stress eater....what do I do when I'm stressed after surgery?

[cmb1580]

Doing my pre op requirements now. And of course after my first phycologist
Appointment, they sugested i come back for more sessions.
Why you ask:
1. I have post tramatic stress disorder from years ago
2. I stress eat
The psychologist stated that people who had trauma n that goes for surgery has had
An increase in complications....ughhhh I should have keep pot my mouth shut n not had said anything
Now its gonna take forever to get my surgery bc they probably won't approve me

Has anyone else been through this?

[bmiller140]

Please work with the psychologist and develop a plan that will work for you. While the surgery is a great tool, you will have a lot of work to do. You need to be in the best mindset possible. Take your time and make sure you are ready when you have your surgery.

[Deejaycee76]

You'll eat...but you won't eat much. Unless you love pain and vomiting.
Before you do this, get your mind right about your pre op issues. It will only help you in the long run.
Best of luck to you!

[kenson]

I totally agree with everyone--your mindset is so important when having this surgery. We all definitely have to find different ways of coping, since you won't be able to eat as much. You'll get approved. Work with the psychologist to develop new ways to reduce stress. Good Luck!

[Terps]

Good you said something....I'm a psychologist (not clinical, rather industrial/organizational) and we tend to know when people aren't being forthcoming. That would really hurt your chances.

Your psychologist will help you build new coping mechanisms, so you have additional tools for dealing with stress. There's a great book called Intuitive Eating that addresses this issue too. And deal with the trauma!! If you don't, it will always be there and get in your way of being successful. I spent 1.5 years in therapy myself, prior to surgery (and I went to Mexico) dealing with trauma. It's not fun, but very worth it in the end.

Best wishes!!!

[cmb1580]

Thank you all so very much!

[Ann2]

cmb, from my point of view, you were quite smart to be candid with your psychologist.

I haven't been sleeved yet, but am getting closer (my bariatric center is a bit backed up). Everything I read on this and other boards from hundreds of patients who are losing the weight, who've lost the weight, who are working to keep it off, and those who've kept it off for years says: All the work we have to do to win this fight is between our ears.

This morning, I saw a thread posted on this board re "6.5 Months since surgery" by @carlcarrott: "Finally broke the under 190 weight. Have been in the 190s for almost 45 days. Down 90lbs and I feel awesome. Have learned so much about patience and living day to day."

I think that's brilliant!

Very best wishes to you. We're playing a long game, not a short one.

[cmb1580]

Thank you so much Ann!!

[Metread]

I have learned to have a "snack" stash on hand. I just have to make sure they are all healthy options. I keep smoked almonds, pistachios, dark chocolate covered almonds, Pop Chips, an assortment of hard cheeses etc. All of these are low fat, low carb, and I only have about 1/4 to 1/3 the recommended serving size.