This topic is about managing overeating and food blockages after having an ileostomy, while also maintaining long-term sobriety from alcohol and other substances. The person sharing their experience has been sober for 40 years but has noticed that their addictive tendencies have shifted towards food, leading to issues with overeating and weight gain. They recently experienced a painful episode after consuming a large amount of raw vegetables, which caused severe stomach pain and other uncomfortable symptoms. This incident reminded them of how addiction can manifest in different ways, such as through food.
Here are some helpful pieces of advice and insights shared by others:
1. Be mindful of portion sizes, especially with raw vegetables. It's recommended to pre-measure snacks to about the size of a closed fist and put the rest away to avoid overeating.
2. Raw vegetables can sometimes cause blockages or slow down output, particularly when eaten in large amounts. It's important to introduce them gradually and pay attention to how your body reacts.
3. Eating several small meals throughout the day instead of large ones can help prevent discomfort and excessive output.
4. Be aware that addictive personality traits can shift from one area to another, such as from alcohol to food. Recovery tools like meetings and peer support can be beneficial when applied to eating habits.
5. The principle of "everything in moderation" is a practical approach that many find helpful.
6. Celebrating and acknowledging long-term sobriety, such as 40 years, is important. Remember, you are not alone—other people with ostomies are also in recovery and face similar challenges.
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