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for an obese person the right way is to never over eat... for an alcoholic the right way is to never take that first drink... for a drug addict the right way is to never try that first drug... and so on... but since we dont live in a perfect world... the right way is to survive and give other people the encouragement to do the same.... the right way for any one suffering from a disease is to go seek help... Do not let other peoples opinions override your own.... I chose to live... to be healthy.. to be active.. Who's life is it anyway?... its mines and I'm proud of my decision to have WLS... and if other people don't understand.... that's your issue not mine... [ATTACH]40518[/ATTACH]

Here's a quick review of one of my favorite candies. Russell Stovers Sugar Free Pecan Delights. I like these as an occasional treat, but not for everyday snacking. They do contain sugar alcohols and may cause gastric distress. When I first tried them, I was on the Atkins Diet. I learned the hard way, you shouldn't eat 6 of them at once. I was making a bee-line for the bathroom about 30 minutes later. :-P I don't recommend them to anyone that is still eating less than 1000 calories a day. If your caloric intake is that low, you need to pack as much nutrition into every bite as possible. And candy is not nutrition. If you like/dislike my videos, please thumb up or down, and leave a comment about how I could improve the content. Your input helps me become a better Youtuber. :-) Keep Pimpin' that Sleeve! Google Plus https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102076899634252886094/102076899634252886094/posts/p/pub Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frankensleeve-Vertical-Sleeve-Gastrectomy-VSG-Community/289332951205311 Twitter https://twitter.com/frankensleeve

Florinda sounds like HE is the confused one. I too would feel bowled over but you know he wasn't the one that brought you hope and all those things you said about him... being with him just helped you find that within. Hang onto THAT and let him just fade away. I took a gun safety and basic shooting class with my friend Mary today. Super fun, learned alot, and we are both good shooting students. Seattle Seahawks are going to the Super bowl!!! The sad freaked out I am sick over it news...My EX plans to live in his car. He made me promise not to tell people we know so I have to carry this burdensome knowledge. I am horrified and mad because he has options. He has reasons for his insanity but does it even matter? Counselor says I am in classic co dependant relationship but without the traditional alcohol addiction. Maybe that is why I feel guilty beyond reason.

Unfortunately I have no problem with alcohol. I work it into my daily calorie count and have a couple of glasses of wine in the evenings.

Hello my fellow Lap Banders: Today is the second day since Lap Band Surgery and what I see as a new way of life. After years of struggling with my weight, I finally made the decision on Lap Band surgery. I am 48 years old 5"7 and 260lbs. I am married to wonderful and supportive man and I have two teenagers ages 13 (girl) and 15 (boy). I am the only person in my family that is overweight. Kind of like Chris Christie, the government of NJ, I considered myself a "healthy" fat. I walk at least 2 miles 3 times a week and go to the gym once or twice a week. I have what I call "pre-diabetes" which is really just diabetes but it makes me feel better to call it "pre-diabetes". And, my blood pressure and cholesterol are within normal limits. With that all said, my reason for deciding on weight loss surgery is simple - I wanted to keep up with my family and their active lives. But more importantly, I wanted to feel better and be healthy both mentally and physically. Over the last two decades I've found that I can have a very addictive personality. food has always been a source of comfort for me. Two of my favorite foods are homemade biscuits and pancakes. My grandmother, God rest her soul, was a biscuit and pancake maker extraordinaire. So, of course, I have now perfected those recipes and serve to my family. They do enjoy these foods but not nearly like I do. My husband jokingly has said, "Those biscuits take you back to 1979 sitting at your grandma's kitchen table without care in the world except whether to use honey or jelly on those biscuits." Guess what? He is so right. Some of my fondest memories are in the kitchen with my Grandma - talking, laughing, cooking and of course eating. My second addiction started in high school, blossomed in college and brought me to my knees in 2008. I am a recovering alcoholic. I've been sober since May 2008. I went to my first AA meeting on May 24, 2008 and haven't had a drink since. I followed the 12 step program - got a sponsor, got sober and never felt better. If you know any thing about AA, it is not a program to make your stop drinking, it more about teaching you how to live a better life. It certainly changed my life. Of course there can be a downer to sobriety. Once the booze stops going in which is pure sugar most alcoholics develop a love for sweets. Some are satisfied with a small piece of candy or chocolate to curb the craving but not me. My sugar cravings extend to cakes, pies, Cookies, and anything chocolate. That is one of the reasons I chose lap band over gastric by pass. I was afraid that completely taking sugar from my diet would awaken my desire to drink. With the lap band, I could have a manageable amount of sweets without getting the "dumping" syndrome. So now, here I am. I find myself on day #2 following surgery slowly drinking a Protein shake and writing in my online journal about my lap band procedure. I just started this journey so I cannot offer anyone advice or uplifting comments. I can only say that I am glad to find this forum to talk with others that are going through what I'm going through now. My husband took a before picture of me the day I was leaving home for surgery. I will post if I get up nerve. Thank you to anyone who reads my story.

