I've been at goal weight for years, I am 11 years post-WLS and food is often still a struggle. Although my weight doesn't fluctuate more than 5 or so pounds from goal weight, which I maintain, it is always a struggle.

I was on a cruise last week and the buffet was like a mermaid singing her siren's song enticing me to shipwreck myself on her fattening rocks. So tempting. And for the entire week she never shut-up!

What I'm beginning to accept is that I will ALWAYS be a food addict and need to remain vigilant at all times. I won't be permanently free of this addiction and there will always be struggle involved.

It seems my only choice is whether I struggle at a healthy weight able to participate in active sporting and life endeavors or whether I will struggle while I return to morbid obesity at 333 pounds and live out my days sitting in a chair in front of the tv gorging myself.

I choose to struggle while healthy and active. I have tools and support for continuing to choose the healthy, active path.

Maybe that's as good as it gets...and that's enough!

This is exactly the emotion I'm dealing with right now. thanks for posting so I don't feel so alone...and struggling

sas

so happy to see this post. I am anticipating going to Alaska in Aug. I have a bit of fear about the buffets however, right now my band would not let me eat much solid food. But I am a sweet addict. I know those ships have marvelous Desserts so I am really going to have to watch it. I agree though about the struggle, there are times when it's so difficult but I know I would be immobile or possibly crippled by diabetes . I also had high blood pressure, real threat of a stroke. so, I will take this struggle over losing my life to obesity.

I have cried over head hunger before. The worst thing about trying to kick a food addiction is you gotta eat, but there are some foods I've figured out that trigger me worse than otheres, so I try to keep them out of sight. Or not buy them at all. Hang in there.

Thank you for posting this. So many think WLS is a cure and that once you reach goal life is easy. It's an ongoing issue we will always have to deal with.

This is a great post. Obesity is an incurable disease just like alcoholism, MS, and Lupus. However, isn't it wonderful that it can be treated! I think of myself as a "recovering obesiac." Not a medical term, I know! But it helps me keep things in perspective. It's easy to get discouraged. When I realize this is a disease process that I am fighting it helps me stay motivated.

I wish more people felt that way. Some people on this forum get offended if you mention counseling. Food addiction is a much a mental issue as it is a physical one.

Edited February 10, 201511 yr by BLERDgirl

Thank you for this. I am new to this site. I am 7-months post sleeve and am almost to goal but I feel old snacking habits creeping back in and I'm terrified. I've already had a dessert and 3 pieces of chocolate candy tonight. I was doing so well. I just have to remember that I cannot "relax" and stop working just because everyone's telling me how great I look. It will be a lifelong struggle. That's why tonight I started looking for a forum to get support.