Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

What do you use in place of eating for fun/stress/boredom?



Recommended Posts

So, I am planning ahead for the mental part, that head hunger. This is where I almost wish I could start smoking again (quit 25 yrs ago, and not doing it again) However, I wish there was something else, obviously besides smoking. Is gum allowed after 1-2 months post op, or never?

Also, what hobbies etc has anyone started, to fill that food-void. I am planning on getting a ton of good books, more dog-walking and exercise, using money saved on food & snacking and use it for pedicure or mani once in a while. I have a couple of games on my iphone. I guess I am just looking for other ideas, or reassurance, that the "hobby" of food will be able to be replaced by somehting healthier.

Edited by ProfessorSlim

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Great question! I've been making a list of little jobs around the house that I've been putting off, like organizing the file cabinet and kitchen cupboards.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am one of the crazy one who spends most of it in the gym or doing home projects

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I plan on doing school work, walking and being spontaneous. No wife, no stress, no worries. Just enjoying my new journey!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would like to plan well for this, too, as I tend to overeat in the evenings to quell boredom and loneliness. Evening gym visits and a meditation class are what I have started. I was also thinking about crafts like knitting and paint by numbers :). My other idea is volunteering somewhere one evening a week, but I haven't found anything yet that doesn't involve a lot of standing (which is difficult for me). I need to investigate more.


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm a cruncher-type person: overcoming being an emotional eater. Your post really hit home. I walk my Italian Cane Corso Mastiff puppy (1 yr, 150 lbs, named Khan) 2.5 miles every evening to our favorite barkpark. I follow him around the park & walk home when he's had his fill of running & playing. This helps me & we go straight home to the pool & jacuzzi. Usually, I'm sweating bullets so this cools me off. Since I was a competing multi-sport athlete once upon a time, I've increased my daily exercises which is getting easier since I've lost over 60 lbs & my surgeon's given me the A-ok to do whatever I want at my 3 mos post-op. For me, rediscovering things I'm passionate about but put away as my health appeared to head in a downward spiral, has helped me focus on getting out of my comfort zone (ie staying home alone). Anything I feel afraid to do or retry, I just do & affirm I can do what I love, what I'm interested in. I sold off all my musical instruments, music books, vocal materials, etc at least 7 yrs ago, packed my writing & art materials/supplies away: now I'm bringing these all back. I'm looking into finishing my education by completing my Ph.D. Figured taking baby steps & savoring every day/everything is the way to proceed. Lastly, just caught/rescued/adopted a frightened abandoned young puppy that tenants left out/behind, so now she's walking with Khan & I with her tail wagging happily. I do attend the support groups my surgeon's office offers for free: a psychologist to help for eating disorders/whatever else, nutrition/all about the changes we're going through & weight loss support for all bariatric surgical patients (post-op). I asked for & rec'd recommendations for a personal therapist, which I'm beginning next week. I have questions that I need help answering & I don't want to self sabotage on this huge journey to wellness. Hope my reply helps anyone to continue taking the steps forward on your own healthy journeys. Namaste.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using BariatricPal mobile app

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This thread is really helpful. I've been thinking a lot about what will take the place of eating as a go-to self-soothing activity. I'm expected to lose some weight before surgery, so I've been using this time to try out different things. Tonight I had to ask my husband to stop talking about politics, because it was making me anxious and I kept thinking about how much I wanted to make a sandwich. (so weird that this is my first response to stress). Now I'm doing my nails.

I used to knit, which could be good for after dinner when I am most prone to recreational eating. I also like the idea of doing odd jobs around the house. I'm busy during the day and exercise then too, but after dark is when I really struggle.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm going to go back to college - I don't care if I'm 55 - and finish my last few classes to get my Bachelors Degree! Why? Just because I can!!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I quit drinking in preparation after my first nutrition class, and now I immerse myself in binge watching all of the shows I never watched before. Watching Netflix "100" right now, "Last Kingdom" before that. Its very distracting to watch movies. :) I am an avid reader, but this works, too.

Edited by Apple203

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

20 minutes ago, celticNgel said:

I'm going to go back to college - I don't care if I'm 55 - and finish my last few classes to get my Bachelors Degree! Why? Just because I can!!!!

This is awesome! Good luck. I'm 45 and I graduated from law school in 2003 and took the bar (and didn't pass) in 2009. Now I have one off child to college and the other is 11, so I think I will take the time to study for and pass the bar. Never too late, right? You've inspired me!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, celticNgel said:

I'm going to go back to college - I don't care if I'm 55 - and finish my last few classes to get my Bachelors Degree! Why? Just because I can!!!!

We see lots of people in their 50's, even 60's, returning to college, all the time. I love having "mature" folks in class, it is often a better experience than teaching the younger crew!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm going to go back to college - I don't care if I'm 55 - and finish my last few classes to get my Bachelors Degree! Why? Just because I can!!!!

That is awesome! I'm almost 40 and I've been back in college now for 2 semesters. It is definitely not what I remember college being like when I went after HS or 13 years ago when I went back for a bit. It's tough but you just gotta keep pushing forward [emoji1360]


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So, I am planning ahead for the mental part, that head hunger. This is where I almost wish I could start smoking again (quit 25 yrs ago, and not doing it again) However, I wish there was something else, obviously besides smoking. Is gum allowed after 1-2 months post op, or never?
Also, what hobbies etc has anyone started, to fill that food-void. I am planning on getting a ton of good books, more dog-walking and exercise, using money saved on food & snacking and use it for pedicure or mani once in a while. I have a couple of games on my iphone. I guess I am just looking for other ideas, or reassurance, that the "hobby" of food will be able to be replaced by somehting healthier.


Movies Movies Movies


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×