Hi

I am pre-op and have been writing down when and what I eat. I've noticed that I am an emotional eater. I have high levels of stress and anxiety and I turn to food every single time. What have some of you done to handle the stress eating /anxiety post op? What can I do in preparation? I'm starting an exercise routine which seems to help a little bit.

Any advice or anecdotes of what life is like for stress eaters post op would be great.
thanks!

Recognizing the pattern is the first step - yay you! If counseling is an option, definitely go for it, preferably with someone who has experience with WLS patients.

What has worked for me is to set specific times when I'm going to eat, and sticking to them. If I'm hungry between those times I get a project going so I'll be too focused to think about anything else. Exercise is an excellent distractor.

Another tip is to get the trigger foods out of your environment - out of the house, out of your work area. It's easy for me to do, because I live alone. If you have family in the house you could get rid of the worst trigger foods and tell them they'll have to eat those things (if they must) away from the house.

Good question - I'm concerned about the same thing. I ordered a book on Amazon that I've seen recommended here - I think it's called 50 ways to soothe yourself without food. Haven't read it yet, but passing on that recommendation.

I agree with JeanZ_RN that awareness is probably the most important thing - knowing that you are seeking comfort through food rather than really needing food physically. And then it's just a matter of finding things that work for you to help.

I'm new here but I understand your anxiety . I've been eating like crazy and I'm feeling nervous, my surgery date is not until July and I can't get into diet mode. My liquid pre op doesn't start until 2 weeks before my surgery but I keep thinking of the foods I will be missing and I know that's not the way to think . I know I will feel so much better after the surgery it's just getting there

Thank you all. It's good to know I'm not alone!