I know I'm not alone in this but something dawned on me a few nights ago. I am very obsessed with food. I didn't realize how much time I spent thinking about food and places that I wanted to dine at. How much time I spent cooking indulgent foods or watching cooking shows. My ex and I would watch the food network all day long and then cook the food we saw featured. It was great for him because he was the size of a toothpick but terrible for me because I was overweight. Our whole life was like some restaurant victory tour.

I was banded almost three weeks ago and I'm slowly coming to terms with this obsession. How did you all handle your obsession with food?

For me it was the hardest adjustment. During the pre-op diet, all my social activities screeched to a halt. I realized then how vital a role that food played in my life. It is a slow (and difficult, at least for me) process to adjust your brain to your new banded stomach. Just don't give up.

Tell me about it!!! I didn't realize how much of social life revolved around food. Whether it was me cooking a huge dinner or going out with my friends...it was always centered around food. It's quite a difficult adjustment but I have my eyes on the prize and I'm not about to mess up this second chance.

Your obsession with food will go away because you will feel so full after you eat that you won't even be thinking about food.

It's amazing. My life used to revolve around food and what I would eat next and now I don't even think about it anymore.

Oh gosh I was the same way and still struggle with it! I will see a billboard or commercial witha a huge burger on it and all the sudden my mouth will start watering! It doesn't even have to be something I really like, if it is something bad for you, I want it! Luckily, I have not given into that temptation and everyday gets easier. Since I have been banded, it has gotten a lot better, but before in the preop stage, I would dream about food! I never even knew how obsessed I really was until I started my journey! It is truely eye opening!

I was the same way. My brain's mentality has totally changed. I look at food as fuel for my body. I can pass up ice cream, cake etc without batting an eye. Now I am eating to live not living to eat. Good luck you have just learned the most important aspect of your journey. I am sure you will make it to your destination.:smile:

For me, I've learned to embrace the obsession. It's pretty bad when you are relocating and you narrow your choices...but then you select the winner by the place with the most bountiful food- yes, Vegas was it-land of buffets. That's how bad my obsession is.

Or should I say....'was'. Because I embraced it, it became less important. I wasn't denying myself anything...the only restriction was how much I ate...not what I ate.

But I developed a taste for cooking and healthier foods. And from time to time I will eat something sweet, but just a small portion.

food has become a life sustainer now...instead of a medicine.

The band rewired my brain. It is NOT the lack of ability to eat food for me that did the trick, it is the proper fill level. I got to the right fill level and my brain was 'rewired' and I no longer obsess about food anymore. I AM A FOODIE, though. I ENJOY FOOD. I enjoy cooking really yummy food, and even enjoy Throwdown with Bobby Flay. :glare: But, I don't wake up thinking of what is for breakfast, and what I am going to eat for dinner... or how long it is going to be till I eat. It is an amazing transformation in my brain...

I am exactly this way. I hope one day it will change. This actually came up in an e-mail to a friend of mine the other day who just had her band put it...I'm posting it below--you'll see exactly how it relates. I even say this was a good topic for the boards!!! For me, I know it's a head game, but food has always been there--whether you're happy and you're celebrating, or you're sad and it makes you feel better... I know it's supposed to be just fuel...

I'm down to 231.5. I think I could use a portion of a fill...??? But I don't know. Sometimes I can only take a few bites of Protein but I can eat all the "slider" foods in the world. I guess that's why they say protein first.... Like last night for dinner I had 1/2 bbq thigh (can't do white meat well), broccoli (maybe 1/2 cup), and a spoon of mashed potatoes. Was full but I'm still looking for that really full feeling that we don't get anymore... You know that feeling when you go out to dinner and you can't eat another bite--you just wanna smoke a cig and kick your feet up? Doesn't exist anymore. I miss it even though it was miserable. The full feeling I have now is different. I just now realize how bad my food issues were. Food makes you feel good. and David's ass --he'll be like OMG this is sooo good. We actually argued one day when I told him to stop talking about food (I couldn't even take more than 1 bite of a chickfila nugget--it got stuck and he was all "mmmmm"). I don't think it was purposeful--he doesn't do it all the time (like twice) and it just pissed me off that I can physically only take 2 bites!!! [this is a good topic for the board.]

So see---you are definitely not alone when it comes to food obsessions. :glare:

It'll get better.

Crystal

WOW...It's so nice to hear everyone's responses. I guess I'm not alone after all. Crystal thanks for sharing that email and yes, I totally understand where your friend is coming from. I remember that uncomfortable overstuffed feeling. I don't miss it but it's weird not having that feeling.

Right now I'm trying to re-work my relationship with food. I'm looking for healthier alternatives to the indulgent foods I use to eat. It's not easy but I'm sure I will triumph in the end.

I was banded on 03/27 and I am really struggling with the eating to live not living for eating. I am constantly fighting with my want to eat even though I know I am not hungry or I know I will feel uncomfortable. I am hoping with my first fill on 05/06 that the intensity for food will go down but I am really nervous. Plus I have only lost like 9 lbs. I was hoping for at least 15 so far. I know slow and steady wins the race but I am afraid my thoughts of food are going to overtake me. Any suggestions?