Food Addiction continues

I think you understand exactly where I am coming from with this.  I hope that you and I can both get this under control, because we are healthier, more attractive and happier thinner.  I don't have the answers, though the other respondents had good ideas to share.  You take care and good luck. Kim M.

Hiya and hugs! I am a recovering alcoholic.  I guess you could also say I'm a recovering addict (I smoked mj for about 20 years without fail - but some folks say that's not an addictive drug.  I used it addictively however).  I'm also a quasi-recovering food addict.  I say this because it wasn't until after I had GBS that I realized "WOW!  I really *DID* have an eating disorder too!" Once food was no longer my option for self-medication, my alcohol abuse kicked my butt.  I've been clean and sober for six months, but now I find myself once again abusing food.  I actually said to my sponsor about 2 weeks ago, "Ok, so I'm going to be dodging 3 bullets the rest of my life!  I get one thing under control and here comes the other to whammy me!"  (that was after realizing that I'd gained 7 lbs since Thanksgiving)  Fortunately for me, my AA sponser has 18 years and also spent these years fighting eating disorder behaviors.  She's awesome with these things!  She suggested I work the 12 steps on my eating issues just as I do my other issues.  (they really do work if you work them) She also suggested I avoid "extreme thinking" and just pick ONE healthy thing to do each day - be it a bike ride, a walk, substitute a protein bar for a meal, cut out a snack, give myself a manicure etc. :-)  The magic in this approach is momementum.  Once I do something healthy like get some exercise, I'm more thoughtful about what I put in my mouth that day.  I'm also a bit more happy with myself, which eliminates that guilt factor.  Then I *want* to do it the next day.  I build up my own positive image of myself, and then deem myself WORTHY of forgiveness, healthy actions and self-love. The AA slogans really can be applied here: Easy Does It.  First Things First.  Keep It Simple Sweetie!  I admit I'm powerless over food too - that left to my own devices, yep, my life can become totally unmanagable. The good news?  I've gotten 3-5 (depending on water) of those pounds back off.  It's NOT the end of the world like I was thinking.  This is totally do-able.  We can grab control back over 5-15 lbs of weight gain MUCH more easily than we can 50-100.  The key is to do it in a healthy and realistic way - NOT to use the extreme thinking with which so many of us sabotage ourselves . I like the journaling idea - find your triggers - get a friend/sponsor to call when the urge to binge or eat crappy foods come over you - play games with yourself such as the "I'm going to have 8 oz of water right now and if I still want that pie in half an hour - THEN I can have it. - try applying the "one day at a time" approach (I won't ever have blueberry pie again - today at least ;)  ) I'm not "fixed" - but my thinking is much less stinking thinking than it used to be.  I'm right there with you my sister - hang on tight and don't give up!  You're worth it! Love, Michelle

Michelle, thank you so much.  Your options and ideas are really good. I know that I will be dodging bullets, too.  I sleep, eat or shop too much. I tried wine after wls and that was a total disaster, so I don't even go there anymore. One glass of wine and I was dancing on the tables so to speak. Even with the wls I still have a negative self image when in all actuallity, I look and feel great about my body. I am very strict in my thinking- it has always been all of nothing mentality.  I love your ideas of thinking about playing games with myself with water and then food etc.  I know stress is a major issue.  From the outside, people think I have a great life, but it is far from that. But i guess, life is just hard.  Take care and you keep up the awesome accomplishments that you have made. I'm so proud of you.  You are an amazing woman- don't forget that.  Thanks again, Kim M.