ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass and Lap Band® Forum - View Single Post - Transfer of junk food addition vs Retirement!

Vim&Vigour · 04-07-2008, 02:50 PM

I have reached a different understanding in how we do or fail to cope with the mental replacement of our previous junk eating. Thank you Mike Fisher (Fisher1000) and Jacki (Splendifor) for your comments in my earlier threads - you have paved a clearer path for me!

Learning to reapply our mental frustration from not "being able" to junk eat is something we all agree on. But wherein the struggle lies, I believe is akin to starting retirement. When you have worked your butt off your whole life and "suddenly" you are retired, with 24/7 time for yourself and you are no longer "needed" at work, what on earth do you do? For many individuals who have been "workaholics" or passionate about their career, too much time on their hands comes as a shock to their system, quite literally. Some put on a lot of weight, become depressed, start smoking, become moody, have affairs or age rapidly. They are at a loss at what to do with all their “new” time on their hands! But for those who have had a hobby, other occupations other than “only” their work, other mental stimulus, they embrace retirement with a new zest for life and youthfulness. At long last they are “free” to undertake what they have been longing to do but could not afford, timewise or financially. Be it travelling, renovating old properties, indulging in gardening, collecting stamps, taking up martial arts, you name it, they are a whole lot happier than most and often are the ones who are “slimmer” and more positive, with a “can do” attitude.

So, if we are intelligent enough to find a replacement occupation – that is safe and that we enjoy, I recon we are better equipped to “succeed” with our weight loss journey thanks to our surgery. What do you think?

I have acquired a pug puppy, born 5 days after my surgery. Pugsy is very much a “lapdog” and as a puppy loves being cuddled and picked up as well as being independent and running and loving long walks. In a sense, I have “transferred” my overeating to caring for my new puppy…

I would be interested in your views!

Cheers,
Vim