Thanks for sharing. I love wine and I can't wait to have my wine back in May 2014. Coming from a family of alcoholics I don't drink much - 5 out of 7 of us are alcoholics and three are dead because of it. My biggest fear is to become one myself. I do love my two glasses of wine on a Saturday night! I'm a cheap date - I have a very low tolerance to alcohol even before surgery. I hear it'll be even worse so my two glasses of wine may have to be cut to one. I only drink at home so I'll be safe enough there. If we go out I'm the designated driver. :-)

This thread is going to be very embarrassing for me, but I've talked to ALOT of women who are 8 or more years out on this subject, wished I'd of talked to them sooner!!! Before surgery I was warned OVER AND OVER again about alcohol!!!..did I listen, NOOOOOOooo. I was going to be the ONE who drank like she did before, This is the ONLY issue I REFUSED to listen to, I didn't want my surgeon or the PhD's to get in my 'Cup'. I did give up beer, only because of the carbonation, but what was I thinking, I wasn't!! About a year out, I thought I was safe, I was a miraculous 115 lbs, entering 'Maintenance" , had my Vitamin regiment down pat. blah blah blah. Feeling accomplished. BARTENDER!!! vodka martini please!!! first one, feeling good, whooo hooo...did a body check, no pain in the pouch, cool, BARTENDER!!! Vodka martini Please!!! People, I don't even remember leaving the establishment I was in. I opened one eye, head pounding and my husband standing at the foot of the bed shaking his head!!!..OH GOD!! what did I do!!!...well apparently not much. One minute I'm sitting there socializing, next second, I'm on the floor. I was a complete puddle, he carried me to the car and poured me in. out like a light!!!..I consider that episode a fluke, wont happen again, I'll drink something lighter DING! round 2: GNO aka: Girls Night Out. This time I decided I'd better get a strategy. I'd eat first. well this time I ordered my fave: White Wine..loveeee my wine, or I did. 1st glass, good, milder and lighter than the martini, slower to get a buzz. good strategy. yay me, figured it out. Drank a glass of Water in between, good, no pain in the pouch, not to buzzed. 2nd glass good, THIRD GLASS, BAM!!!! Hit me like a tone of bricks, this time I didn't fall out, but my buzz factor incapacitated me, I knew I couldn't get up and walk. crap! I whisper to my gal pal, to take me home. EMBARRASING!!! ok fine, I get it, I don't need round 3 to teach me anymore lessons, I'm not hard headed. But I do miss hitting the Vino till 2 A.M. So I do have 2 glass on whatever with a water back, and call it a night, or if its a dinner party, I drink water for the rest of the night, I mourned, and still mourn my 7-8 glasses of vino on GNO'S. thanx for listening, embarrassing as that was.

I understand how his words can be very discouraging for you. I asked my adult son if he thought I was a failure for having weight loss surgery. His first comment was "Where is that question coming from?" I responded that I was wondering how my family and friends were looking at my choices. His answer was, " Do you think I was a failure for going to rehab for alcohol abuse?" I opened my mouth to respond and stopped. Then all I could say when the light went off in my head was "touché". I too must realize I have an addiction problem and will be working the rest of my life to contain my addiction and my WLS is just a tool in my arsenal. I must make this journey about me and working hard to be the best, healthy, and happy me. I hope that you too can realize it doesn't matter how you get to your goal but that you got to your goal. You go girl.

I am not an alcoholic. I never had a drug or alcohol problem. But I've had plenty of other dangerous addictions and I also happen to work next door to a building where AA meetings are held. It's always easy to spot the newbies. They are the ones with their heads held down in shame refusing to make eye contact with anyone. The vets, if you will, some of who go several time a week, some that I've talked to for over 20 years, go in with their heads held high like they just can't wait to get the show on. I think it's interesting so I watch. I see this 3 times a day 4 days a week. Mostly the same people with new ones thrown in here and there. As an outsider I can tell you the only thing that goes through my mind each and every time I see a meeting about to start is, good for them. Because I know how hard it is to actively seek help and actually benefit from it. Get help. People really do care and it really does make a difference. No body will judge you. They will hold your hand and walk you through it. I've seen it and I commend it. I have nothing but respect for the addicts that go to these meetings. I think they must be the bravest people on earth.

