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recovery from post wls acohol issues



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I am three years out. A few months ago, I figured out I was drinking too much.. and had been doing so for almost a year. It started about 2 years out... It was just wine but it got to be just about every night and several glasses. When I stopped I had physical withdrawal symptoms. That was scary to me. Now I am still sober, but I know that there is an issue with my mind wanting to go back to food addiction, drink or do something. I even decided I have collected too many clothes from thrift stores and such and I am working to organize and declutter. I am not actively engaged in any addiction (that I know of). I have therapy once a week, but I have to admit I get nervous and feel edgy. It is not easy. On the other hand, with drinking and being 2 years post op, I gradually regained 15 pounds from my lowest point. I am happy since i stopped drinking, I not only got rid of those calories and I pay better attention to my food. I have lost 3 pounds of my regain.

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More power to you for your accomplishments in beating your weight and drinking.

I'm sure that it must have really taken work to over come them.

Congratulations and take care of yourself always.

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I'm thinking that there are some people that just have addictive personalities -- my ex-husband was one of them. He smoked and stopped, then took up cross-stitching (excessively, 6-7 hours a day while working full-time), then soduko, then crosswords, then planning flower gardens (not gardening, planning them). It seemed like he couldn't stand life without one all-consuming hobby or thing to do. I'm sure it's the same with alcohol... even after you beat the demons of food or alcohol, you might replace it with some other thing.

I'm glad you're in therapy -- that should help figure out your compulsions. I have heard people say to focus on exercise and get "addicted" to that, but that can even be a problem if it gets excessive.

I hope you find help that works for you and I hope you find lots of support here on the boards.

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Wow!! Thank you for sharing!! I have been drinking ALOT of wine!!! And have regained 20 pounds, due to my "private wine and cheese parties!!" I have felt such shame, because I felt I was failing myself...... AGAIN!?! But you sharing helps me to see I am not alone, I can regain my control, find the pride and joy in another lesson learned!! Thank You, blessings and great success !!!

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To everyone who is having post WLS alcohol issues... I want to update. It is a struggle to handle addictions. I believe food was my primary addiction. After wls I was unable to "use it" in the same way and alcohol use got out of control. I have attended AA, though not as faithfully as many, but also I have gone to counseling. I realize that I have issues with anxiety and issues with dealing with stress. I have to cope with these things and a substance is not a solution. I believe spiritual and emotional growth are key. However, I want to note that it is not easy and it is an everyday struggle to stay healthy and whole in every way. The battle is no doubt worth it!

valf

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    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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