I'd love to start this thread going. I attend OA meetings and the support, honesty, and peace I find is critical for me. I am parenting myself, putting my needs first, validating my inmost feelings; the ones I thought were only mine to bear. I thought it was all mumbo-jumbo...I realize now how complex my relationship with myself, food, and emotions really is. I also realize WLS is only a small part of my overall journey.

Is there anyone else who is interested in keeping in touch?

I attend OA and CoDA. They are part of a multi faceted approach to recovery that also includes counseling.

What is CoDA?

I have discovered that the steps are tougher than I thought!!! On the bright side, I've started to sense the emotions behind my urges, I just can't name them. Anyone experience this? It's like I disconnect or something.

Edited April 16, 201511 yr by MsAlaineus

Codependents Anonymous. I meant to say the multifaceted approach includes counseling for ME. Counseling is not part of OA or CoDA.

What, if any, are are your emotional goals?

What, if any, are are your emotional goals?

Well, that's a loaded question. What comes to mind immediately, and what is currently the topic of my counseling, is to break the pattern I've lived in for over two decades in my marriage, which is now ending. Reacting, anticipating everything (anxiety related to his behavior), fear, hypervigilance, putting his needs ahead of mine to avoid conflict. In terms of emotions, I guess I'd describe it as figuring out what I feel instead of reflecting what's around me. As an example of that, I'm house hunting now and I haven't a clue what my likes and dislikes are. That problem has haunted me since I was a child growing up in a crazy household. I couldn't even tell you my favorite color. I was truly stymied when it came to answering the question, "what do you want?" Making decisions is excruciating.

This head work is a full time job, I tellya. If I ever figure this out, I will rule the world.

I had my lapband 2/2/10, I went from 256 to 163. I am now 188. I am at a stand still and I truly need help. I gave a supportive husband. But it not enough. I need a friend who is in a similar situation. I gained my weight during the past almost 2 years. I had surgery on my legs, and could not do very much exercise, I lost my brother and I was in a terrible depression. His death was 15 months ago and I am much better. However, my lapband mojo has left me. I used to be very strict, exercised a lot and never ever cheated. And now I am lost. Without any friends or support. Before I lost mr mojo, I was involved with sparkpeople.com. I was a co leader and creator of a lapband group. As the months went on, our team left one by one. That team is over, I still have access to the paper work and research it put together. If you have read Alex's book you will find 11 pages of me. I am Ilene of Florida and ny. However, my name here is cindysmom. That's how you can find me on bariatric pal. I have helped many people lose weight successively. Only to need help myself. NOW. I am now 67 years old. I reside in ft Lauderdale, fl. My email is also lizybird @ aol.com. Can someone be there

for me? Thanks Ilene

Edited April 27, 201511 yr by Cindysmom (Ilene)

Yes I am definitely

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I'm only a few weeks post op vsg and I'm already reverting to binging. I'm going to need support and therapy and to attend OA meetings. I've attended in the past but not consistently. I thought I had it under control but it's scary how I can binge even when it causes me pain and possibly cause post op complications to my still healing new stomach. Scared

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