I had my band placed in 2006 and there were no Protein shakes & eat this & eat that. I was told to cut my meals in 1/2 & chew, chew, chew. I did not eat bread for a year (my own choice.) and no pealings (apple, baked potato, tomato, hot dog skin, etc.) Small sips of Water & up, up, up the quantity. Eat protein 1st, vegetables 2nd and fruit 3rd. I was told to "listen" to my band, not to drink a beverage with my meal & forget soda pop & alcohol. I never had Bander Hell, but then I was off sugar products because of my borderline diabetes, so I didn't have to come down from a sugar high. I love my lap band. It has saved my life!

My point was that I didn't have an alcohol problem. I never woke up needing a drink or drunk when stressed nor met any of the other qualifications for alcoholism. Yet like the pysch doctors it sounded like it. To me it was all part of socializing and being young. Anyways bottom line IMO there is no clear way to be certain in the evaluation process to say if someone is stable or ready for WLS from only one meeting. After surgery I absolutely believe therapy would be of great help. I plan on seeking out me a new counselor. One of the friends mention cousin had WLS. She lost all her weight and was determined never to regain it again. She turned to diet pills, and alcohol to deal with not dealing with her body dysmorphia and later died of liver failure. So I know transfer addictions are real, can and do happen. I just don't believe Presurgical psychological evaluation is a indicator of being ready for WLS. Change it to post-surgical mandatory counseling.

hrlaurie: I had an acquintance who did replace food with alcohol after surgery, but he was a heavy drinker before surgery, failed his psych clearance and went to South America to get the surgery anyway. Not a wise choice. I don't think if you are not a heavy drinker you would use alcohol later as a crutch but everyone if different. This surgery is as much about our minds as it is about the physical aspects. Already on my pre op diet I have had to deal with the desire to run to food to relieve stress, and not being able to. We will all have to find other outlets for comfort that we have previously used food for. Hopefully, we can find healthy ones - exercise, community work, hobbies, etc. For me, food was always the main event. When the wife and I decide to go on a date night, it always started with or ended up in a restaurant, with huge portion of bad stuff. That is going to change, and it won't be easy. But we will do it!

Same here B-52, no one's business! Truth is, no flour, bread, rice, Pasta, alcohol, cokes, sweets, sugar, etc. in my house equals weight loss LOL!!!!

Every one is different. We are all unique. It is true that there are those that can pick themselves up from their bootstraps and resolve their issues on their own. It is also true that not all counseling is good. I have experienced that also. However, I will offer this. I would say that the large majority of us are considering WLS because we have NOT been able to do it on are own. If we could, what would we be doing here? I mean no offense, but is it reasonable for a psych to consider excessive alcohol a problem, one that could benefit from counseling? I think so. Can someone take care of it on their own? I guess so, but most do not. I have seen it time and time again. With respect to WLS, I saw first hand an acquaintance with a habit of drinking socially swap out his food addiction with drinking and become an alcoholic after surgery. If you are one of those that can deal with this on your own, more power to you. But is it reasonable for a pysch to be concerned for you and ask you to get counseling, knowing that you already have an issue with food that has caused you to seek the help of others to correct it? Absolutely!

Everyone says take time to seek counseling, therapy is so helpful to you. I've sought out counseling a few times. Only once did I find it beneficial. Not everyone NEED therapy for their so called problems. Part of what's wrong with society now is everything is consider an issue that need to be dealt or help with. My psychiatrist tried to tell me I needed help with alcoholism. Based on the amount and times a month I drunk. He wouldn't take in consideration that my friends and I partied and socialized a lot. Even during weekdays. A few yrs later when asked did I need help with my drinking. I said no I never had a problem and I don't drink much now. He ignored what I said and asked did I get help. Looked skeptical when I said no I just don't go now and slowed down. First he didn't believe I could drink so much and not be an alcoholic and second if I was one that I could stop on my own. He's not the only psych doc I came across that believes that. The same goes for food and drugs. They think were all the same and one size fits all. You admit to anything that sounds like a current society problem, bang, your too damaged and unfit for _______, you have to get __ wks/months counseling first. My sister had months of counseling. It did her no good. She didn't change her ways and don't regret surgery. A few friends of our didn't get counseling ( one lied about some things) and are doing fine by eating right and exercising. I can't wait to join them in step and Zumba classes. So passing a psych eval doesn't guarantee being ready for WLS.

