Woke up hungry....Thank you all!

Recently I stepped up my exercise routine. I began running again. I ran every day in the Army and I hated it. I've never been an athlete and I don't consider myself one now. But I run now simply for the fact that I can! At 265 pounds I couldn't run 100 yards...Yesterday at 185 I ran two miles. The first time in 7 years.

The bad news is that this new increase in exercise increased my hunger. I woke up this morning quite literally with a growly tummy. The good news is that because of my chatting on this board, listening to others, exploring my own food issues, I am not scared of this mornings hunger as I had been in the past.

In the past if I woke up like this I'd be freaking out. Fearful I wouldn't be able to control what I ate. Fearful that 'my band wasn't working'. Fearful that I'd just simply be out of control when it came to food, just like the past.

But after all the support and learning on this board I am no longer fearful. I know that I'll get something to eat to satisfy what my body says I need and I won't overdo it. I feel in control for the first time ever! For a compulsive overeater that's a huge step. If that control only lasts for the first meal of the day then I, #1 still consider it a personal victory over my eating issues and #2 am glad I have my band to fall back on until I gain total control.

My band generally works very well for me but on mornings like this, when I realize I have not overcome all of my food demons completely, or when I've had little personal vitories over food, I'm so thankful I have support like this board to help me along.

So a HUGE, HUGE Thank you to all of you who take the time to post and reply. You never know who or how you'll help someone just by posting your opinions and experiences.

Thank you, thank you, thank you ALL!