Emotional/Binge Eating - Tips To Handle Stress & Raging Emotions
Hi Folks,
My eating disorder - binge eating/compulsive eating - has reared it's ugly head. I'm seeing a therapist, going to OA (overeaters anon), and reading a myriad of books, but want to connect with others in this forum who have dealt with it/dealing with it. I'm asking others to share the tips, rituals, relaxation methods, thoughts, practice, etc. that help you to stop, look, listen, and re-route yourself in the moment of wanting to binge.
I think that binge/compulsive overeating is an affliction that many of us have. Not everyone, many though. I also believe that much of the pain attributed to compulsive overeating is due to trauma in earlier life - military service, child abuse, spousal abuse, etc. (Edited to add: 'pain attributed...' does not apply to everyone, just some.) All of that aside, we now have to deal with the consequences and change our behavior.
So, please share how you stop yourself in the moment. What do you do to get through the rage of wanting to binge. What are your tips and tricks, for lack of a better description. I've noticed that some folks have touched on this and have been successful, so I'm trying to find out through all of your experience, what has helped you in the moment.
Only serious responses are requested. Please do not use this as an opportunity to lambast, insult, or otherwise harm anyone suffering through this (including me). I would like to make and keep this as a "safe-zone" posting. No judgements, just support.
Thanks in advance to all that respond.
Re: Emotional/Binge Eating - Tips To Handle Stress & Raging Emotions
Thanks for your post, bigdogluver. Glad to hear you're addressing your challenge with an arsenal of resources. I think you're very smart to tackle this head on like you are. :)
As you know (but maybe everyone doesn't?), there are a variety of disorders, compulsions, bad habits, and other negative behaviors that some (not all) WLS patients have and must deal with after WLS to be successful long-term. All over-eating isn't binge eating, which is a very specific thing. Folks who are interested can google "binge eating disorder" (sometimes called "BED") and learn a lot about it.
I don't have BED, but (like many long-time overweight and obese people) sometimes I did eat inappropriately for decades. Aside from what else was going on, that eating behavior turned into a Very Bad Habit.
One thing that REALLY helps me and my body address the "medicating stress with food" challenge) is to eat lots of veggies and fruits throughout the day that have a lot of fiber. The fiber slows down the rate at which my body digests food, keeping my body on a steady "drip" of nutrients. If I'm not having nutrition highs and lows during times of stress, then I don't get an additional hunger trigger due to my body's need for more energy. BTW, women should aim for 21 grams of fiber a day. During Year Four post-op (which just started in mid-August) I have set a new goal to eat 8 veggies/fruits a day. Last year, my goal was 7 (and I usually hit 5). So far, I'm getting in the full 8 -- and boy oh boy are those V/Fs filling me up. I'm still getting around 100 grams of protein a day. And, of course, my daily treats. ;)
Anyway ... also, although I'm not sure why this is true, if I stay hydrated very well throughout the day those urges to nibble just aren't awakened like they are when my body needs water but doesn't necessarily interpret that need as "thirst." BTW, I assume by now that most folks know that GHRELIN (the hunger hormone) is also the THIRST hormone. After VSG surgery, our ghrelin hormones are greatly reduced, so we don't automatically know we're thirsty when we start to get dehydrated.
That's all I have time for right now -- but this is a great topic. I look forward to others' plans for dealing with inappropriate eating. And you're right -- it's so very important for us all, whether we have BED, emotional eating, grazing issues, or whatever our overeating and inappropriate eating issue(s) is/are.
Re: Emotional/Binge Eating - Tips To Handle Stress & Raging Emotions
Laura, I HEAR you! End of this month will be 6 months out from surgery and my hunger has come back. I have found myself wanting to EAT things I haven't eaten since last December when I began my pre-op diet, and I am still restricted pretty well but I have had moments where I get this frenzied -type feeling of wanting to eat. I drink water to try and curb that feeling. I eat my proteins and vegetables and fruit, and yet this wave comes over me where I feel like I could eat, eat, eat (and I know I wouldn't be able to.) Luckily the items I start to crave aren't in the house but it bothers me nonetheless.
I still have the one pound to lose to hit my goal weight, but I have increased my calories per day (or trying to) because I hadn't been eating nearly enough IMO, and hope I still drop the pounds by upping my caloric intake.
Re: Emotional/Binge Eating - Tips To Handle Stress & Raging Emotions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bigdogluver
What do you do to get through the rage of wanting to binge.
Binge eating responds well to a medication called Vyvanse. My best friend's teenage son no longer compulsively eats since he started taking Vyvanse and has gradually lost weight.
Cognitive behavioral therapy also helps. However, if your binge eating issues have flared up less than 6 months after surgery, I seriously suggest you get to a psychiatrist and obtain a script for some Vyvanse.
Good luck to you. You can conquer this demon. :)
Re: Emotional/Binge Eating - Tips To Handle Stress & Raging Emotions
Folks,
Keep the information coming. I think it's beneficial to everyone that reads this, because it's like the painful secret of many on this board. I believe all information and experiences shared are important and may help others.
