I'm in emotional distress

Thanks so much for your kind words!  I know that food is not the answer, so I'm trying to do things a different way than in the past.  Support and encouragement from all of my friends here, who understand the food-emotions connection, has been and is so helpful!

Nothing like a family crisis to bring out the best and worst in people. In your case, its the best and in your friend's case, its the worst. We all struggle to get away from those self deprecating thoughts that accompanied being obese. Keep telling yourself that no matter what your weight you are a good and loving person and that you will take the high road here and that food won't change the situation. YOu have won by not turning to food. And I bet this other person eventually comes around.

In any case, we are all thinking of you and hope your dad is doing ok. Diane

Thanks Diane!  I don't know if she'll come around or not, but I have no control over that - it's her choice.  Thanks for your good thoughts and well wishes on both scores - this situation and my dad.  It has been so up and down with my dad for 3 weeks now.  Today's report isn't as good as yesterday's, but who knows.  I am just so so glad I got to spend as much time as I did with him this week.  Even with me being 57 and him 90, he's still my daddy!

So sorry you are having the issues - family and otherwise. Pray that your dad does well. As Diane will testify I am having parent issues too  and at times it is tempting to turn back to food when the stress gets high. Kudos to you for staying on course. As for the friend just hold your head high and stay and stay the course. If she comes around great. If not, who needs her. You have plenty of friends here, me now included. Anytime you want to talk just shoot me an e-mail. And your are definitely not a loser! Kudos again on your great accomplishment.

Thanks Rich!  Sorry you're going through the parent issues too.  We always knew the day would come, but it's still difficult.  So far, food hasn't been much of an issue.  I've had a couple of brief moments when I wanted to dive in, but they passed so quickly, I never even truly considered going that route.  I truly feel that you and the others on this site are friends and understand.  It's great to get the support.

Mary,

I have been away and just now read this.  I am so sorry you are going through such a rough time.  It is so hard to have to deal with illness and that stress - I haven't dealt with it for my parents, but I took care of both of my grandmothers and I know that is rough.  Then to add stupidness on top of it!  Yuck yuck yuck.

We are there with you!  We'll lock arms and we can TESTIFY to the strength of character it face these demons.  I guess I really *was* a loser who couldn't keep Ding Dongs out of my mouth but at least I got help.  You can't fix stupid with surgery.

Hugs to you.  I am so proud of everything you've done, and so grateful you're here, sharing your experience with all of us.

Thanks Happy!  I am starting to feel a bit better.  I still get a brief feeling of panic in the pit of my stomach when I think about the situation with this person, and the fact that she's probably gotten my letter by now, but it goes as quickly as it comes.  The good news is that today's report about my dad was fairly good, and he's supposed to go back to rehab tomorrow to get his sea legs back so he can go home!  The other good news is that I haven't dived into the food and, surprise, I'm surviving and actually doing ok!  What a "duh" moment!  LOL