Binge eating friend has questions and self-doubt...

[Kim n NC]

Got any advice for a friend?
I have a friend who has been very supportive (and very curious) about my surgery. She would like to get it herself and insurance would cover. However, she feels she couldn't "trust" herself not to binge eat after surgery because she does that now when stressed. I've tried to explain how the sleeve has helped take a way a lot of "hunger" feelings and that for me...even if I were to crave something bad for me...fear of having a "bad reaction" would stop me. She doesn't think this would be enough for her. We've talked about going to an Overeaters Anonymous meeting but if anyone has anything to share I would appreciate it.
Thanks.

 

[Karenina]

I think most of us stress eat to one degree or another. I think it's important to understand why. From a logical standpoint, eating or binging because we feel a certain way doesn't generally change anything. Even the short-term high can lead to self-loathing or feeling ill afterwards.
I don't think the surgery alone is enough to keep the weight off. If your friend is a reader, I would suggest reading a few books on the subject. She might get that 'aha' moment. If she's not a reader, maybe support groups affiliated with your bariatric center would help. I'm glad she's talking to you and possibly your success will motivate her.