Yes, you are!! I believe in You and I know you can do this one small bite at a time. Practice NOW....I also have a mother obsessed with food. I still have NOT told her I had surgery she just would not understand. I had surgery a year and a month ago and I have lost 110 pounds FOREVER!! I eat small to be small. I work hard making sure my band is happy and healthy and then I am HAPPY and HEALTHY. The band is the best tool I have ever given to myself.

Let me just say a year goes by so fast and I still can't believe I wear a size 10 and people call me skinny. I am now and this is what the band can do for you. I hear you have the attitude it will takes, it is not easy by any means. It is a fact we cannot eat the way we used too. So practice now eating small and well it is a good way to start. YOU CAN DO THIS. I eat real food, not too much, mostly plants with proteins first. Best wishes imaluckydog

Your post brought back memories for me. I was never heavy (even normal weight) until I left home for good after graduating from college. I still hide food when I'm at my mom's (OK that's once a year but I did it last year). I am so sorry about your not having your family's total support, but know we will be here to support you!

You have a beautiful little girl, and think about all the great things you will be doing with and for her as she grows up -- including setting a GOOD example of eating and being healthy. Technically our mother's didn't do such a great job of that.

My heart is with you! Take care!

I have always hidden food, especially from my mom. It has taken a lot of work over the last year to be honest with myself. The Band has helped me be normal and being normal means having treats once in a while. But getting over history takes a lot of time and patience. We are all here for you!! Good luck!!

Your Mom is right in a way "all I have to do is stop eating so much." She just doesn't realize that is what the band is for. When you have a smaller stomach it will call out for less food, less often and you will eat less. Problem solved. I was always hungry before the band and now I just get a "its time to eat" feeling not the "I'M STARVING" type of hunger I had. I hope the same for you.

I, too, have a mother who has influenced my eating habits throughout my life. One thing I can stress to you is that you are doing this for YOU, not your mom, not your crazy relatives...just you! Be strong and confident in your choice! If you need support, post to your blog and you know we will all lift you up & help keep you going!!!! Your daughter will see your strength and healthy new attitude towards food...I bet she will never feel about you as you feel about your mom best of luck & keep going!!!