Transfer of junk food addition vs Retirement! - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Vim&Vigour · 04-07-2008, 03:50 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

splendifor · 04-07-2008, 04:03 PM

yay you posted!

this is an issue close to my heart because unfortunately I have ADD when it comes to new hobbies.. I do them for a hot minute then move onto something else.. I can't tell you how many things I've done over the years that I was all into and then lost interest or just set aside.

I want to start working on this because I know that when I have the surgery I will have time where I feel anxious and bored - a common state for me... and I want something I can do that will help me with those kinds of times...

My mom got me into beading in the last year and I have the supplies to do that.. but I don't know how much I really wanna do that for the long term.

I went to art school for 2 years and did that for awhile.. and still do off and on although it's been "off" for a lot longer than on in the last decade...

Writing is something I've always loved to do... (btw VV you can add that to your list of new things along w/ your furbaby)

Reading is something I already do now.. I guess it would be good to get a non sedentary occupation...

so maybe some post-ops will respond and I'll have more insight

Vim&Vigour · 04-07-2008, 04:20 PM

Thank you Jacki!
I suppose the stage you are at is where I was at. I have made a concerted effort to "finish" all my "unfinished" "works in progress" - the sense of achievement and self-worth when I actually accomplished something from beginning to end was indescribable!
I don't know how old you are, but I presume you are 15-25 years younger than myself! At a stage in your life when one is trying to "find the shoe that fits"!.

Best wishes on your journey of self discovery! It is an exciting one and full of surprises!
Have you ever thought of doing a career analysis to find what you are best suited for? I did one and have never looked back!

Stick with the arts - in some form or another - you are clearly attuned!

Best, my friend!
Cheers,
Vim

Mavisavis · 04-07-2008, 05:19 PM

I think some of the replacement is just about keeping busy and keeping our minds off food. But some is about actually replacing one addiction for another. I try to use warm beverages......and for the first 1 1/2 years it worked pretty well. Now I am struggling though. I always wish I could get exercise to replace it, but alas, it hasn't kicked in.

LoriAnn925 · 04-08-2008, 10:47 AM

I'm trying to find a replacement too... I am trying something more active... I have actually signed up for tennis lessons. I figure that's something active, so I won't be sitting around the house watching tv, or looking thru the pantry aimlessly looking to eat something. My husband used to play tennis, so he knows how, so once I learn how to play, its something we can do together. I'm hoping that I end up loving it.

Vim&Vigour · 04-08-2008, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mavisavis

But some is about actually replacing one addiction for another. I try to use warm beverages......and for the first 1 1/2 years it worked pretty well.

Marty, how soothing and comforting - I'm sipping tea all day long...

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoriAnn925

My husband used to play tennis, so he knows how, so once I learn how to play, its something we can do together. I'm hoping that I end up loving it.

Lori Ann, what a clever way to be included and include your husband! Great tactical move!

Cheers,
Vim

Deirdrea · 04-08-2008, 12:39 PM

What a PERFECT analogy! I have support group tonight and I'm going to share this with my group. I honestly can't think of a better way to describe going from eating whatever crap you can shove into your mouth at a rapid speed to having to pick and choose and be careful. Thank you so much!

Mavisavis · 04-08-2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vim&Vigour

Marty, how soothing and comforting - I'm sipping tea all day long...

I recently graduated to loose tea. I never wanted to bother with how hot the water should be and how long to steep it for the right taste. LOL Tea lazy.....that's me. I found a machine with settings so it does it for you. My only complaint is that it can only make 16 ounces at a time.

Vim&Vigour · 04-08-2008, 02:27 PM

Glad to be of help Deirdrea!

Marty, you are becoming refined - you are giving tea a ceremony and are "negotiating" with it!!!
Then there are different blends...!
Keep enjoying!
Cheers,
Vim, the London tea drinker!