I am having my surgery next month on the 18th.... as part of my preop I had to do a psych eval .... one thing the Doctor asked me about is if I thought I might switch addictions after my surgery as I will not be able to eat out of stress and boredom any longer.... I know this is an area of debate but there is not much info out there about switching addictions after weight loss surgery. I have heard some stories but wonder if anyone has any input on this subject?

I wish I could run. I loved it when I was able to start jogging. Then my back started acting up and my ortho doctor told me no more jogging. The time goes by so fast, but I pay for it later

I'm addicted to Starbucks iced coffee! If that's as bad as it gets for me - I'm OK with that. I can/have become addicted to MANY really bad things and finally settled on food... before my band. Iced coffee-OK.

It's great that he brought it up if for no other reason than you now being aware and keeping an eye on it. I think what others mentioned about finding a replacement for dealing with stress is important.

Even after banding you can still use food for stress -- milkshakes, chocolate, and other caloric liquids go right on down. So you have to purposefully look for other stress relievers -- exercise, knitting, soaking in the tub, crafts, reading, or something.

I transfer my obsessions regularly, but I make sure to pick stuff that's positive rather than negative. Like learning Spanish. Playing online Scrabble. Reading mysteries. Book-swapping. Sewing. Cleaning the house. (yes -really! My house is in much better shape now than it has been in years) And now that it's spring, it's time to turn to beautifying the yard.

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions.... I am concerned that I might like shopping for new clothes a little too much! Several years ago I used to love to run.... just the thought of being able to actually run again is very exciting.... hopefully running and exercise will be my new way to deal with everyday stress. I had also heard from someone that they had taken to cleaning out closets and organizing all their clutter.... I just have to find a way to be constructive and try not to think of eating..... Losing weight and having a well organized home would be just great with me!

Hey JennyLynn...Congrats on your date...I am going to Dr. Blackstone too! I am waiting my insurance approval/????? Frustrating!!!!

So, I don't know about the addiction thing except...what I have heard and read....I think it is great the insurance approved a year of therapy!!! How proactive is that??? What insurance do you have? Is this a standard thing??? Anyone else have this???

Good Luck and maybe I'll see you at a support class thing???

Preparing a nice dinner for my family was very soothing to me. Just working with the food was comforting to me. Also, a nice, hot bath works wonders! I make a whole spa night of it! Facial, body scrub, mani and pedi, deep conditioners, lotions..the works! It takes up the whole night, it is very relaxing, and I feel great afterward. I also like renting a good DVD. I make myself a cup of skim milk hot cocoa, and settle down with a good movie.

I am sure I will continue to find new things to help me get through those tough days.

Citygirl, I do the similar thing with the spa night!

Instead of eating I am trying to turn that around and instead of putting the food in my mouth, just pay a little more attention to myself.

last night I colored my hair, manicure, deep conditioned, lotioned up, watched - get this - the best one yet - The Thornbirds!

And I also looks at clothes online, kind of daydreaming about what the new me will look like in smaller sized clothes...whatever works!

Hey AMSDERB.... I have United Healthcare.... I am so suprised how great they have been to me so far...I never expected this much support from my insurance company... especially since I just switched to this company in January! I had Healthnet before and they were just terrible! I had them for several years and decided to change...boy am I glad I did! Good luck with Dr. Blackstone...she seems wonderful. I have my Preop on April 1st....cant wait... just counting down the days. I do plan on attending her support meetings so maybe we can meet each other.

Hi JennyLynn! I can't wait to get approval so I can attend the class . . . i'm not sure why it hasn't come through yet. Keep me posted on all your appt too! Take Care

Alcohol seems to relax the band and now my food addiction has a buddy. I have gotten to the point where I drink with many of my late meals and I get a double whammy of calories. All the trips to the gym and healthy food is not going to help if I keep this up. The weight loss has been stalled since last June.

Harlito, it sounds like you need a "tude" adjustment....not trying to be mean just ....look you have lost 50 lbs!!!! Yeah!!!! Now, get back to it...Get some help if you need it or ask for it here! Good Luck...and hang in there!

Again last night... I keep telling myself that this is not me and this morning I really wish I was someone else. I'm looking into making some changes.

Harlito, it sounds like you need a "tude" adjustment....not trying to be mean just ....look you have lost 50 lbs!!!! Yeah!!!! Now, get back to it...Get some help if you need it or ask for it here! Good Luck...and hang in there!

Good Luck to you..and be kind to yourself...Smile...we love you!

Alcohol seems to relax the band and now my food addiction has a buddy. I have gotten to the point where I drink with many of my late meals and I get a double whammy of calories. All the trips to the gym and healthy food is not going to help if I keep this up. The weight loss has been stalled since last June.

Before the band when I would drink the next thing I wanted was a HUGE carby meal, like a cheeseburger, or more often biscuits with lots of gravy, sausage. Anything bad for me.

Now that I am banded I notice myself wanting to start smoking again and I have been fighting the urges, but its hard.

What are you doing to cope. Going to the gym is a good way, but it sounds like you might need to take some more steps.

So far I haven't had any addiction transfer but I know 3 people who have had wls who have.

One person became a compulsive gambler

The second a sex addict

The third addited to Meth.

That's why I am in therapy to address the issues that made me fat in the first place.

OH my! I could see liking the shopping or perhaps the gambling! My husband would love the other :embaressed_smile:...

I hope I keep in a balance too!

I hve been smoking heeps more now< help.