Today, I read somewhere on the forum, how banded people with prior food addiction issues, would find something new to be addicted to. What are your thoughts? What is taking the place of food for you, if anything?

I find myself cleaning and reading again more. Im struggling with eating but what im doing is working.

I'm addicted to Starbucks coffee! I was never a coffee drinker before.

Shopping! It used to reduce me to tears and always ended with me feeling miserable and depressed followed by binging on sweets. Now it's a pleasurable activity that makes me happy! I love to dress up!

What an interesting question. I've never thought about it. However, after reading this, I'll have to say, I do read more. I do spend more time doing things my husband wants to do. Of course, I am on this site a lot! I am enjoying this journey. I will be on the look out for what I am leaning towards after reading this question. I lost down to a size 3 about five years ago. I felt fantastic. I gained most of that back, and have lived the life of a hermit. I was so afraid of seeing someone I knew…knowing they would say, "OMG, look how much weight she's gained". I did this so much my husband thought I was ashamed of him. To me, he's the most handsome man on earth. I was just ashamed of me. I never want to have that desperate feeling again. Praying this works, once and for all! I am a lifer. Started my first diet at 14 with just a few pounds to lose. Then gained that back plus some…..

I've found the same Gel, Starbucks. OMG if it were only closer!

Shopping started from necessity, now- I think it has become too much fun, not spending- just wanting to be out of the house and looking, trying on smaller sizes. I've always loved shoes and boots- because my feet are smaller... Yikes!

I don't have that many feet, for Pete's sake! At least I get steps in on my fit bit...

Hello everyone,

I mostly shop at Goodwill. I can't afford to spend too much on clothes that won't be the right size for long. That is such a GOOD THING. It is still a thrill to find clothes I can fit in that are smaller than I've been in decades.

I'm going to have to be carefull not to transfer that obsession I had with food to something else.

Kathleen

So what about boredom? Anxiety? Stressed? Have you become addicted to your phone or laptop? Do you just get out and move? Do you have new hobbies? Do you shop? Are you drinking more coffee/ tea than before? What about using alcohol or gambling? Have your pets become your focus? Anyone showing dogs or horses? Has your kindle list expanded with new books? Have you become a social butterfly? Is your garden in the best shape ever? Are your activities solitary or groups? Join a league of some kind? Competitive ?

This really hits home for me. I am 10 months out and down over 100 lbs. Around 6 months I started shopping like crazy. I found myself wanting to go to the mall ever day. Then it seemed dull for me.

I then had family visit in Feb and I went out and had a few cocktails. Then it was cocktails 2 days a week. Then it turned to every day cocktails. Mind you I used crystal light and logged my drinks so I did not gain.

I have never talked to a therapist so I called my doctor and got referral. A very long time ago in my 20's I went to AA. I am now starting this again. It seems I have a compulsive issue going on. I am glad I am facing it and getting help but I am one of the unfortunate ones that seem to be dealing with cross addiction. I'm glad I learned about this via bpal. It is a daily struggle but I did this surgery to be healthy and happy.

I totally believe in therapy, any good book suggestions regarding cross addiction? Says the girl who went to Starbucks twice today, and walked three miles in the mall... No shoes today..:-)

I did purchase a new gratitude journal!

What do you drink from Starbucks?

Grande fat free latte with 1/2 Splenda. 100 calories. If it's not coffee, I am drinking water. I actually have to drive 15-20 to get a Starbucks - so yes.. I would love to drink it more often!

I am not sure if it's addiction but I prefer everything unsweetened. Even at Starbucks I get passion tea unsweetened...I don't have the desire for sugar nor salt. I didn't like salty things before surgery and now I don't have the tolerance either. I like every that is also low salt....

I don't know... Running May become my new interest...

I took my rat pack out for a speed walk/ jog, and did not even get out of breath! Yippee!

I'd say my thing is the gym. I'm in there for almost two hours. But honestly that is my time to decompress and deal with work/home/etc stress.

I replaced food addiction with fitness. I was a walker at first, slowly became a runner, and now I'm a long distance runner averaging 15-20 miles a day. Running gives me a feeling of pure joy that I used to get with food.

I'm not banded, I'm VSG but I sure have seen A LOT of folks switch to alcohol and it's scarey. It isn't really enjoyable to me near as much since surgery. I feel blessed on that front. I gotta watch myself when it comes to clothing shopping. Is it an addiction. I don't think so. It's a heck of a lot if fun after having everything hang wrong on me. I have a lot more choices and I like it. I'm about over it now though so not addicted...lol...I'm waiting on that exercise addiction to hit. I exercise but to be a little more compelled to do so would be great!!