I would like to start a "daily reflections" type support thread here on LBT for people with Self Esteem issues and codependency that in turn causes us to overeat and engage in self destructive behaviors. I really personally need support on these issues and desperately am in need of forming some close online friendships to help me deal with my own self esteem and co dependency issues. Please join me in an attempt to recover from codependency and low self esteem and do it TOGETHER

Here is my daily reflection for this morning:

I am hoping to get to the book store today and purchase a book on low self esteem and codependency. I want to educate myself more on the reasons BEHIND my overeating and other addictions. I know i have a slew of life's issues due to my low self esteem problem. My relationship is unhealthy and i generally feel terrible about myself. I am about to make some major life changes by having the lap band surgery but i think its important that we get to the bottom of WHY it is we are addicted to food and WHY it is we overeat. Join me please to build a support system together ....share your experience strength and hope with us in hopes to form new friendships and make headway into a new and healthy life!!!

Laters,

Tina

Hi Tina, I'm Amy. I think this thread is a great idea and I applaud you for looking to deal with this issues before you have even had your surgery. Kudos to you!

I had my surgery a year and a half ago but still have a lot of issues to deal with surrounding my tendency to overeat. I nodded along with your reflection as I spent much of today browsing online bookstores for a good book to help get me started as I tackle the issues that cause me to overeat and got me to this weight in the first place. I haven't found anything yet, but I can recommend to you "Fat is a Feminist Issue" by Susie Orbach as I think that's a great tool. Actually, Ithink I'll dig that out of my bookcase before I order something new. It has lots of psychological exercises which you might find useful. There's one in particular that really stood out for me and that was that you are supposed to visualise yourself in a room full of peopel you know, like family and friends, and you imagine yourself getting bigger and bigger and bigger. You take note of how you feel, how others around you are reacting etc. and your responses can give some insight into WHY you overeat. So with mine, it was like my big fat self was giving everyone in the room a hug and that they all really liked the warmth and stuff of my growing body. It was very strange but totally eye-opening!

Anyway hope that helps a bit and look forward to checking back in on this thread and seeing if anybody else has anything to contribute.

All the best

This is a great idea, I have issues as well but don't like to say its low self esteem, I feel accomplished, keep my relationships going to my benefit (which might not be healthy) I do however get extremely upset and feel pissy and feel like Ben and Jerrys will be the only thing that helps. Now I am nearly back to what I weighed before the surgery, I had tons of issues after my surgery, for a year and halfI had excruciating pains, ended up having my gall bladder removed now trying to get back on track, but feel like poo cuz I shouln't be here. I need to start working out, it will release the feel good chemicals(hopefully) Another thing that sucks is whenever I get a fill, i am miserable and i have to get an unfill???????????? I was on antidepressants been on same dosage for a long time and feel they quit working??? My Drs feel rushed and are different than my lapband so I feel bounced between the two-

Here is what I try to remember daily that we must change our way of thinking:

“And do not be conformed to this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind

, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

Cheri