Wow that is incredibly sad that she would stoop to that. This so reminds me of an alcoholic that never grew up and progressed and lashes out like an adolescent.

Sarah, that is so lovely! How sweet, he's a keeper! His mommy must have been a great and loving influence on him even if she was a little sad three years ago. That is the very reason you did the surgery, and it worked! Awesome! Denise, you deserve the best, I'm glad you feel that spark! Enquiring minds want to know... is he the drinker? (I cant keep my men straight!) That sounds dangerous if he is, but I sure have known some extremely charmning and intelligent men who had drug and/or alcohol problems....

Honey, just my opinion, but I think you need to rethink WLS completely, regardless of the method. Read here and on other boards about how many people regain weight after RNY (and lapband and sleeve, too). That is because WLS is just a tool. It won't keep you from sabatoging yourself. You need to get your head on straight before you attempt this. If you have a sugar problem, it's really best to address it beforehand. Some thoughts: Get on a low carb Atkins type diet asap and stick with it. Once you get past induction phase your need for carbs and sugar is substantially lower. You may find this is all you need. Attend counseling prior to getting surgery to deal with food issues. Understand how eating slider foods can easily disrupt and delay weight loss with WLS. Learn about addiction transferring and how some people with sugar addictions switch it to other foods/alcohol etc. and still continue to sabotage their weight loss Really understand how liquid and soft calories can cause you to stop losing and regain weight. Best of luck to you however you decide.

OK, I'm back and able to type a bit more. I decided just to post here instead of a PM as others may benefit from my experience. I first came to AA just over 14 years ago after hitting one of my bottoms. I don't call it rock bottom as I know I have the capacity to go lower if I were to relapse. That has been true for me in the past. Addiction is a cunning, baffling, powerful foe as I knew deep down I was doing things I did not want to do, but felt powerless to stop the cycle. I repeated the same behavior time and again expecting different results, only to have things turn out the same. I would abuse substances because I didn't want to feel or confront the emotions I was dealing with. I treated substances as a reward when times were good and as a crutch when times were bad. The bottom line, for me, is that these substances weren't my problem. I was. They were my solution to help me cover up the reality of my issues and they worked quite effectively for a long time. Until they didn't. And that is when I was given the gift of desperation. I could no longer go on the way I was. I had to make a change or life as I knew it would lose all meaning. I was at a turning point. I had reached my bottom. Some of you may be asking, "What substances is he referring to? Alcohol? Illicit drugs? food?" The answer is, "Yes", to all three. I have found that I abused food in no different way than I abused alcohol. Through the help of AA, the need to use alcohol was lifted, but then I was able to replace that addiction with food. So, I very much believe it is quite plausible to begin abusing alcohol in new ways if you are no longer able to abuse food the way you used to. And if you were abusing it prior to VSG, then even more so. Trust me, there is not a single person who walks into their first AA meeting on the best day of their life. Nobody wants to make that first appearance and nobody wants to admit they are an alcoholic. To be honest with you, I don't want anybody admitting they are an alcoholic if they truly aren't. I wouldn't wish alcoholism on my worst enemy. But if you believe you may have an issue with some addictive behavior issues, then know that the rooms of AA have provided simple solutions to millions of people who have been able to lead much happier lives free from their addictions. I was just telling somebody yesterday that if you would have asked me to script out what I wanted to be like 5 years after getting sober, I wouldn't have been able to script it any better than how it turned out. Yes, I still have issues. Sure, I am only two and half years post VSG. But I know that this and many other options in my life wouldn't have been even possible had I not stayed sober. Going to an AA meeting does not make you an alcoholic. You are not going to be thrown into a back room and have AA shaved into your hair. Know that every person in AA, at one time, felt very similar to how you are feeling right now, and they are there waiting with their hand out. All it takes is willingness to make a change.

