Dealing with death

There were four teenagers killed just miles from my home by a drunk driver.  I've been having trouble dealing with this.  I don't personally know the kids, but I just feel a terrible loss for their families.  Unfortunately, I also feel sorry for the woman that was the drunk driver.  I have relatives that are alcoholic and know the battle they face every day.  That woman will never see the light of freedom again, as she shouldn't, but she has a disease that she can't get a handle on.  I feel that my obesity is a disease that I haven't been able to get a handle on ... until now, there's hope for me.  I will have the surgery to help me control my over eating. 
I guess I just wanted to vent about mixed emotions

Hi Jani,

I have been watching this on the news since it happened.  Its very sad.  Its hard to accept.  So Unfair.

Yes, this surgery will help you to control your intake.  But not forever.  Its important to address emotions from the start, even prior to surgery.  I was surprised by what triggered my binges.

I'm not so sure I actually have triggers.  I don't really binge, I just eat.  I'm hoping that some counseling will help.  I haven't eaten or drank anything yet today, but have the feeling I want popcorn. 
I drink Crystal Light all the time anyway, so I won't have trouble getting my fluids in post surgery.  Except, I can drink 1/2 a bottle at a time now.  When you people say sip, sip,sip, approximately how much is that?  1 oz at a time?  If that's the case, and you sip 1 oz every 10 minutes that would be almost 11 hours of sipping, plus time out for meals.....  Geez, when I figure it out like that how will I ever get it all in??  No wonder people complain they can't get all of their fluids in.
Jan

Hi Jani

Oh, I heard about that accident.  I live farther north so it wasn't on the news as much as down by you but i agree....i feel so bad for those families.  Horrible, just so sad!!   It's just not fair.

I am exactly the same way as you.  Food is my drug of choice.   I am an addict to food and will be for the rest of my life.  I khow that the surgery isn't going to fix the fact that I am addicted to food but I am hoping it is the tool I need to get it under control.  I have lost more than 100 lbs more than four times in my life...always gaining it back plus more.  So for me, I pray the tool will help me maintain after my weight loss.

I am not quite as sympathetic to the driver as you are, Janie. I HOPE she spends the rest of her life in jail, but our society tends to be pretty lenient toward drunk drivers. This woman had lots of opportunities to get help.  If she chose to continue to drink, fine, but she should have safeguarded others from her addiction.  


As for alcohol and food being addictions, I think there are some differences.  Obviously, someone can quit drinking all-together, but we can't quit eating. There was some discussion on the main board that food isn't an addiction (we don't have physical withdrawal) but rather an obsession-compulsion. Those thought and behaviors continue after WLS, but are much easier to manage with our tools. 

Lets hope they find a cure for alcoholism-but I wonder how many would refuse to give up their lifestyles.

Judy,  I also hope she spends the rest of her life in jail.  She was definately at fault for this disaster, she should have safeguarded others.  My family members (2) have gotten help several times but just couldn't stick with it.  I feel bad for that, not the fact that she chose to drink again.  You're right, eating is obsessive-compulsive.  I've never been able to stick with a diet long enough to lose 100 pounds before.  That's what I liken the drinking/eating to, no self control.  At least I can get a 'tool' that will restrict my eating capabilities for a while until I can get my head around it.  I will definately seek out some sort of counseling with a bariatric counselor.