New to this forum

Hi everyone! I usually post in the alabama forum, but I saw the 20's board and thought that would be different.  I am 27, and had my surgery a month ago on November 9.  So far I have lost 32 pounds! I find myself wanting to go out and do more, but I was pretty outgoing before the surgery.  I am trying to deal with issues that I really never thought about before the surgery.  I get very frustrated when I eat.  My eyes are still bigger than my stomach, and it is hard for me to eat so slow.  I am also dealing with issues that will come from me losing weight.  I do attend support groups, but sometimes i feel out of place when i am the youngest one there.  I dont know if anyone else has had this feeling, but it suddenly occured to me that I have always dealt with rejection by saying it is because of my weight.  But as I continue to lose weight, i realize that i wont be able to use that excuse anymore, and that is hard to deal with.  I already have dealt with drug addiction, i have been clean now for two years.  So having to deal with new emotions is something i am used to.  but when i look back at how my weight became so out of control, i believe that i used my weight as an "insulator" from the rest of the world.  i did not really have to worry about getting to close to someone because my weight acted as a barrier.  now i am slowly letting people in, but the fear is definitely there.  it has been a day to day struggle, of finding the right balance of health and relationships.  this is not a battle that i will ever stop fighting, and that is ok.  I know to live day to day.  But it is nice to talk to people that just get it.

Welcome to this board.  :)  It's a bunch of cool people from what i've read.  :)  Everyone will make you feel right at home.  :)

Welcome Welcome! You'll enjoy it here!

Welcome!! congrats on surgery! Everything your feeling now is only going to get better. I never wanted to go out with friends it always made me so depressed. Now things are so different I am the one who pushes everyone to go out. This board really helps with everything. The age difference at the support groups makes it hard for others to understand what you mean and what you are going through. Your on the right path though, feel free to ask anything here. .everyone is very open =)

Welcome to the board!  What you're dealing with is soooo common, especially this new out.  Even now, at 22 mos post op my eyes are bigger than my stomach... it is something our minds still have to work out. Going out and such- I am so with you.  The emotions welling inside are those of excitement, joy and utter fear for me.... its amazing how easily they jump from confident to timid, isn't it?

Congratulations on being clean for two years!  That is amazing!  You are definately a strong person and will do wonderful with this new tool of yours.