Please Tell Me I'm Not The Only One

Hi, Brendon; I could not believe when I read your comment about "feel(ing) like someone has taken control of my mind and body."  I have had that same problem. I have found myself buying a particular cookie, and eating an entire package of them,  all the while telling myself this should not be happening.  It's what I call a "Sybill" moment.  (The old movie about the multiple personalities)  Fortunately, it doesn't happen a lot, but it's very disturbing when it does occur. I read the link that was posted below about the physiological reasons for compulsive eating, and it really seems to be a good explanation.  We are not being morally weak, it's actually a physiological response to a chemical demand by our brains.  The writer of the posted link/article made some great suggestions for getting through the needs. I have found that increasing protein intake does help, and what helps the most is really restricting the intake of simple carbs.  Even whole grain breads are too much for my system.  I can do veggies, but grains or potatoes or pasta is definitely out-of-the question. I'm exactly two years out today, and my blood work is all excellent, and a recent body-fat analysis shows 24.6 %.  I'm still too far above my goal, but I think that is mostly due to excess skin, so I'm not going to get too upset about it. Hang in there, Brendon;  if you feel the urge to binge, grab something like jerky or a good deli meat, or something else of a high good protein content, and good luck staying away from the simple carbs. I just started the "Time Out" on Sunday afternoon and it is working great.  I don't have the hunger sensation as long as I can keep the protein intake up.  I'm already seeing the change with the ability to wear a ring on a finger that I couldn't get it onto  last week.  I'm going to have to modify the "Time Out" though, to put a good romaine salad into the mix.  Too much protein powder = constipation.  I know, I know, TMI!! Good luck!

I am 5 years op-op and I struggle with wanting to binge every single day! You see, they can cut your stomach up and rearrange  your bowels but they can't rearrange your mind set. We have thinner bodies but out minds and emotions are still morbidly obese. The last few months I have lost my fight with myself more often than I have won. I feel like I am two people. The wise eater and the I-don't-care-for-anything-but-this-minute eater. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but you will struggle with this problem the rest of your life. Whether you believe it or not, this IS an emotional issue. I even see a therapist to deal with it. We are addicts and we will deal with this addiction constantly.  I wish you luck in your struggle and I completely understand your struggle. Noogie40