I was having trouble with the idea of having surgery. I then started to think about food as an addiction. I asked myself whether or not a drug addict or an alcoholic who had the option to have surgery would do it, and whether or not their choice to do so would be frowned upon. This helped me with my decision to get the sleeve. This is a GREAT post. Thanks!

Like your soap box! I hope I have the same experience with food after I get sleeved as you have.

Well stated! I like the analogy about food commercials. You are so right! Love your soap box!

This is one of the best blogs I have read on this site. Very well put.

Agreed. Good luck continuing your journey, but I don't think you need it.

well stated. thanks and best of luck to you

OMG I totally loved that analogy about the commercials.

I was sleeved a little over 3 weeks ago. I am still, technically, on the soft foods stage. Since i am off work for a month, I have realized just how many pizza commercials there on TV. At least one per commercial break. I found myself craving pizza, even though, technically, I don't think I could eat it and even if I could, I would maybe manage two or three bites and probably feel like crap after. Knowing that does not stop me from salivating whenever I see the pizza on the TV screen in all it's cheesy glory. I am like Pavlov's dogs.

I believe food is an addiction. It is one we have to moderate instead of quitting cold turkey and therein lies the difficulty. The monster has to be let out of the box three times a day. This surgery shrinks our stomachs, however we still have to deal with the stuff in our head.

This is an awesome blog. You really hit the nail on the head about the commercials. When I had my blood work the tech said she had the same dr as I have do her surgery. She lost 100 lbs and admitted that she had gained 60 back because she loved junk food. I sure wouldn't go through this if I wasn't dedicated enough to carry through with the program. She said she can eat 1/2 bag of chips, wait a couple of hours and eat the other half. She seemed to think it was funny. My daughter had the sleeve 4 years ago weighed 335 going in and lost 165 pounds and has kept it off. She is my inspiration and main support other than hubby. She goes with me to appts and knows what questions to ask. Surgery 5/16/13. I am so ready for this journey.

Good luck to all sleevers.

Oh my goodness... I feel like your words are coming out of my mouth. I had the surgery in February and everything has been great although I know I still have to be very mindful of what I eat and how much. I thought it would all be mindless. My fear now is a year from now when the fullness fades and the 18 month glow is over. Just the thought of feeling hungry again after a life-time of struggling makes me sad. I want to feel this way for ever: Finally in control and not suffering from the food addiction,