oh my, mgf - i've been dealing with this for so long that i forgot that not everyone actually can see what's been going on!!!
some key points, though -
- if ya don't deal with some of these demons/issues BEFORE the surgery, you'll have to deal with them AFTER the surgery - GET A HEAD START on it.
- some of us found therapists who specialize in eating and stress; some of us didn't
- i knit. Kier knits. Nanj crochets. other folks exercise a lot. exercise helps, but a person needs balance
- some folks find that keeping an 'advanced' food diary helps - you know the drill - tracking both your food AND your emotions.
- i found eating with others, whether at a restaurant or a dinner party, or something that involves sitting around eating and talking for awhile, to be a challenge. that's because when you're done, YOU'RE DONE. no more picking at your plate - in fact, it's best if you get rid of it, or dump salt/pepper all over it, or cover it, ANYTHING to avoid going back for a few more mouthfuls. that's one of MANY reasons i always have knitting with me.
- For me, i realized that i use that 'something in my mouth' feeling to ground me. and that had to stop. enter STRONGLY FLAVORED TEAS. doesn't much matter - a good herbal tea works, nice black cinnamon, whatever.
- and NEVER get into the habit of TEA/COFFEE and <fill in the blank> - drink your tea/coffee without eating anything with it -
just a few thoughts - and i'm sure other folks will chime in here!