Hi!

I am a 23 year old female living in West Virginia. Recently, I got to my highest weight, 230 lbs. I am 5'4 and my BMI is 39.5. I am scared and embarrassed and humiliated and nervous for the trajectory my life could be on.

My main problem is compulsive eating. I have a NEED to eat, and if I don't I feel off, like I can't concentrate on anything else. I also tend to choose awful foods like fast food. Sometimes I think I'm doing it on purpose because I hate myself and who I've become and the unhealthy food is a punishment. I'm currently in therapy for binge eating and anxiety to hopefully deal with that.

Because of those issues, I'm worried if gastric sleeve will be able to help me. Certainly it'll help my physical self, but I'm afraid my mental food blocks could be too much. Can anyone else speak to this and relate?

Thank you so much!

Kelsey

Hi, I'm in WV also, I do not binge eat but it is talked about (asked about) during your psych evaluation in case you decide to have the surgery. I might not understand everything but I'm here to listen. Send me a message anytime! God Bless!!!

Edited May 5, 201412 yr by mentalistfan

Kelsey,

If you have surgery you also have to go through a psych eval first, and besides that most surgeons have therapists they work with who are good at helping with food issues. The sleeve would help you lose weight, but isn't a magic bullet. You have to work on it from all fronts including the stuff between your ears, which is what I think trips most of us up. Best of luck to you, and know that there are some great people here ready to cheer you on.

You may want to read the book 50 ways to sooth yourself without food by Susan Albers. It's like 10 bucks and has helped me out a lot.

Thanks everyone. I'm just confused about it all still I guess. I've been reading a lot, but I still don't understand--once you're at your goal weight, CAN you eat all of your favorite foods?? Just smaller portions?? I know you won't be able to eat a whole pizza, but can you still have the occasional slice?

Hi!

I am a 23 year old female living in West Virginia. Recently, I got to my highest weight, 230 lbs. I am 5'4 and my BMI is 39.5. I am scared and embarrassed and humiliated and nervous for the trajectory my life could be on.

My main problem is compulsive eating. I have a NEED to eat, and if I don't I feel off, like I can't concentrate on anything else. I also tend to choose awful foods like fast food. Sometimes I think I'm doing it on purpose because I hate myself and who I've become and the unhealthy food is a punishment. I'm currently in therapy for binge eating and anxiety to hopefully deal with that.

Because of those issues, I'm worried if gastric sleeve will be able to help me. Certainly it'll help my physical self, but I'm afraid my mental food blocks could be too much. Can anyone else speak to this and relate?

Thank you so much!

Kelsey

Hi. Before being sleeved I had the worst diet, I just didn't care anymore. I binge ate all the time, I lived off of Pasta, fast food, sugar, and diet pepsi. Horrible. I gave it all up, cold turkey, 10 days before my surgery, at the start of pre op. I've been sleeved for 6 1/2 months and I'm down 79-80 lbs. My old eating habits are (mostly) a thing of the past. I do have moments of weekness, but they are just moments and few and far between. That type of eating is no longer the norm for me. I've tried eating healthy in the past only to fall back into old patterns, but with this sleeve tool and the restrictions it provides, I've been able to stick to my new lifestyle with little issues. I hope to NEVER eat the way I used to again. The things you think you love and can't live without now, become inconsequential about a month and a half after vsg. Good luck with whatever decision you make.

Kelsey

Keep in mind that the surgery is just a tool. You have to put your all for it to be a success for you. I wish you the best with you decision and remember we are here for you if you need to vent, ask questions etc.

Good Luck!