Ok perhaps I'm being overly cautious/sensitive but I'm a tad bit perplexed. When I joined the forum I did it with the intention of finding encouragement and support along my sleeve journey. In reading the threads and discussions I can't help but notice so many comments on how to get around the diets and surgeons instructions. I know it's incredibly difficult to do everything perfectly and I don't mean to sound judgmental. I just thought I would see less "cheating tips" and more positive reinforcement. I too realize everybody's different and every surgeon has different instructions. I just want to make sure I follow everything to the letter of the law so that I can be successful in using this tool that will be giving me. As well as ensuring I am avoid any unnecessary complications. Am I wrong?

You are not wrong, in the sense that everyone SHOULD follow their doctors orders, most definitely!! I don't think I've seen people give other people "tips" on cheating...

But you must remember a lot of us are food addicts. And know damn right well what we should be doing.. But when desperate for a "fix"

Will ask others what are you doing?? Sort of like subconsciously looking for permission..

Does that make sense?

We are ultimately here to help each other through these hard times and at the same time trying not to judge which at times is a balancing act! to say the least!

Do you mean when people talk about slider foods, drinking with meals, etc.? Sometimes I think that info is shared to tell people *not* to do it if they want to be successful...but I could see it being used for self-sabotage in some cases.

I have to agree with Laura.. I haven't seen any out right tips for cheating either. I think majority of its joking and making light of things. Kind of how we deal with things is to be funny about it, but not seriously suggesting anyone try to cheat themselves. We ARE here for encouragement and the way we tend to do it is to let others know its not always easy, but it's doable with the right mindset and even have fun at the same time

I agree also with Laura-ven and Ms.Antiband, some of of the posts you have to read between the lines to get the info you need. I for the most part have really enjoyed what this site has helped me with.

You are not wrong' date=' in the sense that everyone SHOULD follow their doctors orders, most definitely!! I don't think I've seen people give other people "tips" on cheating...

But you must remember a lot of us are food addicts. And know damn right well what we should be doing.. But when desperate for a "fix"

Will ask others what are you doing?? Sort of like subconsciously looking for permission..

Does that make sense?

We are ultimately here to help each other through these hard times and at the same time trying not to judge which at times is a balancing act! to say the least![/quote']

This makes perfect sense. Again I'm not trying to come across as a stickler or judgmental. I have also met fantastic inspiring people who have helped me so much. I've come to terms with the fact that I'm an emotional eater and food addict. I'm desperately trying to break that vicious cycle. I know I may stumble along the way but I definitely don't want to take this gift for granted and ruin it all. I can be a lil OCD at times and perhaps I'm reading into things. I guess I'd just prefer not to know what things I can get away with because I fear I may use it as justification if I do slip up. But I too realize I have to take care of myself and ownership for my actions.

When it comes down to it we are responsible for our own actions. No one forced me to eat the way I ate, I did it to myself. Since I had this surgery I'm learning to eat healthy and it helps that I can only eat so much. The last couple of years I used the excuse of quitting smoking for my wieght gain, but I was always big, I just got bigger. I thought I was going to have a hard time even after surgery because I'm always around food( I'm a chef for a living) But that hasen't been the case, I really needed and really wanted to do this and get to my goal. Deep down we just need to find the will power to do this and not use any excuses. Sorry I've gone on a typing rampage here, keep focused and move toward your goal. Good luck.