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Topic: RE: Missing in action...
Definitely gonna make it !!!! 
oh and thanks! You made my day knowing someone was out there missing me. Felt warm and fuzzy. 
oh and thanks! You made my day knowing someone was out there missing me. Felt warm and fuzzy. 
"Never act until you have answered the question 'What happens if I do nothing?'" - Robert Brault
"Love is borne from soul to soul on the wings of words." - Rudolph Steiner
Elizabeth M 
Topic: Check this out...
My husband cracks me up sometimes... but darnit if it doesn't make you go hmmm... then get pi$$ed off. 
He said he was reading the the governemnt bailout was reaching aproximateley 380-400 BILLION dollars. He looked up the United States Census. He said there are aproximately 372 Billion people in the United States. If the government gave 1 million to each of those 372B then there would be NO recession (in a sense). Everyone would be set!!!
I looked at him... looked at the website he pulled up with the figures and just shook my head. just goes to show how greedy people truly are. I wish to heck I had money to give out. I wish to heck I had a couple of a million just to help others in need.
Imagine if the government actually DID that!!!??? I mean really think about it... WOW how our country would change! And the government would STILL have money to run itself. but what would happen to the economy? Would it skyrocket? Or fall? hmmm....
He said he was reading the the governemnt bailout was reaching aproximateley 380-400 BILLION dollars. He looked up the United States Census. He said there are aproximately 372 Billion people in the United States. If the government gave 1 million to each of those 372B then there would be NO recession (in a sense). Everyone would be set!!!
I looked at him... looked at the website he pulled up with the figures and just shook my head. just goes to show how greedy people truly are. I wish to heck I had money to give out. I wish to heck I had a couple of a million just to help others in need.
Imagine if the government actually DID that!!!??? I mean really think about it... WOW how our country would change! And the government would STILL have money to run itself. but what would happen to the economy? Would it skyrocket? Or fall? hmmm....
"Never act until you have answered the question 'What happens if I do nothing?'" - Robert Brault
"Love is borne from soul to soul on the wings of words." - Rudolph Steiner
Elizabeth M
Topic: RE: Just Checking In
No apologies necessary and I don't see this as preaching, more as reaching out - thank you! This is what we're all here to do for one another. Willing to go to any lengths ... but what are those lengths? For me, I've been thinking I have to quit my job just to get away from the crap that's all around here all the time but then I think that's rediculous because there's candy EVERYwhere - but why is it that I can go into any store and not have to buy it? Oh, I'll buy a small bag of M&M's and be done with it once in a while; but it's a totally different feeling then what goes on for me here - here, it's raging feelings of being out of control and secret and in a dark place and just all out of whack with it. I think you're right though - I have to get the sugar - the poison - out of my system, my body. It makes me feel awful. Thanks Karen! Maureen
Topic: RE: Just Checking In
Karen, I would really appreciate receiving the questionaires - can you email to me please at:
[email protected]
Thanks! Maureen
[email protected]
Thanks! Maureen
Topic: RE: Just Checking In
Hi Connie,
Good for you!!! I am so glad you are aware that pain meds can be a popular cross addiction for us, too. I have had quite a few WLSers contact me about their secret addictions to scripts, too. The bad thing is that they usually begin with legitimate pain issues, just like you. They don't start out with abuse or recreational use as a motive to take the medications. The addiction just happens. BUT, it usually is accompanied with the same OCD emotional issues that we avoided and medicated with food in the past. The real ONLY way to stop the vicious cycle of cross addiction it to identify the fears that are driving the avoidance and face them. Sounds easy but obviously isn't since we all gained mega pounds trying to avoid these fears. For me, I went to therapy and still couldn't figure out why I ate. It was only through working the Fourth Step of AA that I finally figured out what my issues were and was able to deal with them. This is the same fourth step in Overeaters Anonymous. My issues all stemmed from childhood and carried into my marriage and adult lilfe. I just didn't know it. I really didn't. I completed three worksheets with over 100 questions each regarding Childhood, Adolescence and Adulthood. Only then did it all fall into place, after answering them honestly. I would be willing to share these questionaires with anyone who wants them. Just email me and I will send them to you.
Hugs,
Karen
Good for you!!! I am so glad you are aware that pain meds can be a popular cross addiction for us, too. I have had quite a few WLSers contact me about their secret addictions to scripts, too. The bad thing is that they usually begin with legitimate pain issues, just like you. They don't start out with abuse or recreational use as a motive to take the medications. The addiction just happens. BUT, it usually is accompanied with the same OCD emotional issues that we avoided and medicated with food in the past. The real ONLY way to stop the vicious cycle of cross addiction it to identify the fears that are driving the avoidance and face them. Sounds easy but obviously isn't since we all gained mega pounds trying to avoid these fears. For me, I went to therapy and still couldn't figure out why I ate. It was only through working the Fourth Step of AA that I finally figured out what my issues were and was able to deal with them. This is the same fourth step in Overeaters Anonymous. My issues all stemmed from childhood and carried into my marriage and adult lilfe. I just didn't know it. I really didn't. I completed three worksheets with over 100 questions each regarding Childhood, Adolescence and Adulthood. Only then did it all fall into place, after answering them honestly. I would be willing to share these questionaires with anyone who wants them. Just email me and I will send them to you.
