Went nuts with food

[Taraza]

I have to accept today that my emotional reactions have not changed since I was banded. I am facing a very stressful situation regarding possible employment and relocation to another city. I need the income so much, and I really want the job to work out. But there were some features in the employment contract I really have to question.So I sent my questions back to the company and in the meantime, what do I rely on? My old solution--food. It's never worked before but I continue to try it time and time again. I had somehow hoped that the band would be emotionally satisfying as well as physically. But no. I think if you can do anything wrong with a band, I've done it. I think my band is a little tight, too, because when I do eat solid food, I seem to be choking more. I have 7 cc in a 9 cc band; just had a recent fill from 6 cc. Sometimes it seems hard to get fluids down. But not the soft, high calorie foods. I feel a real mess, yet I long for that instant comfort.

[christie]

I'm so new, but I KNOW that there are people on this list who will have really good ideas for alternatives to emotional eating. Don't forget how hot you look in that New Year's Eve dress! Hang in there!

What about a small un-fill?

[lyndele]

The tightness that you feel may be related to stress rather than from being too full...

Here's how I dealt with a period of emotional eating. It may not work for you, but it may inspire something that WILL work :)

I really had a heart-to-heart (with myself) about what would make me HAPPY. One thing that came to mind was being able to wear an outfit that I would never have considered before losing weight. Even more: I wanted to change my entire "look".

So I started spending more time cruising web sites looking at clothing, styles, hairstyles, etc. I spent a LOT of time trying to figure out who I wanted to be :) This kept me from eating - and kept my motivation right in front.

After a few days of this, I was out of the habit of eating all the time. I think that most of our emotional eating is simply habit - we need to replace it with something else (preferably non-fattening!).

What would make you HAPPY right now? Over the next few days? What could you start doing right now that you could find entertaining for a few days?

It may also help to find some food (or drink) that satisfies you somehow, but that is low calorie (and preferably high protein). Sip on it. Chicken noodle soup? SF hot chocolate? Although if sweets are a "trigger" for you, stay away :)

Finally, Back to the Basics: loads of protein, lots of water, walking...

Good luck!! And good luck with the job!

[--SPEED--]

when you are stresses get yourself outside or to the gym and walk, put on your fav tunes and tune out the stress for a while, it really works... good luck to you, take some time each day and do some deep breathing exercizes, they reall help with stress...

[678iamgreat]

Hi Taraza,

I'm sorry to hear about your struggles - - I have to agree with Lyndele that these things are really influenced by stress. (I too was FREAKING out just last night). I had 1 cc removed from my 4cc band to aleviate the tightness today. What a difference. I was to the point where liguids would not go down. I work for one of the Big 3 and my stress is cookoo too.

I seen an awesome therapist to get approval for my surgery. I was in complete denial that I was an emotional eater. But eventually I got what she was saying. The one thing she did say that held very true was that when you actually start dealing with your stress and problems (instead of eating) that the process would be very painful - because nothing is numbing the stress. She was so correct - but ya know it gets easier once you stop relying on the old crutch.

I try to walk (either outside or on my treadmill) and listen to music I enjoy to distract myself.

I always use two mottos:

1) It's not about me - most things that cause me stress are not about me or what I can control.

2.) Put it in a bubble and blow it away (I do these funny hand motions with that one). I know this one is lame - but it works for me. I find I just need to let go of some things that are weighing my emotional well being down.

I really hope you find some peace with the changes you are experiencing and calm that finicky band down. You came to the right place for support!!

Shelly

[Jachut]

You need to experiment to find what works for you as an alternative. I find going out for a run really blows off some steam.

But the tendency will always be there. I've been TERRIBLE lately. I'm bored sh*tless, I've been on holidays from uni since November, the kids went back to school at the start of February and I'm rattling round the house on my own till March 9. Ah, the life of a student is pretty slack. I am just eating for the sake of it because I've got nothing to bloody do. I dont want to do the housework, there's always tomorrow for that .....

This week I've been going to spin classes and body combat classes at the gym. Costing me a fortune as I dont have a membership but at least it fills the morning, I get home, get showered etc and then make sure I get OUT for that 2 hour window or so until its school pick up time. I've even been spreading out the grocery shopping, meat one day, fruit and veg the next, supermarket the third. Lol, how desperate is that?

But that's what *I* have to do to keep me away from the boredom eating. You just have to experiment to find a solution that works.

[~Shelly~]

I just have some HUGS for you. ((((HUGS))))

[sassy46545]

Wow, there are some super ideas in this thread. Maybe also try taking up a hobby that keeps your hands busy? When I'm hungry, I groom my dogs.. don't want to put food in my mouth with "doggy hands" ... and the dogs benefit from the extra attention!

Tracy

[newlifeat57]

Later in the day just before bed and while watching TV, I'm learning how to knit on a loom... It goes quickly and I can even do it anywhere I go. Can't knit and eat at the same time....too messy.