This is a great place

I am so glad to have found this board. I had found myself not posting or visiting the site as much anymore. I got bored with all the preop problems and issues you have right after surgery. I like helping people and answering questions, but I felt like I needed some support. And I see where I can get it now. I am almost two years out and have done really well with this surgery. I started out weighing 277 and now weigh 136. But I find that bad habits try to creep back into my life if I am not careful and espeically lately with not being on here getting or giving support. I need a support system. My heart just hasn't been in it lately I guess because I have been posting on the main board so long dealing mainly with preop stuff and problems right after that I just got numb and my needs were not getting met. I love to come on here and read the post from you all who are farther out like me and struggling with food demons and such. My main problem I seem to be fighting right now is the emotional eating. I have been quite stressed out since Hurricane Katrina came through with her devestation in my town and especially at my work. We have had to gut our building and lost several hundred thousand dollars in inventory that has had to be sorted and gone through. We have been working day and night on our insurance claim and I have been wanting to eat like crazy. But thanks to the motivation that is posted on here every day, I am happy to report I am back on the wagon and doing much better and have even dropped the few pounds I have gained back. So thanks guys for your daily post. I look forward to coming here daily and posting with you guys. Melissa Taylor Lap Rny 1/15/04 277/136 (and holding on tight now that I am back here)

Welcome Melissa and congratulations on your weight loss! Look forward to "seeing"you around.

Melissa, Hey Mississippi Neighbor! Welcome to the Grads Board. It is a great place to find folks a step further Out in front who have Been There, Done That. Are you going to the Mississippi Picnic this weekend? I'm headed to Boston, so will miss this one too. Hopefully Life is SLOWLY headed back "toward" Normal Down on the Coast. Great to see you joining in here. Sweet and thoughtful group. See you round the boards- Best Wishes- Dx

I am heading to the bash this weekend. I am staying Friday to Sunday. Me, hubby, and kids are making a weekend out of it. Maybe do some hiking and such. Hate you are not making this one, either. Really wanted to meet you. Maybe next time. Melissa

So glad you joined us Melissa. Welcome! I'm sure you have much to contribute, so post away. We are always here for each other. Anytime you need a helping hand or a slap on the hand LOL....you can count on someone from this board to reach out to you. Looking forward to knowing you. Jeannie

You have already reached out with your daily post. I look forward to reading them. You are an inspiration to everyone here. I am looking forward to posting here often with all of you. Melissa

Hi Melissa!! I just found this board tonight!!! I'm also having a problem with emotional eating. I haven't gained weight (as of yet). I become stressed or overwhelmed and I head right to the food. I do have to say I haven't had the amount of stress you have gone through with Katrina!! My prayers are with you and your family. I want to lose 17 more pounds. I have lost 119 lbs . I have come this far I want to go all the way. I have 17 picken pounds to go. I have gone back to basics and have cut the crap food and as of this morning I'm down 2 lbs in 5 days after a 4 month stall. I'll start comming here, instead of the other board!!! Hugs!! Heather 266/147

I hate that when things get hectic or stressful that I turn to food. I have been trying to break that nasty coping mechanism. I found journaling has helped me. At home, I go for a walk or jump on the trampoline or leave the house and go to the park or shopping. But at work, it is hard to not reach for the food because you can't just leave and take a walk. You are just stuck in the stress, but since finding this board I have been doing much better. When things get bad, I just take a little break and come and read for a few minutes. Congratulations on breaking your 4 month stall. And two pounds in 5 days. That is great. I know you are happy with yourself. We all fight the food demons every day. I am just thankful we have somewhere to go where people understand and can help and support us. Looking forward to posting with you around here. Hugs, Melissa