Alcoholism and bypass

[Podgie]

Hi my name is Sara. I am an alcoholic in recovery of 4 years. I was wondering if there were some other alcoholic that have had the bypass and the effects it has had on there restrictive diet. Cause most alkies Iv talked to including my sponsor have food issues. Like over eating when I know I'm full, eating knowing the results will be I will be poorly/ feel sick. In fact most o my alcoholic trates are in food. I can lose weight I just can't keep it off, cause Iv got a self destruct button. so do I really need the bypass or should I jus work it through wiv my 12step program

I hope I'm not talking Swahili and someone can help me.

Many thanks Sara xxx

 

[MrsSAFC]

Hey x don't know the answer to your questions but just wanted to say maybe your GP or consultant might know?
X

 

[Mazza]

Hi Sara

Welcome and congratulations on the four years!

Im no expert but I understand your concerns as addiction transfer can be a problem for weight loss surgery patients. Although the procedure they have may help patients lose weight and stop overeating, many end up struggling with new compulsive disorders.

Why not talk your concerns over with your team who are best placed to advise you.

Sorry not much help! Wishing you alll the best x

 

[Sambucca]

Hi Sara and Im sure Im not alone in welcoming such an honest post.

Most of us are here because we have a food addiction. (Not all, before I get lynched!) We have found it hard to make the right choices where food is concerned - hence getting to the size where we have needed surgery.

personally I believe that addiction is addiction, so alcoholics are addicted to alcohol, and many with a weight problem are addicted to food. However, whilst you can go "cold turkey" with alcohol and cut it out completely, you cant do the same with food as you need to eat to live. But for most of us here, WLS has provided the restriction we need to overcome our desire to eat to excess.

My dad was an alcoholic and managed to stop drinking, but I remember how hard he found it so I really admire you for being able to get in control.

It is common knowledge that transfer addiction is a possibility. So sometimes WLS patients can become addicted to other things, such as drinking, compulsive shopping etc. So I can see how it can work the other way round - ie switching your alcohol addiction to a food addiction.

Im not sure what to suggest for you here hun - do you have any access to any counselling or support for your alcohol problems so you can seek guidance from them?

best of luck to you x x x

 

[magicbeans]

fact that u know u have a problem and want to deal with it is a massive step. well done u

 

[Bev]

Hello Sara, just wanting to Welcome you and to say, all the very best of everything is wished for you on your journey.

Some excellent advice already given here, for sure I'd be taking this right back to the bariatric team and you'll find hopefully, specialist advice and guidance available.

Identifying and wanting to resolve an addiction is so vital to moving forward, it can't be done without you.

We are at your side as wls survivors and there is a huge range of peeps on the forum with a vast and varied knowledge.

It's a lovely thought that we may be able to share your journey with you.

Love and hugs Angel xxx

 

[dottychic]

Hi Sara and :welcome: to WLS, I dont have any firsthand knowledge of your addiction but I have deffinately been addicted to food my whole life! I hope you get the answers you are looking for and can get healthier and happier Well done on 4 years alcohol free XX

 

[thinnerangela]

Well done on being in recovery for 4 years - my hubby has also been recovering for about 4 years and has had a liver transplant.

You are bound to worry about addiction transfer - I beleive if one has an addictive personality then any addiction may be a problem. Could you ask for CBT or other counselling to analyse whther you have an addictive personality or not - or whether your alcohol problem had other triggers.

For example hubbys alcoholism was founded in reaction to stress rather than a physical need for the alcohol. This came after many years of abuse - and withdrawal resulted in fitting.

Hope you get the answers you need from somewhere

xxxx

 

[Katkit1]

Hello Sara - Just wanted to wish you well on your journey hun x

Well done for deciding on weight loss surgery, I hope it all works out well for you hun x




Love Kat x

 

[msunique]

Hi Sara

Welcome to the forum, It is hard with an addiction and you need to deal with them one at a time.

I started off by stopping biting my nails (trivial I know but bloody annoying!!) once I had that sussed then
I tackled smoking I had been smoking for about 15 years and I quit (been 5 years now :0) ) then
I tackled the weight, and I had a bypass 2 weeks ago, but I made sure I overcome 1 before I even thought about moving to the next hurdle.

I havent even thought about replacing the food with smoking or biting my nails again, so it can be done without going backwards and replacing one addiction with another.

Good luck xx

 

[magicbeans]

check u debbie!! well done gal!

 

[msunique]

Haha thanks I will not be a fat unfit 40 yr old smoker with bad nails lol I have still got 4.5 years to get myself looking good xx

 

[Podgie]

Hi guys thanks for the input. I live my life around alcohol just one day at a time and total abstinence. But like it's been said I still need to eat and my food issue is a habit as well as over eating.

I'm on a course of C.A.T at the mo, but upto now avoided my food issues and have just concentrated on my patters Iv adopted as coping skills.

Sadly the medical profession that Iv come into contact with don't really understand the alcoholic mind(which can be quiet damaging) but I will keep on looking and reposting about my lil dilemma.

Many thanks Sara xx

 

[tranquil_butterfly]

Hi guys thanks for the input. I live my life around alcohol just one day at a time and total abstinence. But like it's been said I still need to eat and my food issue is a habit as well as over eating.

I'm on a course of C.A.T at the mo, but upto now avoided my food issues and have just concentrated on my patters Iv adopted as coping skills.

Sadly the medical profession that Iv come into contact with don't really understand the alcoholic mind(which can be quiet damaging) but I will keep on looking and reposting about my lil dilemma.

Many thanks Sara xx

Brave lady. Good luck.

tranquil x