Powerful Reminder that WLS is just a Physical Tool...

I stumbled upon this excerpt; it's a great reminder of how the disease of compulsive eating is NOT cured by WLS: It's just a tool. In reality, our brains need reprogramming!! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"It is our heart's desire to eat nutritiously and to be healthy. Yet, in spite of our desire, we follow a different path: the one to the refrigerator. A magnetic cherry cheesecake appears and pulls us closer. "No I shouldn't," we sigh, as if being dragged against our will. We fight its control, but the cheesecake knows that eventually we will surrender.

Bulging bellies and heavy hips are not enough to drive us away from those fatty, sugar-filled foods. High blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and looming health conditions are not enough to repel us. Like a moth to a flame, we stand mesmerized by a 40-watt refrigerator light. No hunger to satisfy, just a pleasure junkie looking for a fix.

Throwing all restraint aside, we have filled the bloodstream with fat, cholesterol, toxins, additives, and preservatives, consuming foods with no nutrition, expecting our bodies to quietly endure the barrage without the consequences. But, a pleasure-centered diet has a price. Disease and obesity are the plague of the 21st century. Surgery and chemical medicines have become the band-aid for a problem caused by inner pain and emptiness.

Desperation seeks hope in diet programs, liposuction, breakfast shakes, exercise, breathing techniques, stimulants, weight-loss drugs, hypnosis, plastic wraps, creams, vibration machines and electric muscle stimulation — more band-aids. Most of these techniques fail because they cannot relieve the aching of a soul crying for food to soothe the pain.

If we honestly evaluate our decisions and actions, we will face the sobering realization that our emotions are in the driver's seat. Feelings compel us to act. When they become uncontrollable, they are defined as compulsive, obsessive or addictive behavior."

[Excerpt from a book called "Eating in Freedom" by Tom McGregor from http://www.healthrecipes.com/eat.htm ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I can fully relate to the above, and I understand the potential for those overwhelming feelings to  try to resurface. I am striving to learn how to assist my WSL Tool by working on changing my old ways and habits...if I don't, I'll be that unhealthy person once again. Hugs to all, Karen

Karen, What a great article, thanks for posting it!  I think we can all relate to that, hopefully, just in the past.  This tool not only is working, but will continue to work for us....if we allow it! With the help of OH, our support group, our doctors, friends and family, our computers, the literature we read up on, together, we can....NO, WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Maryellen:) See you on Tuesday! 

Great article. Thanks for sharing.  Its so important to remind people that support is key to success on this journey.   LisaMarie

Hi LisaMarie, Yes! I believe support is the key to success. Rarely do you see someone who is struggling at the support meetings; they tend to stop going. It's a Catch-22; they need the support more than ever yet the shame that comes with the struggle makes them feel alienated and then they isolate. I found the article to be scary; it SO hit home with my eating obsession. I believe I'm a food addict, and always will be, no matter the size of my body. I'm the same old food addict living in a "smaller house" so to speak. But the addict is always ready to sabotage me if I let my guard down, and I know that the farther out from our WLS we are, the harder it is to fight that food addict. I hope you are doing well...I want to see pictures of that tummy tuck!!! HUGSSS, Karen

Another GREAT article posted by you!!! Thanks for sharing!!! (hey did those books your ordered ever come in?) hugs, Britt  are you going in the am?????????

Britty my Birthday Sis, Long story on those books but suffice it to say, Amazon.com screwed up so I had to cancel the order and they even gave me a $10 credit for all the trouble! I'm keeping an eye on that book still....hopefully Amazon will truly GET IT and not just advertise it! Borders.com leaders you to Amazon.com!!! Maybe I should try Barnes & Nobel. Anyway...read what I posted back to LisaMarie...about the food addict lurking in me. SCARY STUFF. Hugss, Karen PS: If I go today it won't be until later; I have a Doc appt. at 1:30 today. Imagine that! A Doctor works on a Saturday!

Hey Karen, I just read it! I agree with you WE CAN'T let our guard down or take a VACATION day !!! We have to fight this EVERYDAY (forever)!!!!!  Support - exercise and awareness are KEY!!! What is the name of that book? I'll keep an eye out for it too!  I miss ya!  have a great weekend, Britty

Thanks for the article Karen. I find it to be so true, especially this part -" No hunger to satisfy, just a pleasure junkie looking for a fix." I always thought that no one else had the addiction as bad as me until coming to this board. I was downright embarrassing as to the amt. and speed I could eat.  I can not have just ONE of anything not on my list because I simply don't know how to. Foreign concept and always has been even as a skinny youth. It certainly scares me...a lot. I will always be vigilant. Take Care~~ Diane

Thanks for sharing.  What a great article.

Awesome, sweetie!  Usually when I say THANKS FOR SHARING, it's well, you know...not the best comment or sarcasm.  BUT, this is awesome!  So, Thanks for sharing!