Do you ever think God is testing us?

How many here were "Stress Eaters"?  And how many have had major crap happen SINCE surgery, that makes you sit back and think, "Wow, God surely has a sense of humor..." Just to vent and rant - even though I know these things are all so small in the greater scheme of things, in the past I would be over the edge, munching on a box of little debbie's and a bag of reeses cups, but somehow, with my new "tool" in place, I am only munching on a little extra fat free popcorn between meals (not even a whole bag).  But I fear I am getting close to the edge... I had been dating someone for about 6 months - knew him for a year and a half before we started dating, and things were going great.  About 2 weeks ago, he approached me with the "I'm getting cold feet" discussion, about how serious we were getting, if he'd be a good step dad (I have a 10 and 8 year old who adore him) etc.  I told him to take the time and space he needed but to just let me know what he was thinking so as not to be left hanging....welp, this past Tuesday I got a text of "...move on....we are over...".   We had booked a cruise for this summer for the 4 of us - I got his portion of the cruise $$ refunded (*the kids and I are still going! :) )  but the airfare isn't transferrable or refundable. And he doesn't think he sould owe me that $300 because I make more than him.  Uhhh, he backed out...didn't like it much when I told him I expected the $300 back. Being a single mom on 1 income, I rent my basement for extra $$ to make ends meet. My latest tenant fell behind (to the tun of $1000), and told me he was having to move out. I was on my way home Fri to have my locks re-keyed so he didn't skip town on me. I was about 2 hours too late - neighbors saw him leaving just before I got home, key left behind, but no rent.  And the fees and time off work would cost as much as he owes me and I may not be able to recover any of it.  Guess I am swallowing that $1000 pill.  GULP... ARGH....I just don't want the things that would have used to sent me into weeks of binges to do the same now. So far, I have a fairly decent grip on it, but have not been exercising. Maybe tonight I will get on my elliptical and/or exercise bike to work out the frustration that I would have used to eat away.   OK, rant over, thanks for listening.  I am rambling....Sorry! :)

Yep, a stress eater here!!!!!  Every time I meet a new guy, I am reminded that God thinks he's pretty funny!!!! Seriously, though, I'm sorry you're going through all of this.  But you've already put it in perspective - pre-op, it would've been unhealthy stuff and a LOT of it!!  Now, you're eating some popcorn.  You surely could be making worse choices, and half the battle is in recognizing that. The great thing about our pouches is that they surely wll let us know when we stray, and often, it ain't pretty!!!   You're right in thinking that exercise is a good way to relieve stress - exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good hormone, and will make you glad you didn't give in to temptation. As far as the "man" text-breaking up with you - ugh!!  What a coward!!  And yes, he owes you the $300!!!!  We could gang up on him for you!!!  And good for you for still going on that cruise!!  You deserve it. Being a landlord's a tenuous thing - my parents are, and we now fortunately have decent tenants.  Unfortunately for you, unless you want to go through the hassle of taking him to court, you're probably better off sucking up the $1000.  Make sure you change the locks anyway!!! Hang in there, and by all means, come here to vent!!  We're a wealth of (sometimes useless) information! Tia

Every single d....mned day! I'm tired of the test. Sorry you are going through it as well.

Today is another day! Quick story.  In 1985, I quit smoking.   I had been smoking about 2 packs a day for about 6 years (yes...I know...not that long...but consider I started smoking when I was 15).   I stopped for 6 months and then on New Years eve...started again.   Within a month I was back to 2 packs.   By the time I quit again, I was close to three packs a day.    I quit again on Thanksgiving day, 1988.   I know the year because on December 17th, I got married.   I figured if I could keep from smoking through Thanksgiving, my wedding, the honeymoon, Christmas and New Years...the rest of the year should be a breeze.    I have not had a cigarette since then.    Why do I tell you this?   Well...sometimes, quitting or changing something during trying times, and succeeding, makes sticking with it long term a little easier.    This latest story is just another "bad" thing to happen to you.   If you told your entire story, the folks here would wonder how you were still able to function daily, much less continue with this journey.  You are an amazing person and true success story.  Your actions and reactions have inspired me, daily, in this effort.    Don't kid yourself.   This process is hard.   You know it and I know it.   Yes we have a tool.   Yes the weight comes off.   But it is a daily struggle.   It is a daily test.   We lose some of the battles...but we must (for us and those we love) win the war.    There will always be other men.   And with your personality, attitude, and the way you are looking, there will be more and more!  :-)  While money situations can be uncomfortable....they will work out.   One way or another.   Be patient.    But you can never get back this time with your kids and friends.   You are healthly.   You can play and have fun with your kids.   You can go for a walk and not have to change clothes aftwards.   You can go on a cruise.   Be a B**ch about the airfare.  You will get it back.   Be a B**ch about the rent.   You may not see it...but try.    Be a B**ch about being healthy.    You are special.  You motivate people and keep a smile on their face.  Don't lose that.   Rant all you need here.  We will listen.   If you need a walking buddy or running buddy...Call me.   Heck..I can't get anyone in my house to exercise with me.   Maybe we can form an exercise clubs for WLS patients.   You know the choices you need to make.   If you have some extra popcorn...then go for a walk or paly with the kids for an extra half hour.   Heck...play with the kids the extra half hour just because!   :-) Don't give up.   Don't get down.   You look great.   When spring hits and the weather is warmer and the sun is up longer...you will feel better.    We care...I care...hang in there!

Thank you so much Dave. It is amazing how somtimes it takes someone else looking in from the outside to put things into perspective.  You are right on all counts, it's just another thing, it will all work out, and I can turn it around to benefit me in the process. I can't run with you, but would love to walk and form a group in Carroll to meet at a track somewhere once a week or so! That would be awesome! 

Hey girl! Sorry things have worked out this way for you. I sure hope and pray you get some of that money back! Dave's words of wisdom are right on!! I'm here too, vent whenever you need to!! Its very low in fat and calories! :)

You know, this place is amazing. I came here *****ing and whining - and have gotten posts, emails, even a phone call or 2, to keep me on track with what is important.  Y'all are a wonderful group of people!  I have been walking every day since the week of crap, and feel wonderful. Thank you all for helping me put things in the right perspective and remembering what is important!  Hope to see a lot of you next Wed at the Westminster Library! 

You know, I think, the human race is God's "Situation Comedy."  I know he is kept amused by the antics of humankind.  I really am sorry the "guy" took the easy way out of the relationship, but texting you.  I think technology as a whole has stunted our growth in how to communicate and communicate well.  He should, and it is only right, pay you for the ticket.  Just because you make more money, does not mean, money grows on trees for you and sounds like you have many more financial responisbilities then he, anyway.   I am a stress eater and candy in the office just calls my name everyday.  but as so many have told me before, I might eat 3 cookies now, but before it would have been the whole bag, so I try to keep that in perspective. This forum is awesome and I am motivated everytime I read it.  So many phenomenal people read and post in here.  Too bad not more of the world was made up of the people in here.  What a better world!!!!! Good Luck to you and have a FAB time on the Cruise!