mrsto

Don't be too hard on yourself. The key here is, that you're right back on track today. This is how it's going to be through the rest of your life; allowing yourself a little something off plan on occasion, but then hopping right back on track. I was banded on 3/25/13, and decided that the Memorial Day BBQ I went to, would be the day I allowed myself some wine. I hadn't had anything to drink three months prior, and thought one glass would be all I could tolerate. Not! I think that I drank damn near an entire bottle! I tolerated it fine, but didn't feel very well for a couple of days. Not sick; just off a shade or two. I'd like to say "lesson learned", but I'm sure I'll have a day like that again. Felt NO pain & had a great time!!

Shelly - thanks for "exposing" yourself :-) And you certainly aren't alone. Your story, though very personal, is not unique to those of us who struggle with compulsive overeating and addiction. Lets face it, we all "want what we want when WE want it", or we wouldn't be in this predicament. It's a curse. And it's true.....that the universe doesn't owe you (us). But when you alter your perceptions and take the responsibility that you're talking about, the universe has an amazing way of reflecting that. Good for you! Thanks for the post - and your humble honestly :-)

Kimme - it's always a struggle, and we're not perfect people. That is what makes us, human. As you know from your own experience, sometimes this process flows pretty easily; we're highly motivated, feeling good, looking forward in a positive way.... Then, life happens & knocks us off of our foundation. This by NO means makes you a failure. It makes you, human. I've gotten a lot from your posts, and I feel confident that you will get back on track. Life is all about ebbs & flows, and I believe that a momentary setback will not stop you from moving forward on the path you charted for yourself. And please please PLEASE stop beating yourself up and driving yourself crazy with the "I should'a done this, that or the other thing". That will only keep you in a negative state. Accept where you are.....and move forward. NOT easy, I know! You've come so far, and you can continue on. A doctor once told me that success isn't being a perfect dieter. It's being someone who gets right back on track after blowing it. We all have to accept, that is the way it will always be. Life is not black & white. It's many shades of gray.

Terry - I've gotten so much from your posts. You have so much strength, and I appreciate all that you've given in this forum. Life ain't easy! And as we get older, the harder it gets. It's easier in some ways, but there is so much more to deal with; caregiving to elderly parents, family issues, health issues, deaths......the list goes on. Unless someone has a bonafide drinking problem, having a nip on the ol' bottle every now and again is absolutely fine.....downright medicinal :-) I'd do it more often myself, but it triggers eating....which I can't afford. You really exercised your program through a very sh-tty day, which is monumental when you look back and see how you would have dealt with this pre-band. Bravo to you!!

I totally get it! I don't keep Irish Whiskey in my office downstairs, but I do keep a handy dandy bottle of Xanax for those unbearable times, calories - zero.

Obesity is at epidemic proportions in this country. Not that this is a disease any of us want to have, but at least we're in good company :-) Coming to terms with this issue has been a life long process for me. And at 57, I still haven't come to terms. I thought if I could only accept myself this way, then I could take the pressure off and move on with my life. But I can't; never have, never will. But after so many years with large swings in weight, I know this is a disease; one that MANY of us are predisposed to. There will always be the idiots that do not understand. I've found that the "can't you just eat less and exercise more" mentality, with harsh judgements seeing us as weak, come from people that I wouldn't want in my inner circle whether I'm fat OR thin. But anyone with a half of brain, who lives in this culture, should see and understand that it's just not that simple. As you say (morelgirl), if it were that simple, no one would be overweight. I think it's great that you're finding the self control to walk away from conversations without a good outcome. We can't change the way the world thinks, but we can take care of ourselves, and move away from the ignorant. I have enough work to do, without feeling the need to control/change the thoughts and opinions of others. Thanks for the post. It hit a nerve with many of us.

Tisha - congrats on your surgery yesterday! I'm sure that you're SO glad it's over, and you're now on your way. I look forward to feeling the same after this coming Monday. Yeah!! In response to your post about weird dreams, I had one last night. I suspect I'll have at least one more before my big day. In mine, I asked my surgeon to show me the implant, and he brought out hard plastic container; like three liters big! I said, how on earth are you going to put that inside of me, without me feeling it?! In my dream I kept thinking, well.....hundreds of people have it & they are fine. I was going to cancel the surgery......saw the anesthesiologist walk out of the ER, and I was afraid that I was losing my moment. I kept trying to imagine having this huge hard plastic jug inside, and what it would feel like trying to move, bend, etc. So weird..... Then my husband woke me up to say goodbye before leaving for work. I was SO glad it was just a dream. Talk about oy vey!