HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE LOSS OF FOOD AS AN EMOTIONAL TOOL?

[fitgal2021 11]

On 3/27/2021 at 1:21 AM, Jaelzion said:

I definitely have experienced this. At first I found myself substituting shopping for eating (easy to do, having lost so much weight). Then I realized I was doing that and took a step back. Now when I feel that craving (whether for food or to buy something) I stop and ask myself why? What's going on that I am trying to assuage or pacify? Not long ago, I really wanted a cookie and when I stopped to ask myself why, I realized that I had just come out of a meeting that did not go as well as I had hoped. I felt disappointed, embarrassed, upset. And I wanted a cookie. Once I realized what was at the root of my craving, I was able to redirect those feelings. I got a cup of coffee instead. It was warm and sweet and about 200 fewer calories than the cookie. And I took it and went and sat around the backside of the building where it was quiet and peaceful (being an introvert, that was comforting to me). I thought through what had happened and what to do next as I drank my coffee. And 30 minutes later I was good to go. Every situation is different, but I'm getting better at asking myself "What's going on? Why do you want that?"

Girl you just said exactly what I discovered a few days ago (I'm 3 weeks post-op). I'm not hungry, but sometimes I just CRAVE and I stopped myself several times - but why? It's usually the same thing for me as for you, meetings that go the way I planned, missed deadline, overall anxiety.

[DoodlesMom 98]

On 3/26/2021 at 6:48 PM, TheMoxieMama said:

I realized why I've been so emotional (cranky/sad) lately. While I have not reverted back to disordered eating, I've been dealing with the loss of food as a way to calm myself, numb out, or otherwise cover up uncomfortable emotions. I read helpful blogs, follow Dr. Duc Vuong, and while I want to see a therapist, I just can't afford the extra co-pays right now. (I am saving $ for this,)

Have any of you experienced this?

How do you handle it?

I couldn't remember where I'd heard of Dr. Vuong until came across this post again. Thank you for sharing that you follow his blog. Because of you, I checked out his Youtube videos and have found them to be incredibly helpful. I like his sassy attitude and straightforward approach. He's posed some crucial questions to ask before surgery and dispelled some myths--that I was then able to validate. I know we're here to help each other, but wanted you to know that your post really did help guide me to a deeper understanding of the process.

Thank you again and I hope things are turning around for you.

Edited April 19, 2021 by DoodlesMom

[Sandra Nuelken 419]

I walk 30 minutes each morning and center myself for the day.

[TheMoxieMama 47]

@DoodlesMom I'm happy I led you back to Dr. V! He really is a great help with mindset issues.

@Sandra Nuelken Fantastic! I've started walking with a neighbor friend in the evenings; I walk alone in the mornings. Every little bit helps.