As Good As It Gets

[Sara Kelly Keenan LC 350]

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!

[sdocforce 55]

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

sas

[Sharpie 3,306]

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.

[amponder 396]

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.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

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.

[samuelsmom 670]

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.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

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, 2015 by BLERDgirl

[healthymom1027 1]

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.