Hi all. I am scheduled to be banded on Tuesday, March 3rd. I am excited to begin a new chapter in my life. I am just having an issue with anxiety. I am not sure if it is because of the liquid diet (not having solid food) or if it is something else. I quit smoking 4 years ago and you can say that I transferred my addiction to food. Now that I have changed the way that I eat, I am scared to see if there is something else that I transfer an addiction to. Has anyone dealt with such a thing? Thank you.

When It was really hard for me (because food was also my addiction), I knit, and knit and knit, I did not put on the pressure to make anything but more rows of yarn. Not a sweater not a scarf no time to finish it in, I just knit, and it helped. After a while it was like, wow I wonder how long I can make this thing... (mine is probably 20+ feet long). Also I have heard of several people who become addicted to exercise after banding. Anything to keep you hands and mind busy.

I talked to someone who became addicted to lottery tickets and shopping.

You just need a way to channel your energy into different activities. The first few weeks/months are hard because you are breaking out of certain behavior patterns . . . but just try to find things you enjoy doing. Channeling energy into exercise, going on hikes, reading books, etc help.

You will find you only need to seek out different activities in the beginning. After a while, like Jack said, life takes over. With more energy and not building your day around food there is just so much more to do and enjoy.

Thank you all for your replies. I guess I will figure out what to do when the time comes. Thanks again