Turning to Friends instead of food

I'm 350 lbs and having surgery on 10/18/05. I went to my surgeon's support group yesterday and felt so out of place in a room full of normal size people, beautiful people. My brain just could not comprehend that many of them were once my weight. I have been eating out of control for several weeks probably because I just don't know what else to do with whatever I am feeling about surgery, the future, transition, change, etc. Tonight I went to my bible study. We are studying Joseph and how his story is an example of how God's promises always follow through in spite of man's attempts to thwart His plans. I am very emotional tonight because I am not used to having many friends and this group is a happy place full of laughter and life, which I am not used to. I have my little circle of family members that are safe, not always healthy influences, but safe--do you know what I mean? Several new people showed up at the Bible study and I just slowly started isolating and feeling very sad about my weight problem. For some reason, I had a hard time just being happy that God has answered my prayers for a home group and a circle of Christian friends. Why is that so hard to accept? I'm upset that on the way home from group, I binged and now I feel sick and sad. Why would I do this knowing that I have made such serious plans to lose weight with the surgery? I guess I continue to confirm to myself that I am a compulsive overeater and I need to take drastic steps to heal myself. I go to bed now telling myself that tomorrow is a new day and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me...please say a prayer for me. Thanks. Cynthia

Cynthia, I hope you are feeling better this morning. I, too, have isolated myself from friends....but, this time I've decided to surrender and accept the family at my church that God has given to me. I have been so blessed since I have done this. I've laughed and cried with them, prayed for them and been prayed for by them. I am learning trust again - which is hardest for me - and learning that not only are these people here for me....but that I am worthy of being here for them too. You ARE right, though. Tomorrow (today, now) is another day - another chance to do the right thing! You CAN do all things through Christ.... I hope you can find peace and enjoy the blessings of supportive friends. God bless you! Kandy

Hi Cynthia, I'm Sally, I had my WLS almost year ago. I became more and more willing to contribute in new groups of people, (or to new people in general), as the pounds dropped off. I am still somewhat "shy" in new places. You can believe us when say that your life will slowly, gradually, and most of, positively change in the days ahead. Just keep looking to our God and remind yourself 'he is faithful to complete a good work in you". Take time to forgive yourself, b/c God has. Be gentle with yourself b/c your answer to the weight is only a month away. It will be here before you know it. Just think, you will soon drop alot of weight by the new year. Pretty cool!! Think positive and smile. God loves it when his children smile with rejoicing hearts. You are gonna' be just fine, hun! Sally WLS 10-07-05 242, BMI 39.5 today 158, BMI 25.5 (1 point out of the "normal" category for my height). I really never thought I would fall into a normal category, by my weight (or personality), mmmm?

Hi Cynthia! I just read your post. I am praying for you! Try not to allow condemnation to over take you; God is not a God of condemnation, but of encouragement and love. You're right about us needing to take drastic steps...that's why I am standing on the Scripture: Prov. 23:2 - "And put a knife to thy throat (gullet), if thou be a man given to appetite". (KJV) and Matt. 5:29-30 - "And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell". (KJV) I couldn't be going through with this surgery if not for these Scriptures. I am going to take them literally for my surgery! I am going to believe that, because my faith is in GOD and NOT this surgery, I believe He will honor my faith standing on His Word, and I will be set free of this compulsive eating and preoccupation with food. Am I ? I didn't mean to ramble on, but I hope somehow something that I have said will encourage you! God bless & keep in touch!

Thanks to all who posted on this issue. And the scripture references are extremely helpful. I'm so anxious for October 18th to get here!!!