Hi all, new here! As someone still going through the "pre" process (just waiting for my insurance approval & surgery date), I can add a couple thoughts on the psych eval. I am someone who likes his alcohol. A lot. Not being able to drink when or as much as I want to going forward, well, that's going to be rough. Maybe I disclosed my love of rum 'n cokes a bit too much during my psych visits, but it triggered a concern with them that I have a higher likelihood to hit the bottle harder while coping with not being able to eat like I used to. "Addiction Transfer" I believe it's called. I was really scared this was going to set me back as far as them wanting to see me jump through more hoops, etc, but luckily for me, they just told me that I will need to see the psych a couple times post-surgery to see how I am dealing and making sure I'm not boozin' (I don't intend to, this is too big a deal). That all said, I am so glad such a community exists, and I look forward to becoming a successful sleever. Keep up the good work everyone, and keep being the inspirations that you are! ~Truck

Agreed. This is a huge decision. The sleeve is irreversible. You want to go in with your eyes wide open. The psych needs to make sure you know and understand what you are getting yourself into. Real world example - I knew someone who failed the psych years ago. What did he do? He went to south America where the requirements were easier. About a year after the surgery he started sabotaging his progress by grazing with carbs and alcohol. Gained the weight back. It is tough if psych says no but I think it is important. I am on my pre op diet and already I am noticing how I have previously used food to comfort me during stressful times. Just had my pre op visit and it was a little stressful so after the visit the first thing I thought about is how normally I would just go to the hospital cafe for a snack and a coffee to deal with it. Of course I can't now. Amazing how the mind works. We need to deal with our minds or this won't work. May not be what the op wants to hear but I mean no offense, just my .02

No, you do not have to stand up. That is more drama for TV, but there are meetings where it is encouraged. Bottom line is you don't have to do anything you don't want to do. For me, it didn't take too long before I heard my story being told in the rooms and I was able to identify. At that point, I had crossed the line of acceptance of my alcoholism and I wanted to identify myself as such. I am on my mobile device right now, so I will write more or contact you directly later. Just know that only you can say whether you are an alchoholic. I know AA meetings may seem daunting as there is a lot if fear that if you do identify, then you might convince yourself of something you are not. It doesn't work that way.

Someone told my husband that I'll need to replace food with another type of crutch, like alcohol. I already had shopping for new, smaller clothes picked out as my food replacement but I wondered if you had heard of increased alcohol consumptions. Also, he thinks I wont be able to go out to dinner or really socialize. Im sure that will improve over time but I think he worries that I'll be some kind of anti-social freak.

Good post Sassy. Hello everyone. My husband woke me early this morning coming home from another sleep study night. Looks like the pulmonary doctor is having him toe the line and I love it, he thinks he is his own doctor. The sleeve process has made him jump through hoops thank God. I got reinforcements which I needed.<br /><br />I became pretty vocal in welcoming newbies that have posted, and I am trying harder to<br />throw in Baby Boomers here Sassy, to welcome them here. Seems there are a lot of people<br />over 60 having surgery. Maybe we are all too busy in our lives to post more? I for onehardly have a life LOL as my husband can hardly miss his afternoon nap. I think a lot of it is depression. Just the way it is when you can hardly walk. So I spend a lot of<br />time reading and posting.<br /><br />Lets definitely try and attract new participants.<br /><br />BTW Sassy, my sister once said before she passed away, "We are all addicted to something, food, alcohol, medicines, drugs........". I agree. I grew up in a long line of<br />alcoholics. I was bored and drank every night before surgery, felt I could not relax<br />without it, and am proud to know I<br />could quit and not have a desire for it since I started my WLS. Have a good day<br />everyone!<br />

