Wow moment regarding emotional eating

Hi all,

I've been meaning to post this for a few days now, but life has been crazy busy this week.

Over the Labor Day weekend, I had a relaxing, satisfying, fun, and social weekend.  I barely thought of food, but still made sure I ate and that I ate what I needed to be a healthy post-WLS patient.  As Monday night approached, I reflected on my weekend and realized I had a great time.  In fact, it's been a long time since I felt so relaxed and content with things. As I was thinking I realized I didn't obsess about food during the weekend, I didn't have a desire to munch out, nor did I feel deprived during the three day weekend.  FOOD WAS NOT FOREMOST IN MY MIND!!!   In other words, because my emotional needs were getting met, I was not looking for food to provide a mood altering pick me up. Wow!

I know overeating and mindless munching are about emotions or not listening to what you really want to feel secure and content, but last weekend was the first time I've really felt this.  It was the difference between getting the concept intellectually versus feeling it.  It was good to have this experience. Obviously I can't get what I want in a perfect manner every day, but every time I am at work and the snack monster voice keeps yelling at me to EAT, I know it's just emotions, not true hunger, not true need for food, but a need for something else.

Thanks for reading.

MsBlues

It's amazing that there is life after weight loss surgery and it doesn't revolve around food.

So proud of you, that is great.  It really is quite an accomplishment and you deserve a big ol pat on the back for this one. 

Good going,  Hugs, Diane

Ms. Blues,

What a great accomplishment and understanding of yourself!  I am really proud of you.

Great job!

Hugs,
Barb

I can totally relate.  I am going through that now.  I will go for hours concentrating on other things.. sometimes busy.. sometimes just looking for something to keep me busy...... and then all of a sudden it hits me.. I haven't obsessed about food or felt empty!!!  Its a wonderful feeling. 

I do get the head hunger and the craving to munch especially at my desk while at work - as soon as I recognize it, I take a walk around the office.  By the time I get back (usually just a couple of minutes) the urge is gone.  My NUT said to change a bad habit, you must replace it with a good one.  So that's what I do. 

Also I find it interesting that its easier to think and rationalize post-op about what I should be doing vs. what I habitually do.  Ive heard people say they operate on our bodies not on our minds... and while I think that is true to a certain extent... I think it all works together in large part... its almost like some magical mystical door to my brain through my new pouch has been unlocked making it all feel more natural and normal for me - rather than a constant struggle - or maybe the struggle has just been redirected in a different way.. not sure yet... still workin it out... but not complaining because I am loving the changes in me as they manifest themselves.

Hugs!