I can't post in the veterans forum so I'll ask here...

I know its tough too admit but please answer honestly...

Has anyone that has had there surgery for more then a year become dependent on some kind of outlet (other then food of course)?

Maybe drugs, alcohol, any kind of pills, anything?

I had my surgery in dec and my outlet is a snickers bar. I never did drugs or alcohol so no that's not an issue with me. The therapist that we had before surgery said that some turn to alcohol and I may since I can't overheat in food. I laughed in her face. A coworker that had the sleeve all she talk about is drinking. She did four wks out and was bragging that she didn't get sick. I pray she don't get addicted. Are you honestly having issues with addiction to something? If so, we are here to talk if you need to.

I'm not having any issues with it i'm only 4 Weeks out of my second surgery just think that i might have problems with alcohol, or even pain meds, however right now i'm waiting for a call back from a psych. And hopefully well bee seeing me within the next week

I need help!

it's very common. more common than people think. I haven't had surgery yet, but I have a history of addiction with over 3 years clean and in recovery. no reason to be ashamed, and it's awesome that you're recognizing that you might be having an issue. flush the pain meds and no drinking. talk to someone you trust. attend some 12 step meetings (narcotics anonymous, alcoholics anonymous, overeaters anonymous etc) and find some support. you are welcome to message me anytime. there are quite a few ppl on this site that have had issues with addiction/ coping. I wish you luck.

Yes there are some here that have experienced crossover addictions... I have, to a smaller degree experienced it.

I've never had an drug or alcohol addiction.

But I come from a family with both (my mother and brother)

This is a post from me some months back....

Comfort.. It's why I ate. Numbing myself with each bite, from what? Past trauma? Disappointment? Boredom? Life? The answer? All of the above.

As you know a lot of us struggle with addictive personalities here. If you've been around here you've heard me talk about my problem with the pain meds at night, I started taking them in the evening ( the same time I did my best eating) long after I "needed" them.. I shocked myself because drugs or alcohol have never been a problem for me.

It's like an addiction is waiting around every corner just waiting for me some days. I've been sick this last week and had bad allergies to top it off. I have always stayed away from Benadryl because I have a bad drugged type reaction and then it knocks me out. Well a few days ago I got so desperate I took one, worked awesome! I went back for more the next night. Last night I couldn't find them, my husband took them. He said I know you just want to knock yourself out.... Was he right? Maybe.

We have additive personalities, and we are sneaky beings. So we are always looking for ways to fill that hole. My husband knew about the pain meds in the beginning because I told him. That's how he knew to take the Benadryl away and confront me on it. You need to do the same.

Shine a light on the problem, talk to a close family member, friend, and counselor. And us of course,

it's very common. more common than people think. I haven't had surgery yet' date=' but I have a history of addiction with over 3 years clean and in recovery. no reason to be ashamed, and it's awesome that you're recognizing that you might be having an issue. flush the pain meds and no drinking. talk to someone you trust. attend some 12 step meetings (narcotics anonymous, alcoholics anonymous, overeaters anonymous etc) and find some support. you are welcome to message me anytime. there are quite a few ppl on this site that have had issues with addiction/ coping. I wish you luck.[/quote']

Thank you for your support... I've just had some complications with the first surgery and now with this second one i had a horrible time trying to recover :/ i just want to prevent anything because I've become depressed with this new life style at times, and know that i may turn to something else to help me cope.

I'm 1 year 2 months out! Addiction for me yes!

If its not coffee, it's shopping or buying nightlights for my house. Oh and crystallised ginger (yum) it doesn't take much to get me started but I'm full speed ahead when I do.

You are on the right track to speak to the psych.

That's what I did with my surgeons advice as well as seeing the nutritionist as well. I had started drinking soda as well. I will tell you I learned that if I didn't change these things my WLS would fail.

I never really understood why I couldn't drink soda but I learned the carbonation will stretch your stomach. Also if you eat the weight of the food with a beverage before waiting an hour will cause your stomach to stretch. Maybe that will help you.

My psych said one thing that really helped me.

"We all have thoughts go through our minds all day long, just because we have those thoughts doesn't mean we have to act on them"

No need to be embarrassed. I mean being nightlights is really a crazy addiction as well.

If its medication try to think about what you are putting your liver through when you take any medications.

I'm wishing you the best with this issue. It is very real. Search in the search box above the list of rooms. Type in cross over addiction .

I haven't had my surgery yet but my best friend has. She's a year out and has a horrible addiction to shopping. Whether it's clothing or something on sale that "will make an excellent gift for (whomever, it could be anyone!)" She is truly addicted.