For those that deal with this issue, however small or large it is for you, how do you stop yourself in the moment? I would like to start stock piling methods, tricks, and tips to help with the moment when you stop yourself before you indulge in the urge. Please provide your experiences and thoughts, all are welcomed.
I'm not trying to "fix" anyone - I wish I could, but I can't, I can only work on myself. But, perhaps everyone's input will help others, especially in the moment that it is needed the most - stopping the binge action.
Thanks to Ann2, Lori, and RehadNurse for your input, it is very appreciated.
Re: Emotional/Binge Eating - Tips To Handle Stress & Raging Emotions
Thanks for posting this Laura, it helps others to know they are not the only ones with these issues. I know I see This reoccurring too. My key is to not get tired and stay up to late. Being scheduled and regimented is key for me. I must learn to Adjust on the fly.
Re: Emotional/Binge Eating - Tips To Handle Stress & Raging Emotions
I had many issues with binge eating. (And way back in the day binge/purge cycle.) I think post surgery for me something clicked. I feel so good about how far I have come that I know I don't want to go back. Whenever I get the urge to binge I will try to drink water or have a sugar free popsicle. That usually will help. And if I really can't control the urge, I go for a walk or run....no access to food. I throw on my headphones and head out the door. Usually when I get back the urge has passed. I don't know if it will work for you but I wish you luck. Big hugs.
Re: Emotional/Binge Eating - Tips To Handle Stress & Raging Emotions
Greg, thanks for sharing your tips, it is so helpful.
Re: Emotional/Binge Eating - Tips To Handle Stress & Raging Emotions
Christie13, thanks so much for sharing the steps that you take that help you through the urges. It is will be helpful to many that read it.
Re: Emotional/Binge Eating - Tips To Handle Stress & Raging Emotions
I am still too new post-op (2 months out) and have not had to deal with binge eating. I did have a huge issue with it in the past and gave into the cravings without looking it square in the eye and fighting back! Great post! I am taking note of the responses and will be ready if they return. I know going forward I will deal with them. I love having my body back and will fight for the rest of my life to keep it :) xo
Re: Emotional/Binge Eating - Tips To Handle Stress & Raging Emotions
Everything listed so far are great helps! Not getting overly tired as mentioned is a big one for me. Staying hydrated. Eating at scheduled times. This thread is one of the most important ones on this site. Whether everyone realizes it or not. I hope it keeps going.
To add a couple to the list....stopping in the moment and journaling what I'm thinking or feeling. Even if it's short quick notes in my smartphone.
Get busy, cleaning house helps me. And sometimes I tell myself to drink a protein shake and give it 30 minutes then if craving is still there I can hv it. Usually in 30 min it's gone .
Thank you for starting this thread.
Re: Emotional/Binge Eating - Tips To Handle Stress & Raging Emotions
I have had a terrible issue with binge eating and bulimia. I got to nearly 500 lbs because I would eat all the food simply because it was there. I couldn't stop myself and I would throw up many times until the food was gone. This has been one of the hardest things to conquer and i haven't conquered it completely. I personally do EMDR therapy with my therapist and it helps me a lot. Many of my issues are PTSD related and EMDR helps a lot. That helps me because once i recognize why i got triggers to eat and I see that I am not in that situation anymore then I can stop myself when i feel a binge but usually after ive addressed why I was binging it doesn't happen anymore with EMDR.
I don't know that there is anything I do in the moments when I feel it coming now because i have found the more I focus on it the more it grows and tries to take over my thoughts until I eat too much.
Re: Emotional/Binge Eating - Tips To Handle Stress & Raging Emotions
I do highly recommend OA and finding a good sponsor who you can call in weak moments. If you can't find a good OA group, you can also go to AA meetings. While OA helped me identify some of my issues, I still decided to go forward with surgery (in less than a week). I know I may need to go back to my group for support in the future.
I am an evening binger. I can eat well all day then stay up and eat my way through the pantry. I've tried to shift my schedule---making myself get up early so I'm too tired to stay up during my weakest times. Seems simple but I was once told by a psychiatrist that if you let yourself get to the point of temptation it's really hard to resist--and most of us don't. Better to work at interventions to avoid those situations and times. So that's been good advice for me. I can't always do it, but it helps. Also, binging is a "secret" habit. I try not to be alone with food. I make rules like no eating in the car. When I grocery shop I don't allow myself to pull anything out for snacking on the way home.
These are just techniques I use to manage my own issues. I'm not always successful by any means, but I'm moving in the right direction. Wish you the best.
Re: Emotional/Binge Eating - Tips To Handle Stress & Raging Emotions
What is EMDR therapy? Are therapist specifically qualified for this type of therapy and how do you find them?
Re: Emotional/Binge Eating - Tips To Handle Stress & Raging Emotions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ghost_ryder
What is EMDR therapy? Are therapist specifically qualified for this type of therapy and how do you find them?
Greg, here's a good description of EMDR therapy.
https://emdria.site-ym.com/?120
I've never had this kind of therapy, but I know a couple of people who have and found it to be very helpful.