What do you do when you can no longer use food as a coping mechanism? I'm in a transition period in my life right now. I just graduated from a AAS Respiratory Care Program, am about to embark on taking Board exams, and I am looking for work in my new field. If this had happened pre-sleeve, I would have been opening the fridge and stuffing all of my anxiety down. (I actually find myself opening the fridge STILL for no reason, but now I don't eat anything.) I can't do this now with food, so I am being forced to actually feel these feelings of anxiety, fear, and self-doubt. It's kind of scary. I saw my therapist yesterday and she validated how I was feeling, that it's pretty common among WLS patients. I know now I need to find a way to cope with life's issues. I'm not sure how. Does anyone else feel this way, and if so, have you found a way to "drown your sorrows" in a constructive manner?

I have done that a lot.....Now I call a friend or a family member, take a walk, or just get busy doing something. You are on the right path by seeing a professional therapist that can help you adapt healthier coping skills.

I picked up a book recommended by my Bari psych, "50 ways to soothe yourself without food" by Susan Albers