New and would like to join!

Hillary,

I am in the same boat you are in. (yuck)

The responses that were sent to you were very helpful to me. I also got the Beck book. I started reading it. I like the book but it is like everything else you have to be comitted to doing the work it takes to get where you want to be. That is my problem, that I do not follow through.

Thank you for starting this conversation. This site inspires me and also makes me realize I am not a failure. That other post surgery people have the same issues I have.

I did not reach my goal of 160 lbs. I did get to 198 and am now 213. But again I am not doing the work it takes to get to goal. Food is my comfort and my temporary joy. I  have tried all kinds of recovery programs but was unable to get relief from my compulsion. I will keep going because if I give up I will never get anywhere else but where I am.

I initialing did not respond to spill my guts. Sorry.

It is great  that you are doing something for yourself! I know changing our thinking about ourselves is the key to taking care of ourselves. Keep on keeping on and you will get there.

thanks, Louise W.

Louise, this is the place where it's acceptable and appropriate to "spill your guts"  What is a non-food treat for you that you can use for comfort and permanent joy?  I think one of the things we do is trap ourselves in defeating behavior because we attempt to force ourselves to give up comfort and joy.  WRONG!!   Start out with monitoring (and modifying your thoughts), make a written food and exercise plan - reasonable, not grandiose - and DON'T VOTE - simply follow it whether you are in the notion or not.  So much of our stress comes from "voting" on what we're going to eat.  The Beck Diet Solution is great - follow it one day at a time.  Just for that day, at least, do what she suggests.  I PROMISE you following her suggestions for one day (or even 10 years) will not give you amnesia - if you want to go back to your old unhealthy ways, you will remember how LOL  Take your challenging days 5 minutes at a time - even we can resist temptation for 5 minutes - reward yourself at the end of each 5 minutes with positive thought (see Beck) and a giant pat on the back.  5 minutes on a hard day can require more from us that 5 easy days.  Then start the next 5 minutes, reward, etc etc etc etc.  YOU CAN DO IT.  WE CAN DO (AND ARE DOING) THIS TOGETHER

If you're comfortable, post often.  We all are strengthened by supporting each other.