I underestimated the POWER of my addiction....long

Thanks so much MsShel.
While I don't face a food addiction, (mine is codependency), I have addicts of many sorts in my family and friends and what you say rings so true!!

I am very grateful for how well you spelled out the link between carbs and losing (or NOT losing) weight.  That sure sounds like it applies to me. 

I notice if I have fruit everyday instead of low glycemic veggies, my weight loss slows or stalls.  Luckily, I've been satisfied with the rare bite of someone else's sugar treat, but the fresh fruit at this time of year is calling loudly.    Oh well.....next year.

Thanks again for your wisdom and for sharing it.  That really helps the newer people like me get sorted out without going through things the hard way. 

Keep your chin up, you're doing great! 

You have NO clue how hard that was for me to put out there.  When I rejoined WW I was SO looking forward to ALL the fruits I could eat this time of year.  Oh well I'm accepting that it's NOT my reality so giving away my couple oranges that are at my desk as we speak.

AMEN!!!!

 Ms Shell - thank you.  Just thank you.  

 you Shell!  No doubt this is a life long journey.  It never goes away sometimes it eases though.  We must remember to be kind to ourselves no matter what!

I remember when the WW points plus program was introduced everybody freaked out about the fruits.  Every meeting people were like "bananas too?  You must be kidding"  I personally was like "hell no"  bananas are high glycimic and although they are my very favorite (yummo with a nice cup of coffee) my body does not work with that.  It won't work for me.   All the leaders were teaching fruits in moderation, until you are satisfied and not stuffed.  I found myself buying bunches of bananas from the street vendors on my way to work - 5 for $1- and I'd end up eating 2 during the day.  It was a green light.  I was in heaven.  Concord grapes, sour grapes, apples all kinds galore, mangos, oranges, tangerines, strawberries, and more berries, berries, berries.  I was loving living with these fruits, it was so natural- call me Eve!  I was eating 3 to 4 fruit servings per day and all was grand in my world.  I felt so healthy yet I was chunky.  I never limited my veggies (love all sorts of low carb) so that stayed as is.

I don't think it was the fruits that kept me from losing.  It was my body's tolerance for only a smaller amount of calories to lose weight.  Bread & Pasta do me no favors no matter how complex - I blow up.  I can't have fruits AND bread like "normal people".  I just can't.  Maybe fruits, veggies, and lean protein - that's my limit, that is what I can eat and no more - not for me because my body is super efficient in sucking up calories and holding onto fat.

You are wise because you know you even if you forget sometimes.  You've not lost your mind thinking you are "cured".  Many people here say they are not food addicts (there's a a 400lb woman on the other forum who believes her LB is purely psychological - she brags she has never had a fill(when your stomach is thick/fat enough the band is snug without a fill) and would never ever have a revision because her band is teaching her good nutrition for the rest of her days - BS!).  I know personally how I have used food - how it has been my best friend and my worst enemy.  I am forever trying to find peace and balance with food and with my body.  I say our weight/eating issues are 50% physical/genetic, and the other 50% is emotional/psychological/Habit. 

Not being hungry all the time is half the battle I've learned with the Band. Before I just thought I was all addictive and compulsive.  I was actually physically hungry so much and so often it made me crazy.  To turn off hunger is to have a chance - for me anyway.

More lately I've been worrying that I won't lose the weight again.  Sometimes even when I followed my points, or lower calories I didn't lose after the Band and steadily gained until I got back to my set point, my body's normal weight (215-230).  I think though that my body was messed up and needed to find a balance but I panicked to much to sit with it.

Do what works for you Shell - you customize for your body and your lifestyle.  You live with you forever.  I personally think a volumptuous woman is beautiful and sexy.  If my family wasn't riddled with diabetes I don't believe I would freak over my weight.  I want the best chance of not becomming diabetic, the best chance at prolonging a good quality healthy life, the best chance at having an advanced maternal age pregnancy(s) and being not just there but healthy for my babies ().  I want to prevent having to have someone take care of me because my body is too ill to take care of itself.  That is what this journey is.  We are saving ourselves Shell.  Every single day with every choice we make, we are making choices to save ourselves from the ills of obesity.

Whatever you want you can achieve.  You've come such a long way and nothing is impossible!  Step up the game Baby and play hard for what you want.

xo,
Leila
  we all need each other.  Sailing into the sunset means taking me along and I will always need reminders and others to keep my eating/weight in check.  I could never leave support, I could never not have support.  I need to hold your hand.

You have NO idea how I lulled myself into thinking I was a "normal" weigh****cher and since fruits and 3pt bars are ON the program that I COULD have them.  Well I already know my body HATES whole grains and it starts craving MORE carbs.  I know my body does NOT lose when I eat certain carbs or rather even go over my "normal" range.

Thank you for your support.  I so NEED another trip to the big apple to hug you in person.

Ms Shell

PS.  If it wasn't for watching my mother die of obesity related issues I still would be WAY obese...I loved my body and my life, but the reality is that it wasn't healthy.

Thank you for such a REAL post! We all do need you in our lives, too!

Thanks for sharing your story. While many can tolerate carbs, some can't. Even though I only have 9 pounds to reach goal, it's taking forever. I refuse to give in to the carbs because I know I won't be able to quit. That's what always happens after I lose weight. You know your body, so hang in there and don't give up! You're too big of an inspiration on here!

Shell, do think of my OH friends as family... They have been there with me though smiles and tears, when I need to talk and when I am ready to listen... There are people here who know more about me than my own family does.. So it warms my heart to read that you feel the same, and to see that you are getting back to taking care of you the way you know you need to. Trust me woman, it is our honor to be your support group. Big hugs!!

P.S. I was browsing OH earlier and Caitlin saw your picture and said "hey, that's my friend- I mean your friend- I mean our friend.. When is she coming back to NYC?" ha ha...

Let's just say I have a soft spot for little girls...they are such vibrant lights that I want to help stay lite you know...so your shining stars have special places in my heart as well.  You will be on of the FIRST to know when I come back =)