Just want to thank everyone who responded to my earlier thread. It is so great to have found a forum to talk about all this with people who can truly relate. I know my family means well but I also know that they cannot really understand all that I am going through right now and it does seem to leave a gap in some ways. I guess one of the hardest things I am going through right now, besides the basic recovery of my body from the surgery, is the true withdrawal from food itself. I would never have wanted to admit this to anyone before and it is very difficult to explain to my husband and family but my life really did revolve around food before. When I was happy, I ate. When I was mad, I ate. When I was stressed, I really ate. When I wanted to celebrate, I ate. So suddenly, I find myself going through one of the biggest changes in my life and I dont have my usual comfort to get me through it-FOOD. And I pathetically, truly feel the loss of it and I am embarassed by that. How can I explain to my husband that my evening grupiness is not about pain or discomfort but honestly about some anger or sadness over the fact that I can't grab a diet coke and run go get a bacon cheeseburger and fries from my favorite place. How pathetic is that? I mean, I can't even enjoy a midnight bowl of cereal. And to add insult to injury, I have to live on jello and crystal light and chicken broth for the next 3 weeks.

But I'm not as depressed as I sound, these feelings only seem to hit me at the end of the day when I'm tired. Overall, I am just so excited to be moving forward with this and looking forward to the changes it will bring both to my life and my body.

So again, I thank you all for the very fact you are here and look forward to sharing it all with you and vice versa.

This is, by far, the hardest part of banding. But, more than that. That you can identify it, label it and admit it is a major step in the right direction. We really do do a certain amount of grieving over the loss of food, our great comforter. Of course, as with any addiction, we have to find something to take it's place. For me, that is the hardest part.

I'm glad you like it here. Truly, we do have a great group of down to earth, practical folks here who all seem to identify with each other. That makes us very lucky. Welcome!

Melissa, we do go through a "grieving process" because food was always there for us, didn't care what we looked like, comforted us. But like Lisa Green has said since her banding, "Food is NOT my friend." Try not to watch t.v., those food commercials are all too frequent and tempting. LOL You will get through this period and discover there's a whole world out there and things to do that DON'T involve food. It's hard to break old habits, but you will. You're also just getting over your surgery. Please take it easy and give yourself time to heal. It is hard for someone to understand, who hasn't had that "addiction". If we could handle it, we wouldn't have needed our band in the first place. Take it one day at a time. You have your band and you will succeed! Best of luck to you!

Just wait until you fit into that smaller size! (instead of the bigger one) It's so amazing you run around telling anyone who will listen.

Hi Mellissa,

I love this sight as well. It is a really fun group of people. I just wanted to say hello and congrat. you on your banding. I started off at a similar weight and have loved the banding experience. There are times of frustration but overall I am thrilled with mine. I hope you end up being equally as happy with yours. Best wishes, Teresa

:banana Hey I love food... and I had to grieve the loss of it. I used to vacation around it...Where was the great cuisine? ect... but now I realize that is not a great support like a good friend. It doesen't listen the way that you all do. It was in fact like that boyfriend that I had in college that did everything wrong when we weren't together and lied when we were, (and I did not understand that until I met my husband....) Well that was food... that bad boyfriend that made me feel good until I looked in the mirror or tried on those new jeans that were two sizes larger and still didn't fit. I still struggle with the loss at times and can not wait until the day that I no longer am in love with it... I remember when I ran into my ex that always had control over my emotions and I did not feel anything...that's how I new I was over him.... When the day comes that I can feel stressed and don't suppress the urge to eat will be indeed a great day. Good luck!