So I am 4 months out tomorrow and have been very pleased with my progress. I have gone through a few stalls, but that's normal, right? I feel blessed in that I haven't found ONE thing my sleeve hates. That is also a curse in that I am now starting to find myself wanting to revert back to those unhealthy habits.... You know... Cheetoh here, chip there, bite of cookie, etc etc... While I know my sleeve is keeping me from eating large portions of these foods, I feel bad for even sitting down and eating a handful. I wish I had more self-control, but I love food. It's what got me in this situation in the first place. Anyone have any advice for weak emotional Patches???

Thanks

When I get the old "man that would taste good" feeling, I go eat some Protein, till I'm full. Then and only then will I allow myself to eat the "goodie". The protein really fills me up, it gets my mind to associate protein with my food cravings (instead of carbs), and I don't have much room in Frankensleeve - so a bite or two of the bad stuff doesn't have a tremendous impact on me.

Hang in there, you can do it. It takes time to work past old habits and cravings. Take small steps, do what feels right and you'll see the weight fall off.

get a hobby that keeps you busy, i have found that if I am focused on something I am so less likely to graze. I seem to be the prototypical bored eater. its easy at work, we have nothing but healthy stuff that i can't have any way or just don't like. but at home i can graze on things i dont need, evn some pepperoni which is ok for you, i dont want to risk stretching my sleeve by constantly grazing, which ive been told is exactly how you stretch it. i started building some models in my spare time, and took up guitar lessons, so when i get the urge i start practicing to avoid the mindset of the need for food.

First of all, congratulations on your achievement! Just take a pause and enjoy that...

I think we have high expectations of ourselves through the surgery forgetting that what got us to the surgery stage in the first place (i.e.comfort eating) still has to be confronted and resolved afterwards.

I'm going to say it straight: comfort eating is an abusive behaviour and we all of us who do it have to take a look at why we do it. You said the term "weak, emotional patches" so look at what that really means to you. Ask yourself what the emotions are and why are you feeling them?

They do say old habits die hard and maybe it's just force of habit but try going for a walk if you feel tempted or keeping those 'naughty' Snacks in a cupboard that you cannot go into.

See how different your body looks and buy yourself an outfit that is the next size down from where you are currently. That way, if you're motivated to stay on track it won't be long until you're wearing it and looking fabulous!

Keep going, Teach: your success is my motivation! xx

I am 5 months out now, so not much ahead of you. I was DEFINITELY an emotional eater before my sleeve. Have you seen the new weight watchers commercial?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNPLuSx_06U

That was SO me.

Once I was able to eat solid and crunchy foods, I indulged in some of my old favorites. However, I have found that they didn't satisfy me the same way they used to, mostly because I was a binge eater and I just can't binge anymore. So, I have noticed that I am craving them less and less these days. Once my brain learned that those foods couldn't bring me comfort the way they had before, it stopped triggering those cravings. I do occasionally wish I could eat a whole pizza, just because I know in an abstract way that used to make me "happy", but I don't actually crave pizza anymore. Does that make sense?

@TeacherMommy I definitely have moments where I do the same thing. I was a grazer before and want to be a grazer now. I'll do good for a few days and then the Snacks start creeping in. Definitely not an easy battle we are fighting. So glad you posted this since I am very interested in tips to change this behavior.

@JamieLogical Love that commercial. And yes, that's me. I hope that I stop wanting to eat these things.

@joatsaint Love this idea and since you have lost 100+ pounds, I'm betting you know what you're talking about. I'm going to try this. I think I keep focusing on trying to stick with 3 meals a day and no more and when I get weak and want to eat, I eat something I shouldn't. I'll try replacing that with Protein and keeping things with me so I'm armed and ready.

YUP I can relate and I too am guilty of being "bad" in the last few weeks --- I turned it around this week when I saw I gained 2 lbs! NO WAY I said to mysefl!! Indulge if it makes you feel better -- ONCE but don't make a habit of it. Pull out an old picture of the "bigger" you and I guarantee that will make you eat a teaspoon of Peanut Butter, rather than munch on something less healthy and full of cabs and calories. Good Luck to us, we CAN do it!! We've come too far....!