Taking life on naked...

Since WLS almost 2 years ago at age 59 1/2, I have been learning and sometimes struggling with learning to take on life without any kind of crutch or shield- no smoking, no drinking, no meds, no abuse of food. My real addictions have been smoking- gone 22 years ago, and food, which is an ongoing issue. 

I have been focusing on self management including mindful, planful eating and regular exercise with pretty good success, but sometimes a ***** of a struggle. Keeping myself motivated and not listening to my head that continually wants to cop out and take it easy and seek comfort is so hard sometimes. The emotions make me want to escape nine hundred times a day.

I'm now struggling with not eating at night, and this, crazy as it sounds, is the hardest fight I've had, I think because it is my last crutch. I think if I continue it, it will lead to regain- as it is I'm clawing to stay where I am at weight wise, having been at goal for over a year now.

Anyone else out there in this battle? Any tips or tricks you would care to share? Any help you can offer? Please?


ETA: Forgot my other addiction! Shopping, especially now for clothes!

 I'm eating 3 meals and a snack each day and I schedule my last snack of the day for 7pm or 7:30pm.  What if you planned an early evening snack.  Maybe this would satifsy you until bed and be okay since its planned both in terms of timing and what you actually eat?  This is what I'm doing currently and its working well, although, I'm so early post-op still that I don't even really have my appetitie back yet so its easier than it will be a few years out.  Good luck and let us know what you find works for you.

 Welcome to that.

It's also my demon.

*She says as there is rice in the microwave -- and ate decently all day.

I just try to keep my hands and my mind occupied... giving up nighttime eating/snacking was a battle I forced myself to conquer and managed to do it prior to surgery ... I did it by keeping my hands busy by either sewing or painting .... shoot I was wearing 4-5Xs and sewing single digit size clothes that I wondered if I would ever get my arm much less my body through.

My biggest downfall at night prior to surgery was having several bowls of Frosted Flakes cereal with cramping cold milk ... girl I used to get up at midnight and gravitate to my box of Frosted Flakes ... that was my favorite nighttime snack pre-surgery ... Now not only do I dump on stuff like that but I have managed to avoid eating anything preferably not past 6:30 pm although on rare occasions because of prior engagements we have had dinner around 7:00-8:00 pm.

For handling stress and emotions I find exercise or music very useful ... I love love love running alone on the trail sometimes and just SCREAMING my frustrations away .. I have been fortunate enough not to run into anyone while doing this less I am placed in the long sleeved johnny coat cause I am certain it is not a pretty picture LOL... but my best venue is my pinch punching bag 'big beef Bob'...

All we can do is know where our weakness lies and keep on top of it one day at a time ... seek other activities that provide equal or better comfort ... not looking at having a cookie as a cop out but instead learning or training ourselves to enjoy everything in moderation....

Congrats on your awesome weight loss ... it is certainly worth keeping the eyes on the mark ... to stay the course once we have fought so hard to get there ... 

Wishing you nothing but the best!!!!

I love this post. Thank you. 

I'm with you, grrl. First went smoking (1985), then booze (1986), then men (except my husband, 1988), then coffee (2009), now food (2/28/12). I knew after the first week I needed some serious support.

I see a counselor (LCSW) every Wednesday. And I joined my local twelve-step group for compulsive eaters (it's anonymous). Message me if you want more information.

I am completely stunned at how wonderful & helpful this group has been. I feel like it's been a miracle in my life. I know twelve-step programs work because I've been sober 25+ years by using the twelve steps.

I wish you only the very best. One day at a time.

It agree.  Plan you a small healthy snack in the evening like a protein shake.  I also suggest learning a new hobby.  I took up crocheting just to keep my hands busy.  Can't put food in your mouth if your hands are covered in yarn. 

I feel ya, Anne.  I am over 8 years out now, and that has been the worst struggle for me.  Night time is the hardest time for me.  I do great all day with no thoughts of food, but once I am home from work the not snacking is a struggle.  I have managed to stay at goal, and at times it has been a hard road.  I find that keeping busy is the best defense.  I take a walk, call a friend, talk with my hubby, get on the computer, or read or play games on my Nook Tablet.  And sometimes, I still lose from time to time especially that "time of the month".  Good luck to you!

ANNE-you have rec'd some excellent responses and I agree with all of them...

If I have eaten all of my "planned" stuff for the day, and I REALLY think I HAVE to have something, I choose something warm..either warm Click or hot tea..something I have to consume slowly...

For non-food, I either try the "Reach for the mate instead of the plate" method of not eating...wink..wink...

If THAT is not an option, I keep some type of craft by the bed-eitther cross stitch or some quick tie lap blankets I continually keep making for my various hospice patients. It keeps my hands busy, plus gives me some "feel good" moments". Years ago I had a WW leader say "It's hard to knit a white sweater while eating Cheetos". That always stuck with me. I never could learn to knit..and I prefer Fritos over Cheetos...but the slogan still helps me out...

I also keep a book handy..and usually fall asleep on top the book..but at least I'm not eating the book !

Thanks all, for the support and ideas. Gonna try some of them out... And I think I have to go cold turkey from the eating during the night.