I'm just starting out on my journey to getting the band. I read this forum daily and I have a question about emotional eating.

When it comes to emotional eating, what habits or other things do you use to replace the food? I know I'm a emotional eater and I'm going to try to work on that during my 6 month diet. Any advice would help.

Kimberly:huh2:

Hi Kimberly,

I never had to do a pre-op diet, but I am definitely an emotional overeater, which at least half qualifies me to answer your post.

What "habits or other things" can replace the food? If there were a good answer to your question, why would we need the band, or why would we have gotten to the point where we needed it so desperately? Emotional eating is often such a deep rooted, powerful and well oiled response to life that the idea of taking up a hobby or substituting a habit in order to avoid doing it is almost funny.

I do have one suggestion, however - in fact, I have two. The first one is therapy. I never would have made it to the point where I was able to consider this step without 7 years of it (I am particularly dense, don't worry, it doesn't take everyone that long). By the time I went in to the operating room I had a good idea of the processes and situations which set me off, and had developed some strategies for avoiding them. This is useful information not only for a successful pre-op diet but also for life with the band, during which it is also possible to abuse food.

The second one - a slim reed to hang on to against the rushing waters of emotional eating, but one worth grasping none the less - is that if you get that approval and make it to the band, your life can really change. You really are less hungry. You really are satisfied with much less food. Bad habits of a lifetime really can change. And the weight really can come off. Look at some of the before and after pictures on this site for evidence of that. Before the band I felt as though I had been banging my head against the same wall for decades. I don't feel that way anymore. Isn't that feeling worth being miserable a little bit for six months?

Keep me in the loop, Kimberly - I'd love to hear how you're doing.

Edited March 30, 200917 yr by bandpal

Hi there Two Feathers,

I too am an emotional eater. What has helped me somewhat is deep breathing. I get angry while at work so breathing helps. I close my eyes for a minute and breath all the while thinking of my happy place....picturing a beautiful beach and warm sunny weather.....usually after that I have an easier time not eating because of my emotions....but it takes practice. Hope that helps.

Thanks for your replies. I know im a emotional eater and I know im going to have to deal with all those issues I have. I've been very happy lately and I have noticed that Im not eating all the time. But I like many other people Im not always happy. And I was wondering how people deal with the emotions after the band and they are forced to deal with them.

I quit smoking about 7 years ago and I know that I have used food to fill some of that void. Like when Im driving I have to have something to keep my hands busy. I know its been 7 years I should be over that by now but Im not I guess. Anyway thanks for the replies.

Kimberly

I had a similar post like this a few days ago. I thought I was emotionally ready for the change after surgery. However, I was not. Food was my cover up and now it was gone. I still have the issues to deal with but I have found exercising when I feel hungry helpful. I got that advice from someone on here. I find that after a few minutes of exercise food is no longer needed to comfort me.

emotional eating put me down for that i feel like i should of had brain surgery not lapband....maybe thats for the near future.....dam its so hard to stop...lol:cursing: