I am realizing how careful I have to be of caffeine. For years I used food to anchor myself, to get grounded if I was flying a little too high on stress, adrenaline, etc. Now that I can't do that I am realizing what a go-to that instinct for food always was for me. This morning a little too much black tea and a little too much anxiety as I get ready for a meeting. I am pausing now to examine my feelings because in the old days this would be exactly when I'd go for something like a big fat muffin to counteract that uncomfortable "too high on caffeine" feeling. The old sugar and caffeine combo. Instead I'm here on the forum, writing it all down so maybe next time I'll use exercise instead of tea. Much better idea.

Bandista, you have grown leaps and bounds through your journey. Whether you realize it or not, you have inspired me throughout my journey. I, myself, am a big coffee drinker (having my second morning cup right now), but thankfully I'm not affected by caffeine. The exercise is such a stress/anxiety reducer...... Good idea to turn to that more often.

You are always thinking…and looking at the "whole picture" for yourself. I love that and have to try it more….in all aspects of my life. I spend so much time worrying and fretting over things that when I look back are pretty silly….then i resort to old "foodie' habits and then beat myself up.

I need to look in the mirror more and REALLY see what is going on….

Thanks @@Bandista …. like always!

I had to give up caffeine when I got banded...I think with my smaller pouch it just hit me too strongly and I really felt its effects much more intensely.

Now I drink decaf expressos and decaf teas...so I still get the pleasure of the flavor but none of the jitters. I do miss the appetite-suppressing quality of caffeine, however.