I posted in May about my getting off track and I appreciate all the comments and words of encouragement. I feel like I am loosing ground and need help fast. Here lies part of the problem with me. I am disabled and fight chronic pain, bad joints, just recent back surgery and impending knee replacement at some point, torn rotator cuff, depression (of course with all of this) and the list goes on. Not to mention caring for aging parents and a husband that has health issues too. With all that being said I realize I am turning to my Old Faithful friend ( enemy) FooD for comfort. Crackers are a big problem and now one REEses PB cup nightly . My diet is what I feel like eating...I continue to get in my protein, drink lots of water and drink decaf coffee using no sugar but, non dairy creamer I am cutting down on that as I know it dehydrates us... but,that is my drink comforter. My weight has only ( I can hear you saying ONLY!) risen 5 pounds but, that is just not good as I have not even reached my goal. I cannot exercise right now or haven't been able at all since day one due to all of my joint issues. I am hopeful though after recovery from my back surgery I can get in the water and start a program ASAP. I also prior to my back surgery they discovered my liver enzymes are elevated but, with abd sono and hepatitis testing all was negative. I go back in 6 weeks to be retested again...anyone experience this from WL surgery? Where should I begin? Any meal suggestions or plans? Website with menu plans would be helpful. I have no local support groups just this site and have not been on it in a quite awhile due to things getting in my way such as the reality of what path I am on. I have not worked this hard losing 100 pounds to go back I refuse but, how do I get my emotions in check and shake myself up to realize if I continue this path all could be lost or should i dare say gained. Sorry to sound like a whiner but, I do know I need support and help from those of you that may have been there or going through this yourselves. PLEase, Please help me to know where to start and pray that I will get back on track..My health is at stake and I do not want to waste this tool that I have been granted with...but, I must get my WILL back to change these habits... Thanks for listening... Karen

thanks Jen! hope all is ok in your world! hugs, judi

Judi, Love your new pic! hugs, Jen

Get a Handle on Emotional Eating The Secret Sabotage of Your Program -- By Zach Van Hart, Staff Writer Ever been angry or upset one minute and then on your couch eating the next, unable to remember why you started eating or how long you had spent munching? If so, then you have entered the world of emotional eating. It's something than can happen to anyone, and one of the most common dieting obstacles out there. Emotional eating at its best passes after a few minutes. At its worst, it can take over your life and cause you to eat uncontrollably for extended periods of time. And according to nutritional experts, 75% of overeating is caused by emotions. So don't worry, if you suffer from emotional eating, you are not alone. People often eat to relieve stress or to get something off their minds. The kicker is that stress, and the insulin jump that goes with it, may actually cause you to crave high sugar, high carbohydrate foods - foods that go straight to your waistline and cause you even more stress. Rather than munching, it's better to develop new skills for dealing with boredom, self-esteem issues and stress. Try to pinpoint the major reasons for your stress or unpleasant emotions, and see how you can turn the tide. Here are a few suggestions to combat your emotions: Get your trigger foods out of the house, get your crutch foods out of arms' reach Go for a walk or jog. Physical activity relieves stress. Do deep breathing and relaxation exercises Keep a reminder of your goal handy Talk to a friend Visit and post on the support message boards Surround yourself with positive reinforcers, like pictures and people Keep a journal that includes your best personal accomplishments Track your eating patterns, including when and why you pick up food. If you still seem to come back to food when your emotions get the best of you, you can at least be prepared. Eating large amounts of snacks is not a good thing. But if you eat low calorie foods, it's not so bad. So stock the fridge with healthy alternatives--foods that have good nutritious value and are smaller in size. Here are a few food suggestions to keep within arms' reach: Apple or orange slices Carrot sticks Banana Broccoli Whole wheat toast Bran muffin Fruit smoothie Applesauce POSTING APPROVED COURTESY OF SPARKPEOPLE.COM PER THEIR REPRINT POLICY OFFICE. www.sparkpeople.com

Uhhhh...Judi???? Is that you??? OMG - you look wonderful! Post more pix on your profile, girl! Cleo