BY GEORGE I THINK I'VE GOT IT...

Thanks to all *****sponded to my last post, "Ashamed and reaching out..." Once again, you remind me that I don't have to stay trapped inside my head, that all I need to do is walk away from the bad feelings in order to reverse the behavior. And I have done so, many thanks to you. Here's what I figured out. I had a very difficult "people" week last week. I encountered a series of bad, negative, uncomfortable interactions with people and these incidences were very reminiscent of the way in which people treated me when I was severely morbidly obese. Now I absolutely admit that I responded in each of these situations in a hyper-sensitive way. Now that I look back on the week, these people were just being themselves, none of how they interacted with me had anything to do with me or my weight! But it FELT like old times; it FELT like discrimination, like I was not WORTHY of respect or kindness. And those feelings drove me to sooth my hurting psyche with food -- again -- just like old times. Now that I understand the problem, I can much more effectively fix it! So I'm back on track, working hard and most importantly, taking good care of mself -- my body, my pouch, my head. Just wanted to let you know. And thanks again, as always, for being there. Have a great day. Love, Reenie

i can so much relate! often...just being able to figure out the why makes the battle seem worth it! they keep telling us that the doc operated on our tummy not our heads--have a better week, reenie!!!!!!

You got it, Margo! Take care, Maureen

No Maureen, Thank you for being the "Lightning Rod" for The Marcher's Board. You have a way of nailing the issues that concern us all. I need to say publicly what I have told you privately: It's very easy to trumpet your success to the group, but it's very difficult to air you fears and failures in a public forum. You have the guts to bare your soul and the ability to express it in writing that many of us do not have. This Message Board is so much better as a result of your input!!! Thank you and please keep posting. We've spent all of our lives perfecting all of the wonderful little "Head Issues" that helped us to become morbidly obese. I'm sure that we'll spend the rest of our lives fighting to change them. I'm glad to hear that you've sorted out this crisis and shared it with us. We are all in this together and together it will be much easier to slay some of these dragons. You're the best, my friend, keep up the good work!! Mike

Thanks so much, Mike, I don't know what to say! Except I've only tried to be for everyone what all of you are for me ... unconditional support. That's all we can do is be there for each other. And I know without a doubt that I would have been utterly lost without this group of friends. So thanks so much for your kind words but they apply to every single one of us, yourself included. You've been the best, all along, for me. Thanks so much. Maureen

Yeah... What Mike said! Joy

And right back atcha, darlin'! Take care, Joy. Reenie

I am glad to hear it!! I can also relate. Since my return home from San Diego, my relationship with boyfriend has gone from bad to worse, & I tend to eat stuff I shouldn't. Today, I said that's enough & started thinking healthy instead. Dump the bad stuff .l I new the relationship was gonig down hill, but its still hard to realize thats it's not fixable at this point. Anyway Glad to here you got it under control. I went to the gym & that helped with the stress . I fell much better. I will soon be single again for the first time in a long time, but, now I have the New Me too!! I just need to find someone that appreciates me even just a little bit would be nice. ANY TAKERS OUT THERE, (He He) Marilyn, the Bearlady

Hi Maureen, So glad you are feeling better. Just read your previous post. I think all of us still have to conquer some food issues. Actually in my opinion we will always have those issues. Food is something we have to have. Its not like a smoking habit where we quit and dont need tobacco for our good health like we do food. I think thats why its so difficult. Cant quit food cold turkey maybe for a day or so. I am ALWAYS struggling with snacking and food. Its an everyday thing. I do try not to stress on it because it makes it worse for me. I just try to focus on the summer and how MUCH I want to get to goal. I am still stuck at 221. It feels like I am never going to get to goal. But I keep hope alive and just keep on going. Every day is a new day Hang in there! ((hugs)) Elizabeth M

Glad to hear that you're doing better. I was concerned about you and appreciate the update. Keep up the good work. Louise