Soulful Living Food Addiction Part 1 ​(Part 1 of this article originally appeared in the WLS Lifestyles Magazine in my Soulful Living Column) Louisa Latela, LCSW, LCADC Of my clients who struggle with compulsive eating those who have a strong desire to live a joyful, healthy, peaceful life are the most successful in moving from living in the insanity of food obsession to the serenity of a healthy relationship with food and weight. This is because a highly respected and well-nourished body is the foundation upon which such a life must be built. When a person who is overweight and/or a compulsive eater desires to feel good physically, emotionally, and spiritually her motivation to make peace with her body and food is multidimensional; it is not simply wanting to see a particular number when she steps on the scale. It ‘carries with it more weight’ (pun intended!). However many people do not understand that what they eat directly affects their every experience. Do You? Take some time to think about how your weight and relationship with food affect the following areas of your life: Physical Health: Are you overweight? Do you have heart disease, diabetes, shortness of breath, sleep apnea, decreased energy, or chronic joint pain? Are there other ways that your weight and food consumption affect you physically? Emotional Health: Do you harshly judge yourself; feel shame, guilt, anger or self-hatred in relation to your weight or what you eat? Do you experience periods of depression because of your inability to control your eating behavior? Do you ever feel anxious if you do not have certain foods available to you? Finances: How much money do you spend on food that you use for bingeing, overeating, or avoiding uncomfortable feelings? How much money have you spent on diet books, diet supplements, diet foods, consultations with weight loss professionals, and seldom used exercise equipment and gym memberships? Do you miss time at work because of health problems related to how you eat? Do you believe your weight prevents you from getting a promotion or new job? Are there times that you are not as productive at your job because of how you feel (emotionally or physically) in relation to what you did or did not eat? Relationships: Do you use your weight as an excuse to avoid relationships? Or, conversely, have you ever stayed in an unhealthy relationship because you believed no one else would want someone your size? Are people in your life inconvenienced by your food related emotional or physical problems? When you eat foods that zap your energy or make you feel ill, are you sometimes nasty, short, or cranky with family, friends, or co-workers? Sexual Experiences: Does your weight physically or emotionally prevent you from having a satisfying sex life? Mental Clarity: Do you ever feel a bit dull or foggy in the brain because of the quantity or quality of food you eat? Activities: Does your weight physically or emotionally prevent you from engaging in healthy, fun activities like hiking, bike riding, swimming, dancing, or playing with your children? Are simple activities of daily living like putting on your socks and shoes becoming increasingly difficult? Do you avoid certain social situations because you don’t want to be seen at your current weight or because you are afraid you will overeat? Time: How much time do you spend thinking about food or weight issues? How old were you when you first thought you had a problem with food or weight? How many years have you been dealing with this? How many precious moments of your life have you lost to your preoccupation with food and weight? The purpose of answering the preceding questions is to not elicit feelings of self-blame or harsh self-judgment but rather to increase your awareness of how your current weight and eating behaviors may be preventing you from living a normal, productive life. Understanding that what you eat affects your every physical, emotional, and mental experience can serve to increase your motivation to cultivate a healthy relationship with food. If you are still riding the yo-yo dieting roller coaster you may have an addictive relationship with food. Addiction, as defined by Merriam-Webster’s Medical Dictionary, is “the persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be physically, psychologically, or socially harmful”. Sound familiar? Studies have shown that compulsive overeating and drug addiction share many of the same biological characteristics. For instance, when people eat large quantities of sugar and fat they develop a tolerance for these substances and need more sugar and fat to satisfy them, much like alcoholics and drug addicts who, over time, require increased amounts of alcohol and drugs to get high. Other research has revealed that many obese people and drug addicts have a lower number of dopamine receptors (the feel good receptors) in their brains which make them more likely to crave things that boost dopamine like sugar, alcohol, cocaine or heroin. Also when some people are suddenly cut off from sugar and certain carbohydrates they experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, depression, irritability and strong cravings for the substance from which they are cut off, just like alcoholics and drug addicts do when they are detoxifying from alcohol or drugs. However; neither acknowledging the depth to which your relationship with food is negatively affecting your life nor understanding the biology of addiction will in and of itself cure your obsession or right your relationship with food. You may be thinking “Well I know how to eat well and what I need to do to lose weight.” Do you really? The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. How many times have you gone on a diet proclaiming “This is it! I will never again be overweight! My eating behaviors have forever changed!!” only to find yourself starting a new diet the following Monday morning? Three, four, five or more times? Sounds like insanity to me! You may know how to diet and temporarily lose weight, but you have not made the internal psychological and emotional shifts necessary to sustain a healthy relationship with food and permanent weight loss. Moving from the insanity of a food and weight obsessed life to the serenity that a loving and respectful relationship with food affords you requires the willingness to consider a new way of thinking and being in the world. For many it requires learning to live a spiritual life. Cultivating a relationship with your Authentic Self, looking at yourself through kind and compassionate eyes, being willing to listen to and act on the guidance you receive from your Inner Knowing, and understanding that your true essence is pure love are all part of nurturing your spiritual self. As you mature spiritually, behaviors that no longer serve you will fall by the way side. On page 15 of “A Course in Weight Loss” Marianne Williamson writes: “Spiritual growth is a fascinating process if you allow it to be. It is an inner journey from one insight to another, in which helpful realizations fall into place as you are ready to receive them. Twisted thoughts become untwisted once you see them for what they are. Your journey from blindness to spiritual vision precedes your journey from dysfunctional eating to a healthy and wholesome relationship to food; in fact it is a necessary prerequisite for it. As you understand more deeply the roots of your weakness you lay the foundation for the cultivation of new strengths.” To be continued.....