I'm almost 4 months postop, and have made some interesting discoveries.

We have 2 grocery stores in my area that I use. They are part of the same chain, so are set up almost identically, although there are some atmosphere- type differences, so I can "feel" which one I'm in. About 90% of the time I shop at the one closer to my house, and I just go to the other on occasion when I'm in that neighborhood.

During the preop diet, and right after surgery, I did a lot of head-work at my local store. It's a continuing endeavor.. recently I discovered that if I use the entrance by the fruits and veggies, (rather than the one by the bakery and diary).. that I end up with MUCH more fresh produce in my cart. That entrance is less convenient for parking, so I simply never used it for the last 5 years I've gone in that store! I made the switch, and use it now.

Yesterday I found myself at the store across town. I had already been out, running errands for a few hours, and it was my last stop before going home. I was likely hungry and thirsty.. but for the first time in a few months, I rediscovered head hunger. I realized before going in, that I wasn't going to get doughnuts (I had always gotten doughnuts from that store because they carry an especially good flavor that isn't at my local one). So I did avoid the bakery section, without issue. But when I went in, suddenly everything looked good and was pulling me towards it. I managed to keep to my short list, and get out of there without getting any "wrong" stuff.

I recently went on vacation in another state, and didn't have trouble at unfamiliar grocery stores. So that is proof to me, that my head work HAS worked, and the problem at the store yesterday is based on HABITS.. I haven't been there much postop, and never developed new habits to replace the old.

I'll avoid that store until I have the time and energy to go through the process again to redevelop new habits.

I find that after surgery, the grocery store is almost like information overload. It's like walking into a casino. I still have some work to do in this area. I have been shopping at different stores lately, and avoiding my regular grocery store.