Are you pre op or post op? In either case journaling helps lots! Also Geneen Roth has many books on the subject, one of my favorites is Feeding the Hungry Heart. Grab a box of tissues and sit down for an enlightening book about feelings and food. I'll bet you find yourself among the pages. I sure did!

Spotz

I have the same problem especially when I'm bored. I do get something to drink, I also try to find something to do. When I just can't beat it, I get a snack that is okay for me to have. I snack on sliced and peeled cucumbers, white grapes, or a small piece of cheese. I hope this helps!

When it's my time of the month that's when I want something extra and salty. In know this is an issue for me so I try to be extra cautious. I will also go look at myself in a mirror and admire myself and that makes me realize how far I've come and then I don't need that snack. And lastly I will look at my before picture and there is no way I'm going back there.
I hope this helps you.
Shelley :o)

I am post-op Lap-band. I do myfitnesspal, I look at the calories and say "I am not eating that" I don't buy "bad" things so when I'm tempted I have nothing to eat but healthy things. But I still eat them sometimes.

I have this policy, there is nothing off limits to me. Well except soda. LOL

This way if I want something, I have a small bite of it and afterwards I'm satisfied. I don't need a bag of cookies or half a cheesecake.

I've been very successful with my WLS and I have approximately 10 lbs left to get to my surgeons goal. I'm 8 months out.

If I feel the "need" to eat something, I will take a bite of whatever it is that I want. If that doesn't take care of it (it usually does) I have a healthy snack. (2 or 3 grapes, some nuts, 1 cracker, a half an apple, a yogurt)

"Diets" have always been about deprivation to me. This has been working for me.

Good luck!
Laurie

I have this problem HUGE. I'm beginning to think I am never going to feel "normal" about eating. It's a constant struggle for me.

You are right. It has a lot to do with what is happening in your life. Spotz recommendation to read Geneen Roth is right on. Here is a list of really good books that helped me.

Women, Food and God by Geneen Roth

When Food is Food and Love is Love
Geneen Roth

This will seriously make you face yourself.
Excuse be Gone how to change lifelong self defeating thinking habits by Wayne Dyer

You can heal your life by Louise Hay

Losing your pounds of pain, breaking the link between abuse, stress, and overeating by Doreen Virtue

And

This one has lists of foods and their related emotional issues
Constant Craving - What Your Food Cravings Mean and How to Overcome Them

The emotional first aid kit by Cynthia Alexander

Course in Weight Loss 22 Spiritual Lessons
By Marianne Williamson