Addiction Transfer After Weight Loss Surgery: Losing Weight, Gaining Debt

My name is Marcy Rosenzweig Leavitt. I am clinical director of the Bariatric Evaluation and Support Program of Los Angeles and the Southbay. I am a doctor of psychology (Psy.D) and a registered psychological assistant (Lic. PSB 31246) supervised by Dr. Marie A. King, Ph.D (Lic #PSY 9813).

I am a recovering food addict and compulsive shopper.

Here is my story.

Stats:
My highest weight was 389. Weight at surgery was 379 (10/16/03). I lost 230 pounds which included the 53 pounds of excess skin that was removed during my lower body lift (I have not had any work on the breast, mid stomach or "back fat"). I gained 10 pounds during the last year and a half do to poor eating habits. I also gained 20 pounds when I was placed on Paxil after deciding I needed to do something about my overwhelming anxiety (causing the addictive overeating and shopping). I changed meds after two months and now take Lexapro. Much better and causes little/no weight gain. OK...so I am now at 175. I am 5'1. I want to lose 50 pounds. This is one of the goals I am working on.

My Addiction:
I have always loved to shop and eat. As a child, food was comfort and gifts were rewards. If we were celebrating we celebrated with food ("Let's go out to dinner everybody! Marcy got an A!"). Shopping was the same you, "You did so well. What would you like to have?" If we (my sister and I) were sad we would be taken shopping to "buy just a little something." Or be given a cookie. I used to hear, "Eat this you'll feel better" all the time. I am sure some of you can relate.

In my child's mind I equated food and shopping as comfort, highs...both made you feel good. As I got older it was the same.