER over the weekend because I couldn't get food down and water was moving at a trickle... I've been having these symptoms on and off for a few weeks but Sunday was the worst by far and came with chest pain and trouble breathing. The ER PA thinks it is just esophagitis and that the surgeon and radiologist are wrong. But the bariatric surgeon swears it is a hernia, possibly a sliding one based on my symptoms. So he fit me into his schedule this week to repair it! I hope he's right and this sorts it out. He's going to do a scope afterwards to be sure there is nothing wrong with the esophagus. Here's hoping it all goes well!!
      · 3 replies
      1. AmberFL

        omgsh!! Hope all goes well!! Keeping you in my thoughts!

      2. gracesmommy2

        Hope you’re doing well!

      3. NickelChip

        I hope it goes well! Sending positive thoughts for a speedy recovery!

    • jparadigm

      Hello lovlies!
      Today is a beautiful day in west Michigan! I hope you all have a beautiful Tuesday and rest of your week!! 🤗
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Having gall bladder surgery in a few days and I so hope the recovery is easier than the one from the modified DS! I could use a bit of luck/pep talk for a change. I'm starting to be able to walk around without experiencing dizziness, but it would be great if the random pain in my chest and abdomen would go away!!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Dawn 1974

      4/4/2024 - new patient orientation. Wt 313
      4/5/2024 - got all my lab work done.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×