Dr. Valerie Taylor, a psychiatrist at McMaster University and co-author of the commentary, admits that “the concept of addiction is complex, and the delineation of its defining characteristics has fostered considerable debate.”

Taylor points out that overeating and the resulting weight gain involves a “compulsive pattern of use, even in the face of negative health and social consequences.” In this way, food addiction can be compared to other addictive behaviors. Also, food, like drugs or alcohol, can cause a type of tolerance where an increased amount becomes necessary to achieve satisfaction. In addition, people who try to stop overeating or switch to low-sugar or low-fat diets can find themselves suffering from withdrawal symptoms.

Taylor and co-authors go on to say that “the concept of addiction does not negate the role of free will and personal choice. It may, however, provide insight into why a some individuals with obesity continue to struggle.”

Taylor and her associates suggest that therapies which have been traditionally applied to the area of substance addiction may be helpful for people who are trying to lose weight.

LAP-BANDs create a small pouch at the top of your stomach. That pouch is supposed to limit the amount of food you can consume at one time. After all, if the food you chew won’t fit in the pouch, where is it supposed to go? But LAP-BANDs do not create an impenetrable barrier between the pouch and the rest of your stomach, so there is still a small opening that liquids can slip through. Liquids like 700-calorie frozen coffee drinks and hand-spun milkshakes.

Remember, just because you are able to drink high-calorie drinks after your LAP-BAND surgery it doesn’t mean you should. You’ve gone so far to have the surgery and you’ve worked hard to be successful in your weight loss, so don’t undermine your success with high-calorie liquids.

Be vigilant in finding out the caloric content of the drinks you consume, and try to make your main liquid intake water. By focusing on providing your body with nutritious foods and water, you will find yourself craving those sweet sips less and less.

Boredom is possibly the number one trigger for eating when you are not hungry. A great way to avoid boredom eating is to stop being bored. From picking up a good book to going for a walk, there are many ways to fight boredom and stay active.

Another big trigger for overeating is a drop in self-esteem. It may come from out of nowhere or from a casual remark that a person may take the wrong way. In either case, if a person feels bad about themselves they may feel following a diet is not worth the trouble and that they aren’t worth having a better body and a better life. A person stuck in a rut can fight the sadness by writing a list of great things in their life. From a great smile to a hopeful future, there is so much to feel good about that a person never has to stay unhappy for very long.

If the unhappiness does not have a trigger and lasts a long time, professional intervention may be required. If you think you need help in this area, Dr. Bagnato can refer you to a local counselor that has experience with post-laparoscopic weight loss surgery patients and can help you find solutions to feelings of unhappiness.