Hugs,
Karen
Topic: RE: Just Checking In
Hi Elizabeth!
Marshall is in Fauquier County, or about 50 miles west of Washington D.C. or 50 miles southeast of Winchester. Pulaski and Dublin are in the far southwestern corner of the state; about six hours from me. I am in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
I know only too welll how the drinking slowly increases and how the feeling is different than before WLS. Be careful of the "chatter" that tells you that you are fine, don't have a problem since you never had one before, etc. My problem finally escalated into drinking every weekend, then every night and then I began blacking out every time I drank and couldn't remember anything I did. I was scared I would get in the car and drive and not remember doing it. I was terrified of killing someone else or myself. It never happened, but having no memory of your evenings (who you talked to, what you said, where you were, etc.) was scary enough for me to know I had to quit. Passing out began to occur, too. I stopped eating. I just wanted to drink. I could see my health going downhill, too. By day, I am a CPA and I just couldn't risk losing my career, my family or my health. My brother died from alcoholism at the age of 48 and I was damned if I was going down that same road. It wasn't until I finally accepted the cold, hard truth that I, too, was alcoholic, that I hit rock bottom enough to muster up the courage and humility to finally drag myself to my first AA meeting and admit defeat. I was done. The price was just too high.
I am only sharing my experience with you in hopes that if you, or anyone else, sees themself going down this same path that they remember my post before they continue. Thanks for sharing that you are uneasy but conscious of the lure of alcohol on us WLSers who never had issues before surgery. We are not immune. That is my point.
I wish you the best, too!
Hugs,
Karen
Marshall is in Fauquier County, or about 50 miles west of Washington D.C. or 50 miles southeast of Winchester. Pulaski and Dublin are in the far southwestern corner of the state; about six hours from me. I am in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
I know only too welll how the drinking slowly increases and how the feeling is different than before WLS. Be careful of the "chatter" that tells you that you are fine, don't have a problem since you never had one before, etc. My problem finally escalated into drinking every weekend, then every night and then I began blacking out every time I drank and couldn't remember anything I did. I was scared I would get in the car and drive and not remember doing it. I was terrified of killing someone else or myself. It never happened, but having no memory of your evenings (who you talked to, what you said, where you were, etc.) was scary enough for me to know I had to quit. Passing out began to occur, too. I stopped eating. I just wanted to drink. I could see my health going downhill, too. By day, I am a CPA and I just couldn't risk losing my career, my family or my health. My brother died from alcoholism at the age of 48 and I was damned if I was going down that same road. It wasn't until I finally accepted the cold, hard truth that I, too, was alcoholic, that I hit rock bottom enough to muster up the courage and humility to finally drag myself to my first AA meeting and admit defeat. I was done. The price was just too high.
I am only sharing my experience with you in hopes that if you, or anyone else, sees themself going down this same path that they remember my post before they continue. Thanks for sharing that you are uneasy but conscious of the lure of alcohol on us WLSers who never had issues before surgery. We are not immune. That is my point.
I wish you the best, too!
Hugs,
Karen
Topic: RE: SAFE HOLIDAY MENU PLANNING!
Goodmorning from beginning to SNOW arggg Maryland!!!! if I get through Wednesday ok...Son has his court date that day which I am absolutly dreading,...then,Thanksgiving hmmm...welp Im cooking a big old feast...Im not slacking on anything, Ill just have to eat in moderation. Im having my husband, son(hopefully), and MIL over, daughter is this year having dinner at BF house....soooo, Im cooking a big turkey and ham,stuffing,mashed potatoes,gravy,green bean cassarole,corn,yucky sweet potatoes with marshmellow topping, my orange stuff, cranberries,rolls, maybe some homemade candy my son loves that, a pumpkin pie with SF cool whip...and whatever else I can muster up LOL....maybe some meatballs...I always over do it. Anyway Im all about moderation...Ill eat alittle of everything but not a ton. And Ill be sure to have plenty of leftovers for some good eating the following week! I hope everyone has a GREAT, SAFE and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!
"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe" ----"Anatole France"
"Joyously grasp the ties that bind you, for they lead straight to the heart"---"Wm."
Kimberly...
Topic: RE: Just Checking In
Ah..shucks!!! Thanks for the Kudos! I, too, need continuing support to stay strong.
