so i had a conversation with my husband last night and came to the realization of a few things.

I now cannot deny the fact that i was / am ADDICTED to food. Just like a person addicted to drugs. because i cannot eat foods that i want to right now, i can clearly see how much of my life revolved around food. it's really sad. I have been a little anxious about the band being inside me, because i can't reach in there to remove it and eat a bagel..hah i have a control issue.. i am very sensitive to changes in my body. last night my husband broke it down for me and made great sense.. he said the band is like your personal trainer that will never let you cheat without paying a price. and that makes a lot of sense. Being banded around the holidays made me realize that i lose focus on the real meaning behind the holiday because i am totally consumed with food. this band has shown me reality above all other weight loss programs. even weight watchers. i am looking forward to the month ahead of me..and where i can learn to eat like humans are supposed to.

thanks for listening.. this is really huge for me.:Yawn:

"looking forward to eating to live.. not living to eat for a change"

Edited November 28, 200916 yr by dragonflylover

That make so much sence! thanks for sharing that cuz i feel the same way! i am soon to be banded the week of Dec 10th.

Thank you for your story. I believe many of us on this site are addicted to food. Including myself of course! I am having my surgery on Dec. 9th. I had a hard time controlling myself at Thanksgiving. And I realize that I will have to super careful what I do for Christmas. I don't want to eat something wrong and mess up my surgery! So I am now trying to decide what to do, and how to handle the holiday. I may just have some friends over and watch movies, play a game, etc. And not have a focus on food. Pls wish me luck!

Thanks,

Michelle:smile2:

Dragonflylover, both you and your husband are wise beyond your years. I wish you both the Happiest of Holidays this year, but I somehow think, that they really will be for you both.

You. my friend will succeed, and you have a great source of support in your husband to assure you do. Congratulations!

~Cheryl

Hi My name is Lorrie I am a food addict.

Ditto you hit the nail on the head. All of my social life is around food, meet the girls go out to eat, family , eat, go out somewhere, stop for food. Yup I am a addict.

Hi,

I agree completely: Most of us are addicts. People look at me like I am crazy when I say that I got the band as a way to live my addiction, because unlike other addicts, I can't go 'cold turkey' and stop eating altogether. I knew my life revolved around the food before the band, but did not know how hard it would be to change. I really struggled this past week, but feel re-focused since Thanksgiving Day, (which is weird) I hope to have lost 5 lbs. since my last weigh in early November when I go this Thursday.

Hi. My name is Tracy and I, TOO, AM A food ADDICT!

I totally agree with what you said. It's so hard not to get rid of the HUNGER that's in your head. I was banded on Sept. 21st and still have hunger issues. I believe they call it "head hunger". I just loved to eat all the time and now that I don't have that option, I don't know what to do with myself!

First fill is on Tuesday, December 1st. I know that won't help with the "head hunger," but I can't wait to feel some restriction. They don't tell you about the constant hunger and the no restriction until your first fill aspects of this surgery before you have it! I wish I would've found this site pre-surgery!

Good luck to everyone starting, in the middle of, and maintaining their journeys!

I so totally agree with you all. It seems like now looking back..... my life revolved around eating. When i went out i met someone to eat, when I went anywhere i mainly went to eat. My socialization all revolved around what i was going to get to eat and where i could eat. Its almost like I find myself bored at times now, its weird. Now when i miss going to eat i go for a walk or something. But it is a real change in lifestyle. Kinda makes to actually "think" about what is most important to you now...:Yawn:

I'm glad that you've realized that! It's a step in the right direction!! And...I'm glad that you've helped me realize that. I may not eat much, but I always ate poorly. I too would ask friends to meet me for lunch or a drink or something. Maybe now I'll start asking them to meet me at the track for a walk :Yawn:

Hi, I had my surgery the exact same date. Because I was so used to stuffing my face on Thanksgiving, I really appreciate the fact that this challenge I endured did not conquer me! I am doing well thank God and just as your husband said, this is a "personal trainer" keeping us aware of the unnecessary foods we previously abused!

dragonflylover-I'm so glad you posted this. I got my band put on this past wed, and it has been a huge reality check. I'm pissed off that I had to do this and at the same time hoping this is the change I've needed all along. These past few days have been awful and now that I'm home.. all there is on tv is food commercials. I'm angry that I'm not one of those people who can eat whatever and not weigh as much as I do and I'm angry my 'comfort' has been taken away. I have to say I've read a lot of positive stories on here and have to hold out for hope that this is going to help me in more than one way. I did this so I can be healthy to raise my kids and to be able to enjoy my life-not as an obese person. I hope the comming days will be easier for you.

My husband named my band 'Hilda' (as in Rumpole of the Bailey's wife). For those who don't know, Rumpole referred to his wife as "She Who Must Be Obeyed". :Yawn:

.

Its a big realisation isnt it?

that's what I found most scary about the whole process, how on earth was I going to cope without being able to pig out?

But in the end I didnt find it hard. I think I thought my food problems were worse than they actually are. I got the same satisfaction from much less food and never found that I felt deprived or like I couldnt cope at all.

Hopefully, it will be as easy over time for you.

So am I. But it is okay, because as time goes by we will be healthier looking and feeling, lol. Besides, this was a test and we passed! Furthermore, if we were able to get past this holiday without over doing it, we can apply this lesson and learn when to say "enough" during the holidays. Moreover, appreciate that God blessed us with recovery and our new found relationship with food.

My name is Jim and I too am a FOODAHOLIC.

Six years ago I gave up tobacco cold turkey but I cannot give up food that way. I travel a lot, eat rich food, fast food and at home comfort food in LARGE quantities. I was banded 11/23 (this past monday). The commercials on TV bug me a little, but I am thrilled at the weight I have lost (29 lb since mid October)as a result of making this decision as the band has not been filled yet.

I also love that I have stopped my BP meds (three pills) and my Diabetes meds (4 pills) cause my BP is great and my sugar is below 105 all the time.

I have to keep this motivation, and I will cause I am built that way, but without the Band reminder and punishment, I could not ensure I would not return to my old habits.

Thank you all for your stories.. You inspire me....

TJ

wow that does make perfect sense, thank you for that insight, it is a little personal trainer and permanent head alarm, eat something bad and your so going to pay for it. I have been addicted to food for most of my adult life, its a social thing, meet with friends-eat, family holiday-eat, date night-eat. I dont care if i eat again, it made me the fat girl that I once was and will never be again, it has changed my life. I was banded 4 months ago and are finally getting it.