emotional eating

clcesari

Ok....so before many of us would eat when we were sat or stressed right? Well, my life kind of crumbled under two weeks before surgery. Fiance left, forcing me into bankruptcy. I have a son, he has three girls, they're miserable. Son's father wants full custody because my 5 year old is of course sad that his soon to be step dad left and he thinks that I didn't make a better decision with my personal life. Whatever.

I know I am going to get a ton of slack, but we are here for support right? I have been majorly slacking. I did so well for the first 4 weeks. But I've just had the worst week of my life and I have barely eaten. Seriously, Kate Moss style. I'm not proud. I start therapy on Tuesday since there was no way I was going through all that emotional roller coaster on top of this surgery without some serious medical intervention.

Has anyone found that instead of looking to food for a band aid, that they just stop eating? Now that they're sleeved you just don't have an appetite when you are stressed or sad? I'd like some input so I could at least know if I am crazy or not before talking to the therapist.

pawoodhull

Yes, that's me. Prior to my sleeve I would eat everything and anything when stressed, sad, angry, you name a negative emotion. Since my sleeve, I now just don't want to eat when those negative emotions hit. I really can't explain the change, but somewhere along the line after surgery, my mind did a complete turn around when it came to emotional eating. Food is no longer my comfort. I have no explanation either. Sorry. I guess all I can say is, for your health, don't let it go too long. Even if you have to force a protein shake a couple of times a day, you do need to do something. When in that state of mind, I will force myself to eat at least once a day. Also, try and get your water in as dehydration will send you back to the hospital and your son doesn't need that stress in his little life right now either.

Hang in there. As you know, it always gets easier. It just feels like it won't.

Pat

ATXHeather

I'm only 4 weeks out so I haven't figured out the eating thing yet. But I wanted to reply to say that I'm sorry you are dealing with so much right now, especially on top of dealing with adjusting to life post-surgery. I am glad you will be going to therapy and I hope that is helpful for you. Hang in there!!

bikrchk

I've not had anything as intense as that in my life since VSG, but I do find when I'm busy and stressed I WAY under eat, (and under hydrate). When I feel like I'm going there, I try to force feed myself 1/2 Quest bar a few times per day, (whether I care for it or not) and be intentinal about my fluids. I'm glad you recognize that you need to me help with this. The last thing you need now is to get your metabolism out of whack or dehydrate to the point you need medical attention. Take care of yourself and hang in there!

Thaeda

YES-- I had a similar reaction when I was under a lot of stress awhile back. Everything was spinning out of control and it felt good to restrict-- was oddly comforting and gave me a sense of control over something. Suggestions you have gotten so far are good ones-- choose to eat whether you "feel like it" or not--- even if it is just a piece of string cheese or a protein shake every once in awhile. I also find this is a good time to get some of the fruity-flavored protein things like Prot-Diet has (lemonade, fruit punch, etc)-- that way you are just drinking-- ya don't even have to chew. :bigsmile:

I am so sorry for all you are going through right now. For me, part of this process is learning not to use food or restriction to comfort. Best of luck to you and I hope things improve.

clcesari

Thanks for the support everyone. I have had a couple good days, and a couple bad days since. Still trying!

pawoodhull

Thanks for the support everyone. I have had a couple good days, and a couple bad days since. Still trying!

Sounds normal. None of us have only good or bad days. Glad you are hanging in there and still trying! You already know but I will say it anyway. It will get better, it just takes time. Praying for you.

authorwriter

Yes, I just stop eating. Not so much for the emotional reasons, just there's no real pleasure in it anymore. My stomach is small and misshapen and food does not hold the former appeal. Everything tastes different. I now eat to live, not live to eat and if I'm not feeling well, I could totally skip it.

Just get your protein in. Drink your shakes and go on with your day. Life is beating you up enough, you don't need to beat yourself up more because you aren't eating solid food. But you must get in your protein and be assiduous about taking your vitamins.

I hope life settles out some for you. weird, but I see so many stories of people being traumatized just before or just after surgery. It's almost like the universe decides to just throw it all at you at once. Be strong. Take as good care of yourself as you can.

lucyw70

So sorry for what you are having to deal with right now. I went through something similar 8 years ago. It was hard and I was depressed and had no appetite at all. Stay strong and know that it will get better.