I find myself always looking for other things to cross addict to and candy has certainly been at the top of that list! For me, abstaining from all sugar is the only thing that works. Only then does the craving go away. It takes a couple of days before it gets out of my system but if I can just do the "one day at a time" until the cravng goes away, I'm good. I don't even want it. Knowing that even one bite will send me on a binge and a mental meltdown of guilt is enough to help me walk away. Think of it as a poison to your body; it sound like it really is for you, Maureen. Like alcohol is for me. I just had to be willing to go to ANY lengths to overcome the addiction. And with that willingness comes acceptance. Humility. And then success! Remember that complacency will come back to bite you; always be diligent and on your guard for the chatter that tells you you can have just one piece. Because YOU can't. Acceptance...so hard but oh, so rewarding.
I didn't mean to preach; just want to support ya!
Hugs,
Karen
I find myself always looking for other things to cross addict to and candy has certainly been at the top of that list! For me, abstaining from all sugar is the only thing that works. Only then does the craving go away. It takes a couple of days before it gets out of my system but if I can just do the "one day at a time" until the cravng goes away, I'm good. I don't even want it. Knowing that even one bite will send me on a binge and a mental meltdown of guilt is enough to help me walk away. Think of it as a poison to your body; it sound like it really is for you, Maureen. Like alcohol is for me. I just had to be willing to go to ANY lengths to overcome the addiction. And with that willingness comes acceptance. Humility. And then success! Remember that complacency will come back to bite you; always be diligent and on your guard for the chatter that tells you you can have just one piece. Because YOU can't. Acceptance...so hard but oh, so rewarding.
I didn't mean to preach; just want to support ya!
Hugs,
Karen
Topic: RE: SAFE HOLIDAY MENU PLANNING!
Good morning Reenie,
We finally made a commitment to Thanksgiving last night. We had toyed with going to CT ... driving up on Thursday and coming home on Saturday. Dinner would not have been a big deal, probably just at a restaurant when we go there. My sister and her family are traveling to CT from the DC area and I decided it would be just too much excitement for my Mom so our choices where to stay home or accept an invitation to visit friends in NC.
Mr Mo and I haggled back and forth about it ... he had no feelings one way or the other, so I found a hotel I could be happy with (I HOPE !!!) for not a lot of $$$ and made a non-refundable reservation. Our friends are excited to have us come for dinner and I know we will have a good time. We will leave home about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday and get to their house about 1-ish.
We will spend Friday wandering around the souvenier blow out sale at Lowes Motor Speedway, and taking some laps on the track in my truck, and then head home on Saturday. Hoping to see some other friends while we are in NC as well.
Our rule of thumb is that we do NOT travel on either the Wednesday before Turkey Day or that Sunday. It has worked for us so far.
My goal is to eat reasonably. I know the restriction that I have with my esophagus will keep the quantity in check, I just need to make responsible choices and to watch the grazing.
Hugs, Mo
We finally made a commitment to Thanksgiving last night. We had toyed with going to CT ... driving up on Thursday and coming home on Saturday. Dinner would not have been a big deal, probably just at a restaurant when we go there. My sister and her family are traveling to CT from the DC area and I decided it would be just too much excitement for my Mom so our choices where to stay home or accept an invitation to visit friends in NC.
Mr Mo and I haggled back and forth about it ... he had no feelings one way or the other, so I found a hotel I could be happy with (I HOPE !!!) for not a lot of $$$ and made a non-refundable reservation. Our friends are excited to have us come for dinner and I know we will have a good time. We will leave home about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday and get to their house about 1-ish.
We will spend Friday wandering around the souvenier blow out sale at Lowes Motor Speedway, and taking some laps on the track in my truck, and then head home on Saturday. Hoping to see some other friends while we are in NC as well.
Our rule of thumb is that we do NOT travel on either the Wednesday before Turkey Day or that Sunday. It has worked for us so far.
My goal is to eat reasonably. I know the restriction that I have with my esophagus will keep the quantity in check, I just need to make responsible choices and to watch the grazing.
Hugs, Mo
Comparison is the thief of joy!
If we spend our time comparing our life/weight loss/body to others, we totally miss what WE have accomplished. Keep in mind how far you have come and what you can do now that you couldn't do weeks/months/years ago. I hate the expression " It's all good", but in this case it fits! Wherever you are in your journey ... It's ALL good!!!
Topic: SAFE HOLIDAY MENU PLANNING!
Good morning from FRIGID Connecticut! Connie, I'm moving in with you - new kitchen to cook in, new bathroom to pee in, Arizona weather 
... we'll just have to build a barn and put up a pasture and a riding ring for Laela, what do you say??? Ok, seriously folks - what are your plans for Thanksgiving? Let's do some menu planning to help each other through these dangerous waters, ok? For me - I'm an emotional eater - we ALL know that by now! Jillian won't be with us, first Thanksgiving without our family intact, just me and the guys, Jim and Devin ... I'm one sad puppy going into this thing so I'm already thinking to eat my way through those feelings... HELP!!! What's on your plate for Thanksgiving? What are your plans? Are you going out, visiting other relatives, cooking for your own family, having folks over, talk to me - how are you going to get through this holiday in a sane and healthy way?? Love, Reenie
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