Originally Posted by AmyR

I have read a lot of posts that comment on drinking sodas and eating foods they shouldn't and then venting about lack of loss.

I have had an eating disorder for over 20 years. In high school I was bulimic to stay a size 8 and be popular. Later I was raped and went into compulsive over eating and binging. I did the binging and COE as a coping mechanism and later realized I was gaining weight and continued to COE as a way to repulse the opposite sex! As time went on I gained close to 200 pounds and became a food addict. I love food, I love to eat, the smell, the taste and most of all I love my Coke and Dr. Pepper. I don't like diet drinks so it was always full calories/sugar all day long. I was drinking more than 176 oz of soda EVERY single day...with light ice, so I could get the most soda in the cup.

This past year 2010-2011 I did so many diets with very little success. I wouldn't lose quick enough and would give up. I did different diet drugs, HCG, high protein, low carb, low fat, Quick Weight Loss Center, Weight Watchers, etc...you name it, I did it. I knew things had to change. I had been married for almost 10 years, I wasn't active with my kids and husband and I was just miserable with my self. I haven't had medical insurance since 2006 because I was denied benefits due to being morbidly obese. I told my husband in late August 2011 I wanted lap band...it was a challenge to convince him of that but he agreed...then upon further research I realized lap band was not appropriate for a food addict. The transition from lap band to VGS was very difficult for him to agree to, but he did. I promised him I would make healthy choices after the surgery and he didn't really believe me since I had said that so many times before. But paying over $12,000 cash I didn't want to screw it up.

I KNEW I had to make a mental change for the surgery to be 100% successful. I promised myself and my family that I would not fail this time. My doctor told me that I will never again have a carbonated beverage, soda, beer, etc. That I should eat protein first, veggies second, fruit third and carbs last. I do my very best to follow those instructions daily. I still have trouble getting in all of the recommended water and protein....but I work hard on my mental focus towards my goal and promise to myself and family.

I AM NOT PREACHING TO ANYONE. I am only 3 months out and still have a lot of hard days. I have conversations with myself every time I "think" I want a sip of something fizzy. I have to tell myself that "thing" whatever I want doesn't do my body any good and offers nothing healthy. That "thing" made me fat and miserable after I consumed it. I am only 3 months out and can not change my eating disorder over night and still have a long road to go, but I am doing it day by day and the results are worth not eating or drinking that "thing" I also tell myself "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels" and it is right!

I wish each and every one of you a Happy New Year!!!