I made it through 1 week without addictive foods.

I consider that to be a major FART.  As time goes on, an hour at a time has become a day at a time.  Total elapsed time is now a little over a week.  But, whenever I face temptation, I'm back to an hour at a time.

One thing that is nice about this is that I'm finally learning to live in the "now."  I know that many wise people say that this is the only time where we really live.  Well, I'm not about to discuss philosopy.  I'm just saying that it's working for me.  I thank my God for this blessing.  I thank all of you for your continued support.  You should know that I don't want to have my butt kicked if I slip and fall.  That's just me with my mental and emotional problems.  So, I'll try to stay clean for me and for you.  Sometimes when I'm tempted I'll think of abstinence from addictive foods as a service that I do for you.  That may sound lame but I'll use it if it gets me past the moments of temptation.  Bob

Great job on 1 week Bob, do what you gotta do to hit tomorrow!

 Congrats Bob!  Keep up the great work and great attitude!  YOU CAN DO THIS!

Grandpa-G, I have to look at this like any other temptation.  We don't get tempted by things we don't want.  The temptation comes from things that are bad for us individually.  Society may see no problem in eating a candy bar--heck, they're pushing that behavior all of the time on TV.  But, for me, rewarding myself with junk or addictive food is indeed punishment.  But it doesn't seem like it at the time.  I'm a Christian (Roman Catholic) and I've been aware of the power of an evil spirit that tempts me.  But, I also believe in a God who is stronger than that evil spirit.  I'm not talking religion here.  Rather, I'm just saying that I face temptation and there are ways for me to conquer those temptations.  Plus, I have to remember not to condemn myself if I slip and give in to temptation.

I had been abstinate from mid Jan 2009 through mid May 2009 and "rewarded" myself with some treat.  I hadn't had a single day of clean abstinance since then until Sat 11-27-10.  I didn't condemn myself.  The food addiction is that strong physically and mentally and I have to remember that.  Bob

 Bob - believe me when I say, "I do understand!"  I think I may have written to you before, a food addiction is different than any other.  We DON'T have to have alcohol or drugs to survive.  WE do have to have food.  Granted, it should be good healthy food.  

You are also right that we are bombarded with poor food choices constantly.  You can'****ch TV without being tempted and you definitely can't get through a store.

I also am a Christian, and live by the scripture, "I can do ALL things through Christ.  This strengthens me."  It has been through both the grace of God and with His strength and assistance, I was able to even have this surgery and be as successful as I have been.

Fortunately, we do serve a very loving and forgiving God.  When (note I did not say IF) we fail, he is always there not to condemn, but to pick us up, encourage us to keep going, and continue our journey.  Continue to resist my friend!

That's great, you are finally taking your life back. It can defiantley be a challenge trying to retrain our brain to start making better food choices but you are doing amazing, keep it up!

I had a frustrating time last night and most of today because I didn't have internet access.  I have Verizon and this happens about once every 2 months.  I spent 2 hours on the phone this afternoon (mostly waiting while they ran tests),  It came back up several hours later.

I need the internet for access to my support groups.  My wife needs it to look for a job.  She's been unemployed since 01-01-09 and everyone wants you to send a resume via the internet.  Yikes!  I did manage to stay "clean" and sane.  Sometimes, when I really feel confused, I'll go for a bite since it is comforting.  Of course, I later realize that I'm then facing the truth of having my original problem plus the problem of giving into the urge to eat junk.  Bob