I'm pre-op and expect to have surgery in Septemberish if all goes well and insurance approves me. I'm currently logging my food meticulously and trying to understand my specific food triggers.

By logging my food and emotional states, I'm learning that I crave "bad foods" when I'm emotional stressed by any major family drama (I don't have much family drama, thank God) or when I'm rushed and overwhelmed by the busyness of life.

I know that giving into those weak moments are what got me to Obese Land to begin with so, I'm attempting to make changes pre-op so the chance of post-op speed bumps lessen a little (hopefully a lot) .

What tools do you all use to prepare yourself for the weak moments?

What do you do during your weak moments to stop yourself from falling down that slippery slope?

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13 hours ago, ablfu said:

By logging my food and emotional states, I'm learning that I crave "bad foods" when I'm emotional stressed by any major family drama

Yup, pegged this one. I think most of us fall into this category.

13 hours ago, ablfu said:

What tools do you all use to prepare yourself for the weak moments?

First I would suggest sitting down, possibly with a therapist, and trying to figure out if there is anything specific which is causing this behavior like a past incident in your life, or whether you are just an emotional eater, which is much more common. Once done there, you can start to alter your eating habits for the better.

14 hours ago, ablfu said:

What do you do during your weak moments to stop yourself from falling down that slippery slope?

You have to always be prepared so you don't go down the wrong road. This includes having healthy snacks/foods available at all times, and planning your meals. There have been certain cravings that I have allowed myself to indulge in, but knowing that it would be a one-off thing, not to be continued past that one time, and only in sleeve-appropriate portions. Of course, this is easier on me at this point in time, but I am certain it will become harder to do that in the future. That said, I have also found that over time the cravings have started to disappear to the point where I simply do not have those cravings anymore. I am perfectly happy to eat healthy food.

One of the things that helps me the most is carrying 1 or 2 protein bars with me at all times. Usually one I've tried already and know I like. So if I'm out and crave a candy bar or fast food I'll know I have the protein bar and eat that instead. I also carry the protein chips from quest in my car for that reason as well.

I do allow myself to indulge sometimes though. I don't believe in depriving myself all the time because I know thats what causes me to binge. I buy the mini ghiradelli dark chocolate squares. They are about 35 calories each with 3 grams of sugar and 4 carbs. I am able to only eat one though, some people are not able to control their urges to only have one so you have to see what you are able to do.

Edited May 10, 20179 yr by Dashofpixiedust8

Catalog all your medical issues that are related to weight. Then add to that descriptions of any physical pain that is exacerbated by your weight. For someone who lived with constant pain for 20 years, that is pretty much all I need to keep me from even considering fast food or any gas station food. And Gas station fountain drinks with a little debbie brownie was a tradition dating back to when I was a child. Now after 2 years, I only think about it with a shaking head wondering why I ever did it in the first place.

I had to learn new healthier ways of processing my emotions that didn't involve food, basically. Swimming daily helps me with my day-to-day stress level, but then after that there's taking a hot bath with a lush bath bomb when I need to "treat myself" (they're expensive and luxurious, so I get the sense that I'm doing something totally unnecessary for myself), or watching my favourite comfort movies, whether that means distracting myself with a rom com or watching Moulin Rouge because I just need to have a good long cry to feel better. Journalling helps me process things, rather than just ignoring them or trying to soothe them with food and treats.

As for the "on the go" bad eating, that comes down to planning. I bring a lunch box with me and have snacks in my car and purse so I'm not caught at three oclock at the mall hungry and with ~no choice~ but to eat a delicious buttered pretzel LOL. Sometimes I hate myself for that haha, but it does help.

Good for you for figuring this stuff out pre-surgery. It really really helps to be prepared. Especially having an emotional toolbox of ways to cope without food, because that post surgery period can be really emotional and turning to food to fix it either sabotages your progress or makes you sick and resentful.

I second the suggestion above to see a therapist/counsellor if you can afford one. I also took an emotional eating class put on by my primary care network, which taught me all kinds of strategies for managing emotional eating.

Edited May 10, 20179 yr by teacupnosaucer

I started walking after my WLS and it helps. I walk if I get hungry or if I get upset or I cant stand anyone at work or whatever. Not only does it help make me healthier but it helps take my mind off from things.

I can honestly say that I don't have those weak moments anymore. I purged carbs from my life six months before my surgery and I continue to eat very low carb even at seven plus months out. I worked really hard to look at food as fuel, and to not make it the centerpiece of any point of my life. For me at least, it took those kinds of extreme measures to get to a point where there are no weak moments.

29 minutes ago, blizair09 said:

I worked really hard to look at food as fuel,

I have found that I need a plan for the day. I eat high protein most days, but I add in complex carbs on my heavy weight lifting days. About 20-30 minutes prior to the gym. If I am going to be doing yard work, or be busy all day then I will have carbs through the day to keep my blood sugar from dipping. With my activity planned out in advance, it makes the food choices simple. I'm not thinking "What sounds good?", rather "What do I need to get this done?"