kathw46

Rockbandster--you do have an abrasive way of putting things!! While I agree that will power doesn't cut it, the answer is not as simple as that. To say that you need an identity as a healthy, fit, vital person is the same as saying you need will power. The path is different for each of us. I have an eating disorder. I am a binge eater and an emotional eater. Have been overeating most of my life to stifle the pain. FOR ME, the answer is Overeaters Anonymous. I founde a healthy eating plan for me in June--no sugar and very little white flour--I switched to whole grains and found my food much more satisfying and healthy than before. That and the support, and the steps have helped diminish my cravings. "New studies" as they say, have shown that overeating and eating high simple carbs gives a hit of dopamine and serotonin--that feel good feeling. Great in my hopelessly serotonin/dopamine deficient life. Once I started to lose weight I began to hope that I could have a WLS and not "eat over" it. I have the power to ruin any weight loss program with my compulsive eating and self-destructive behavior. So the AGB and OA ( which is the same eating plan--just smaller amounts) might work well together for me. So far, so good. Banded 12/15/08. Lost 50 pounds pre-op and another 12 pounds in 2 weeks. Thanks to my newly active lifestyle, and walking, too. My self-esteem is up, my mobility, etc. OH, I FORGOT!!! In Overeater's Anonymous we do not believe in willpower. We admit that we are powerless over food and that our lives had become unmanageable. This is a great relief TO ME. Now I know I am not lazy, crazy, etc. and can got on with things. So, Rockbandster, this is the beginning of the answers I have found for me. Anyone else want to share their thoughts and ideas? What you do? How you feel? This is a great place for support. I have seen a lot of it. Lets keep it up. Thanks for listening to my random thoughts. kathy

There is wonderful support all around us. First thing--look in the mirror--there is your number one fan. And I believe there is someone to love each of us in the way that we are needed at the moment. Once we start radiating how we feel about ourselves, we find these people more quickly instead of attracting ones that can hurt us. Also, I am active in Overeater's Anonymous. I feel like I have come home and the nicest people are at those meetings. Don't have to worry about having an AGB, it is an outside issue. Today I am going thrift shopping with an OA friend for transitional clothing!!! What else? The people in my community--I volunteer at the library--and others who know me--cheer me on every time they see me. I have a chronic muscle condition so as much as the weight, we are celebrating my mobility and missing depression. Last, but not least, I am blessed to have a long-time partner. Even though times have been rough off and on through the years, my partner has been supportive during this process and we are getting to know each other all over again now that I am helathier, happier, and more independent. I forgot to mention. All these people are here for me during the hard times, too. The bloating, the food cravings, the stress..and on and on. You will all find the same, I am sure of it, because we all deserve it. Hugs.

Was just banded on 12/15--first post-op appointment is tomorrow so am glad I found that Realizers can post here. Realize band site does nothing for me because I have no patience feeding the initial info into the site and am a pen and paper kind of person. Heard Sparkpeople is good. I like Fitday.com because it has a journal page. Like recipes at Realizeband but am not ready to use them yet. I am digesting well, getting hungry, and looking forward to pureed fish and "real" protein. Member of OA and do not usually eat sugar or artificial sweeteners so am looking forward to getting back to my usual way of eating. Lost 50 pounds pre-op and some since then--we'll see. Can somebody tell me how to put one of those "weight loss" lines on my posts. Thanks, kathy

I was just banded the 15th--no fills yet. I am guessing your problem is unique? Sorry you are not getting any answers but maybe you could keep us up to date with this problem and how it rsolves itself? That would be much appreciated. Thanks, Kathy

I have never had this reaction from a partner--but grew up in a home where my dad was like that so I have zero tolerance. I say, dump him. You need support now more than you have ever needed it in your life. Just my opinion. In the meantime, find as much support in as many places as you can. hugs, kathy

:huh2: ok, I am two days post-op and my problem is that I am not passing gas--just once or twice today. Instead I have burps that would power a bus!!! When will I start passing the gas? And is there a BM in my future? I am so glad I found this thread, it is pretty embarrassing otherwise.

Oh, one other thing. About my eating plan. After the post-op period I have been told that I will be able to go back to the eating plan I use now, just the portions will be smaller. Kathy:thumbup:

Hi, I love this thread. I will be banded 12/15/08 and have been back in OA since May. Have lost 48 pounds going to meetings and eating healthy. Have given up white flour and switched to whole grains and have given up sugar--with a few slips, of course. I am a binge eater and food addict. Because I have a sane eating plan, I now dare to have the lap-band procedure--otherwise I could eat despite it and undo it. There are people in OA who are prejudiced against it but there are many in my area who have had weight loss surgery. I announced it to my home meeting and people have been supportive--even my sponsor. I view this as another tool to help me lose the weight and keep it off--to stay alive and healthy. I know this is just the beginning but believe that with OA and lap-band that I can do this. Working the 12 steps are a joy, and the support of others is a miracle. Thanks, guy, for listening. Kathy

I don't think that you are doing anything wrong--i have been told that weight loss can be 1-2 pounds a month, so you are right on target. BUT, I think you need therapy to so you will like yourself more! :thumbup:) You sound just like me, that everything is all my fault. I am undergoing the evaluation process for lapband surgery and have a lot of questions so I am no expert but I do know that when I felt like a failure, I binged. So the good news is, even though you feel badly about yourself you are not eating over it? good luck. BTW, not only am I in therapy but I also belong to Overeaters Anonymous and that has made me feel much better about myself so that I do not have to eat over my problems.

Hi, I am currently undergoing the evaluation process for bariatric surgery at TuftsNEMC in Boston, MA. I want to have the lap-band done but the doctors and exercise physiologist keep pushing the Roux-NY-gastric bipass and I am totally confused now!!! My primary care physician recommended the lapband because I have fibromyalgia and it is the least invasive procedure. HELP.