Hey, Jennier! Just checking in with you. I've been sort of stressing over my surgery the past couple of days (Hormones raging at the moment) and thought about you. Wish I could have mine on the 25th with you! I'm beginning to wonder if the first is ever gonna get here! Peggy B.

Hello, friend! Yes, I go to a WLS support group. There are actually two here in town so if I miss the one at St. Pat's I can go to the one at Women's and Children's. Both meetings are so different. One is laid back and chatty while the other is more formal with speakers. Haven't decided which I like better. I go to St. Pat's normally because it's just over the bridge from my house. Peggy B.

Love you too, Erin. I'm proud of you and waiting for more pictures! "Mom"

Hi Celia, You are not alone. I am battling the same problems too. I can only eat half a candy bar though--any more than that and I get sick. But that doesn't stop me from getting 2 cookies at Subway or having a small dessert. I always seem to find something, somewhere for that craving. But, I don't think there is anything wrong with moderation (a small dessert is fine) but overindulgence is a slippery slope. I've been there. I've been seeing an eating disorder counselor and that has helped me think about my abuse of food as "punishment". Yes, I am a food addict and have to watch myself everyday. I use food as a celebration and as a reminder that I was bad, all in the same day. It's a tough battle, but we didn't come all this way just to eat crap all day again and wonder what happened. Time to dust yourself off and get back on the horse. Don't beat yourself up anymore, just get back on track. Drink more water (hunger is a sign if deydration) and pack healthier snacks. So here's what I do and this advice comes from my nutritionist: I only pack my protein & 100 calorie snack items in my lunch (like the 100 calories chips ahoy bakes) to control my carb portions and I avoid the vending machines like the plague. I am not allowed to go to a vending machine. That's like a crack dealer to me. If I want something like a candy bar, the rule is: I must GO somewhere to get it. In other words, I do not keep junk in my house or buy it at work, I have to physically go to the store or gas station and buy ONLY ONE item. I have to keep the craving long enough to leave work and go get it. Try it?--this has been really effective for me. I've stopped buying large bags of animal crackers thinking that I can just eat a few--I buy the prepackaged snacks so when they are gone from the little bag, I'm done eating. Sounds juvenile, but apparently, I've shown myself that I need the help. Good luck and kudos to you for coming back!! Keep your head up and keep trying. Hugs, -Laura

Celia~ Well I'm glad that you posted and it's good to see you here again! You've made that first step and admitted you have a problem and now you just need to really focus on yourself and get back on track with things. I, too am a food addict and it's a daily fight for me to get the good nutrition and stay away from the poor food choices (see my previous post) I've done things like hiding and eating food so people can't see me. Chips and chocolate are the absolute worst for me and do I quit buying them?? NO! But..I'm going to try and do better that's all I can do. I know for me at least, writing really helps me out and I notice that when I do write in my journal, I tend to let my emotions get the best of me and I reach for that food...not healthy food but poor choices. It may help you to write in a journal when you feel the need and want to eat those things like the chocolates..etc. I also find that it helps to carry the "before" picture of youself. I do and unfortunately, I didn't have that with me when I went camping last weekend and really fell off the wagon and I didn't have my journal either. I don't know if these suggestions will help you or not? We can do this and get back on track!! If you ever need to talk I'm here for you! Take care and keep your head up Bridgett