Looking for email penpal for mutual support

Hello, I've researched WLS surgery for years and had tentatively decided on a lap band.  I've also done therapy, groups, books on emotional eating.  I'm getting clearer on the fact that my overeating is purely a mental thing and I don't know that WLS would control that, I fear I would be one of those who would continue eating no matter that the pouch is full.

I know this website is for those doing WLS, but is there room here for someone who is not?  I do know I cannot weigh this much indefinitely, I have GOT to figure out a way to put less food into my mouth.  I work at my computer all day and would love to find someone who possibly also is available via email or this board at various times of the day where we could check in and get encouragement when I want to eat something because I'm lonely or bored, etc.

Hope to hear from you. 

Hi there!

I'm a new member and was checking out the site, when I came across the Penpal option and your post.  I'm not sure where you are located (or any of your other details), but I'm a 48 year old single woman from Toronto Canada.

I've done alot of research on both gastric banding and bypass surgeries.  I'm scheduled for the gastric bypass surgery on October 13th.

As you, I've been dealing with years of emotional eating.  The only issue which still plagues me is eating when I'm feeling lonely/bored (that's a tough one).  My critical time is in the evenings, when I'm parked on the sofa watching tv -- while at work (also at a computer), I can usually manage to avoid eating because of boredom.

I'm not sure how often you'd want to check in, but I'm open to being a penpal and, if you want, an experienced voice on weight loss surgery.

Please reply to this post and we can decide whether to proceed, and how.  Hope to hear from you soon.

Jill

 Did you do a pre-surgery diet for 3 or 6 months?  I just started a 6-month medically supervised diet before I can schedule my surgery.  I am hoping to do the lap band or maybe the Roux-en-Y bypass.  I also eat a lot in the evening when watching TV.  I'm excited your surgery is so soon.  You can do this and come out smiling!  Good luck.  I hope to hear more from you, Jill.

 You sound very similar to my situation.  I am 56 years old and must do a 6-month medically supervised weight loss before my insurance will cover the surgery.  I started the diet on Tuesday.  I also am an emotional eater.  I have been on so many diets, lose some weight or a lot, and then ultimately gain it all back.  If I don't succeed this time, I feel like I'm looking at an early death.  I already had sleep apnea, hypertension, and depression.  

I have a wonderful family and don't want to leave them!  Two of my grandsons are only 10 and 18 months old.  I know it's hard.  Maybe we can support each other.  I also have read all the books, went to a therapist that was NO help at all.  I think I just need to get my head straight somehow.  I am also afraid if I get the surgery/lap band, I might "relapse" and gain the weight back.  I feel like this time WILL be different because I will not give up!  

Hello, I am Sara I am 30 and I had my gastric bypass surgery 18 months ago! Actually 18 months exactly this Wednesday!
I too have the problem with mental eating! I hide a lot of my food...I did before surgery and I find myself doing it today!  The difference is...before I was unaware or I would actually say I was in such denial of doing it that I just didnt pay attention to it...and because of that I was 312 lbs when I first visited my surgeon...I am now 181 lbs and still losing!  ALthough it has slowed down a lot!
I have created a whole team around my weight loss....my first starts at home with my boyfriend who will tell me if he notices an increase in my eating...outside of my  home I have a nutritionist to help with ideas and keeps me weighing myself weekly!  Then I have a shrink who is helping me figure out why I am doing what I am doing...we are working on my hiding of food right now!  I also go to my surgeons monthly support group meeting!  That helps a lot!
Anyway...the reason I decided to write to you is that the way I look at surgery and why I chose to have it was this....
I feel that I was taken back in time...When I was younger and was given the choice (unknowingly) to either live to eat or slow down and eat to live....I obviously chose to live to eat! Dont get me wrong...I LOVE FOOD...I still do! But now that I went thru life living to eat and found out what it would be like...I am chosing the second option...I have a redo!  I am starting at a lower weight again and I am going to change my life and take the second road....I am going to learn that moderation is just as good as over doing it...
EIther way...I feel like I am talking in circles!
I would love to talk to you and I am trying to make new friends who are going thru what I am and what I was going thru!
:)
Hope to hear from yoU!
Sara

although Im not on the computer but once a day, I still would like to keep in touch w/you. I had Realize Band done this last Feb. It has been a long slow process, since its mostly mental atlso. The band is only to help you stay fuller, longer.......Im still snacking...but I am eating less and trying to be more careful.  Maybe we could share stories, etc.........Hopeful in Maryland......

Hopeful, I read one of your posts & thought maybe we could correspond some. I had the band done on Aug 19th. So far it has really been slow for me. I guess I was really looking for pretty rapid wt loss. Any pointers you could help me with would be appreciated. To date I've only lost about 12 lbs. I admit thats better than a gain, but I was hoping it would be quicker. Well, I hope you hear back from you. Thanx