I knew before surgery that I was an emotional eater, but I never realized how deep it went until recently. Without using food to cope, I'm now seeing that I have no idea how to deal with stress before letting it get out of control.

Now that you're post op. what are some things you do to get a grip on your emotions or handle the stress in your life?

I try to do something active. My biggest stress reliever is playing soccer. I play two nights a week. My other stress reliever is biting my nails. I have been doing it since I was a little girl and just can not stop.

I know how you feel! Had some hectic emotional bumps after surgery because of this. Dont really have aby advice other than just stick it out, when things get too heavy, take a step back, realise nothing is really as bad as you make it in your head and be grateful for all the good things after surgery.

And start going to the gym!

That helps a lot, believe me! Took me 5 months to work up the courage to go and now that i have taken this step I am sorry I didnt start earlier!

Exercises realise endorphines that equip you to better deal with emotional upheavels good luck, sister!

I also am a emotional eater. I've struggled with this especially with stress hitting me hard. I've have to turn to walking or exercising. I also try to make sure I always have things like sugar free Popsicles on hand or something I can use as a healthy "treat" it's truly not easy but I know this is something I may always struggle with. Good luck!!

I am a emotional eater as well.... I find that exercise is a wonder stress reliever, just doing something.. anything physical is good. Yoga is amazing too and if you MUST eat... as ajustice said above have lots of fat free, sugar free munchies around. Try to find something other than food when stressed.

I try to do something active. My biggest stress reliever is playing soccer. I play two nights a week. My other stress reliever is biting my nails. I have been doing it since I was a little girl and just can not stop.

Now I don't feel so bad, I've been a nail biter since I was a little girl and have tried everything to stop, to even fake nails (didn't bite them, but nail bed became very thin like paper so had to quit the fake nails ). I notice I bite when I'm watching TV or when my hands aren't busy. Think it started as I use to be a worry wart. Now it has become a very bad habit. Hate it.

I'm an emotional eater too it's a challenge but we have to find a way to cope without food because it we turn to food we will eventually gain weight. I'm trying exercise too

Now I don't feel so bad' date=' I've been a nail biter since I was a little girl and have tried everything to stop, to even fake nails (didn't bite them, but nail bed became very thin like paper so had to quit the fake nails <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> ). I notice I bite when I'm watching TV or when my hands aren't busy. Think it started as I use to be a worry wart. Now it has become a very bad habit. Hate it.[/quote']

When people tell me that nail biting is such a bad habit. I say true but at least I am not smoking or drinking. No one ever died from biting their nails!

When people tell me that nail biting is such a bad habit. I say true but at least I am not smoking or drinking. No one ever died from biting their nails!

I'll second that. Also when I'm biting those nails I'm not sticking food in my mouth.

Thanks for the great suggestions. I think I'm going to try to take up running and see if that helps with the stress level.

Part of my prep for surgery includes finding an alternative to eating when stressed. So my dietician wanted me to find a hobby to keep my hands busy and keep my mind off food. I started loom knitting. Its easy, doesn't take too much thought and I can do it while spending time with my kids without eating their snacks. :-) I also have to take walks on my breaks at work to help with work stress.

Thanks for the great suggestions. I think I'm going to try to take up running and see if that helps with the stress level.

Just a warning I started running and have become almost addicted to it. I think it is because I used to think people were nuts to enjoy running when I was pre op. now I understand completely! Going to try and run my first 5k in December!

Just a warning I started running and have become almost addicted to it. I think it is because I used to think people were nuts to enjoy running when I was pre op. now I understand completely! Going to try and run my first 5k in December!

I just completed my first 5k last Saturday. It was an amazing accomplishment. I've lost 76 pounds and its amazing the things I can now do that I never would have tried 76 pounds ago!

Good luck on your 5k!

I just completed my first 5k last Saturday. It was an amazing accomplishment. I've lost 76 pounds and its amazing the things I can now do that I never would have tried 76 pounds ago!

Good luck on your 5k!

Thanks I am really excited to run it!