I need to know I'm not wasting my time

Well, Here are my 2 cents worth.  I had started a discussion before on the board about food addiction and it was a great discussion with lots of opinions and I love that.  I believe that I am a food addict. Some do not and that is ok, they may not be.  I work with recovering and non recovering people and I believe that addiction is addiction. An addict is an addict and we "choose" or are drawn to our substance for what ever reason. Wether it be choice or just availability.  For example..if an alcoholic stops drinking without supports and care, even if not drinking he/she usually may start other addictive behavior, eg, gambling, drugs, spending etc.  This being said. ---------

The band is a tool to help you loose weight. It is not a magic wand. If you are stress eating over upcoming surgery that in my view (not everyone's) that there may be an underlying problem.   My advice is to set up some appointments with a councilor or pastor or someone who understands addictive personality or overeating traits. And make sure that you are treating the underlying cause.  As you saw, some have not cheated at all, they are not stress eaters or are able to control that impulse.  If you are not, and do not deal with the problems, the band may only work marginally for you.  Lise once told me if you go into battle with your band, YOU will win.  Meaning, if you are going to force more food in or make wrong choices, you will not loose weight, the band can only help you if you follow the rules. 

I do occasionally go into battle with my band. I am full and satisfied (food wise) but I still have the impulse, craving for more food or the wrong food. I am a food addict, so sometimes being satisfied and having enough to eat is not enough, it's an emotional thing with me. And I work at it every day.

So I guess my point is, in a rather convoluted way is...try to relax, the upset will only make your cravings worse.  Realize that this is not going to be easy but you WILL do it.  Allow yourself to accept that change is scary!  A new life is SCARY. Its a good thing, but any change causes stress and insecurities.  Just allow yourself the supports you need, you deserve any tools available to you to reach your goal and don’t let your "fat" person stand in the way of your moving on.  My fat person still whispers hateful things to me, its all a process.

Anyways, I need to get some work done. Hugs you..you are doing just fine, and these last minute/week/month meltdowns are totally normal, we have all had them. You are fine, totally normal, and a super person. I am so excited for you because I know what you will be going through in the next few months, it’s a wonderful feeling.

Help please!

I am a food addict or compulsive overeater. I have had years free of fat and then the eventual return of the fat and weight. The thought that because of my "issue" I will not be able to avail myself of this "tool" (WLS) is too much to bear. I see this as a major intervention but I must also work on my issue to be free of this addiction.

What must I do to convince a doctor that I am eligible? I do not want to fudge the facts or lie but I also feel this tool may be what I need to live a real life.

Please take time to inform me. I am, brand new at this

well!!! This is a whole lot of information. I truly appreciate the "lecture" and the pep talks. I sometimes require a bit of a lecture to remind me I'm making bad choices...not that I don't already know it...but sometimes it's just good to be reminded. So, onto a different topic. This meditrim shake (vanilla) is the worse tasting thing I have ever put to my mouth in my entire life. I will not be able to tolerate them without  so I am praying that the bars are better. I got 5 boxes of them and only 3 of the shakes becuase I was afraid I would hate them. I think I'll call Rinette on Monday and see if I can order some more bars if they taste better.

I will not cheat with food at all no matter how hungry I get, however I am drinking a timmies right now and I will continue to have one each morning ( i usually drink half a dozen timmies a day). I hope this is ok. Rinette did tell me I could have one a day but I'm not sure I should be having milk in it. I do not take sugar or cream though so that's good.

Thanks guys for all your caring. It really helps a great deal. Starr

Starr

I dont know what the meditrim taste like compared to Optifast but I had to have mine ice cold - with the very coldes****er I actually mixed mine with ice also in my bullet and I also flavored with crystal ligh or nestea flavours the berry type flavourings seem to work out *******so had to drink it out of a travelling coffee mug cause I couldnt stand to smell it - hey the bars may be better but if you have to do some drinks just thought I would pass along some tips...... good luck this too shall pass-

hugs
deb

The vanilla shake isn't  that bad if you make sure it is super cold by adding an ice cube. I also added some Crystal Lite (I liked the tangerine best). Start with 1/3 of a packet. I would mix the shake, let it sit for 5-10 minute. whip it again and enjoy. Otherwise the powder is not fully dissolved. You can also add more water. A positive attitudes goes a long way. I am told the Opti-fast is 100% worse. In a couple of days you won`t be hungry. I had one shake or bar at each meal time and the fourth as late in the evening as I could stand to wait. Eat the bar super slow.

Quite honestly Starr, none of us can answer whether you are "wasting your time" or not.  That decision can only be from you to make this work.  Sure we can offer tips, lectures, support etc and will do so gladly because this is an amazing group who can understand and appreciate one another, having walking many steps in each others shoes.

You are entering a very typical stage ... the presurgery FREAK and this too will pass.  But it is a time to truly do some soul searching and become one with your decision to change your life. 

Make some pro/con lists to ensure you are comfortable and ready for the life style you will need to live to be successful with the wls tool you choose.  Make a collage out of your reasons why you are doing this - could be pictures of your family, pictures or a list of things you want to do, health reasons that need to be changed etc.  Focus on your goals - imagine Life!

It may also be good to have a good heart to heart conversation with either a close clergy member or a professional counselor.  There is usually a big waiting list to see someone covered by Medicare in Mental Health but there are lots of private practices and some offer sliding scale prices depending on your income or are covered by personal insurance.

Biggest thing to remember is that all things pass ... although every minute of stress and  shakes seems like an eternity, soon the surgery will be over, recovery done and you will be shaking your little booty ... encouraging one of the others going through the FREAK!

Take care,

M

 Hi Starr, just wondering how things are going for you.  Are you on the liquid diet NOW?  Are you scheduled for surgery on the 20th of March? - I think that is what Charline's list says.  Hope you are doing okay - thinkin' about ya!