Support Groups..anyone going?

Hi guys~ I was just checking to see how is going to support groups on a regular basis and if they are helping? I can't seem to find one that works around my work schedule...I'm bummed out because I really need that interaction with other people. Since I couldn't find a support group, I am actually going to go and check out Overeaters Anonymous, since I really sincerely want to change the way my brain is thinking towards food and my attitude about it too. I'm sure they will laugh me out the door considering my new size but who knows, I'm going to keep an open mind about it. I really really want to change. I have been fighting and trying so so hard to not eat "crap" or to not graze or snack..it's awful. I was doing pretty good for a few weeks and then bam..I went camping this past weekend and just fell completely off the wagon. I ate chips, cookies,candy,sandwiches,smores and way more than my share and way more times than I should have. It's really hard when you are in an environment where everyone is shoving food at you and everyone is happy around the campfire with the junk food just eating away.I even snuck away food so I could eat it by myself so people couldn't see what I was eating (I know pretty bad huh). I got depressed about what I ate and actually went to bed really early the one night and cried about it. I talked to my husband about it and he just doesn't get it and probably never will. This is the hardest thing ever in my life that I've had to go through..it's quite the rollercoaster! I'm in counseling and it's helping but I need more than that..so I'm going to try overeaters anonymous to see if that will eventually help me. I've come to far with this to start failing. I still have the body image issues going on..like today I feel totally fat all over.I've been told not to lose anymore weight and to just maintain and I've done that for awhile but I want to lose more...lol..just 20 more that's all and I would be done. I've been so obessesed with losing 20 more pounds for months but I haven't lost even 5 lbs. Everyone says I look really good but when you don't feel good about yourself, their comments don't really matter. It's hard to believe that the 1st year is approaching and I'm still dealing with my "food issues of being a food addict" but the good thing about it is I've lost close to 100lbs. Sorry guys, I just had to vent a little...maybe alot!

Hey there, I go to a support group that is held once a month in my town. It's pretty good, but we mainly talk about kids, work, etc. and not so much about our addictions or bad times we are facing due to our new lifestyle. We have newbie's that come and we wind up telling them about the early days of the liquid diet, soft foods, etc. There is a support group held once a month by my surgery group, but I've never found it very helpful. I think more of us need the support of others who are at the same stage that we are (the October board is perfect). We all are at the same point in this lifestyle change and we are all facing the same challenges. We feel like we are slipping quickly back into bad habits, worried about the re-gain, and of course the old body image issues. I am scared to death too of regaining weight or not being able to lose any more. I have lost 100 lbs, but would love to get the last 35 off sooner than later, but with my poor eating habits and lack of exercise and water, I am only dooming myself. I have to admit that I'm not eating half as bad as I did before surgery, but I let sweets and carbs creep in more often than I should. I maintain wonderfully, but that's not what I want to be doing. I want to lose the last 35, THEN maintain. All I obsess with now is plastic surgery, but that will be awhile and I need to lose more before I think about that. So, it looks like we're in the same boat. Write me anytime you want to chat. Well, that's my venting. Maybe we can call this a vent post?? Glad you wrote this. I needed to get this off my chest too. Good luck with O.A. Hope it helps. Thanks for listening! Lori 276/174/140

I think calling this a "vent post" is so appropriate!! I'm just glad I'm not the only one who is going through this. Sometimes, I feel like I'm going to lose my mind and other times I feel like I have it all together. Like right now, I'm not even hungry but I'm thinking about what I'm going to eat for the day...the entire day..what's up with that?? LOL. I just can't help it. I'm also thinking about the frozen stash of poptarts that my husband has in the freezer...temptations need to be out of my house but I know it's hard to force your lifestyle on someone else who has really no interest in making theirs better. I hope things are going well for you today..and thanks for responding to my post Same goes with you..you ever need to chat just send me an email Take care!

I'm helping facilitate an awesome support group that is run by my friend Lisa who has WLS in December with my surgeon. She has professional counseling experience and does such a great job of addressing the real issues we need to deal with. We started the group May 21st and it has exploded! We average 30 people each week. Sorry you don't live close enough to attend, but we have an email yahoo group too that you are welcome to join. We have at least one person on that email group who doesn't live in the area and the information in there is very helpful. We meet every week and I have to tell you that it helps me a lot! Running it helps too! http://run.to/fishkill (shortcut URL) Vi

Hi Vi~ I'll most definately check it out..I've got some errands to run this morning. That is so awesome for you to be part of something great like that...I'm sure it helps you out soo much!! How are things coming along for you? You look GREAT!!

Thanks hon, things are going really well! I just sold my 3 BR house and I'm moving to a 2 BR condo on Sept. 1st with my 2 boys! I'm excited! The divorce should be final soon and this is just another step in a new life for me! I've left things amicable with their Dad and he will be involved in the kids lives, so that's a good thing. (This divorce had nothing to do with WLS -- I started the process to divorce him 3 years ago.) Hugs, Vi

Hi Greelygirl!!!!!!!!! Yes i am in a support group.......i went mon night and there was about 150 there.......i have meet so much support plus the group when it meets my surgeon is always there........that helps out so much because he will answer all my questions.....the topic was about grazing mon...........the nut said if we have the urge to graze to drink!!!!!!!!!! but she also stated 3 meals a day and 2 snacks.........but make the healthy.........well i have been on this carbs kick..........i ate like a pig over the weekend and no i am trying to get back on track...........i take one day at a time.....i have always been a food addict.............my mom use to hide all the pop and candy and eat it herself.....but i was rewarded with food..........my doc said that since i got married that i can go out and buy whatever food i ever wanted and that has got me where i use to be 242lbs..............i am now 130lbs and i no that this journey is just beginning all over.............my head plays so many tricks on me....................well you find a group and just hang in there.....................vickie r.

Thanks Vickie! I'm trying and trying hard. I'm still planning on trying out the OA meeting tonight I'll let y'all know how it goes I, like you was also rewarded with food and I know when I got married, I gained and gained tons of weight! I'm so happy for you that you're down to 130 and you must feel great!! ...I'm hanging in there....... Bridgett

I know what you're going through..........One month I'll loose 16 pounds and then nothing for another two months. I know I'm an emotional eater and now I'm trying to fight the feeling to grab unecessary things especially since I'm soooooooo stressed lately. But I've been trying to pray and stay focused. So we can do this. Whenever you want to vent just hit me up and you can vent to me and I'll do the same to you. Take care of yourself my October sister. As Dennis would say..........we can do this! We've come to far to turn back now..................Take care!! Keva

We can do this Keva especially with all the help from our fellow October brothers and sisters! Email me if you need to vent seriously I'll let you know if I find out any good information from the OA meeting tonight. The emotional eating is hard to kick but we can try! Thanks! Bridgett