Hello and an Introduction

[Guest guest]

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to introduce myself and thank-you for allowing me to join

this group. My name is Gwen and I live in North Liberty, In. I am a

43 year old mom, grandma, wife, career oriented woman who has a

serious weight problem. I feel that I need to tell you everything I

have done to lose weight. Well, not everything, because you all do

have a life. :-)

I have struggled all of my life with my weight. Was hospitalized in

1986 for bulimia, took massive diet pills, and have tried every

potion and program to make me thin. In 1997, I had gastric bypass

surgery and did lose weight, but not all of the weight I needed and

have since gained about 30lbs. back. My experience when I had the

surgery was not a good one. I felt like I was part of a herd of

cattle, going in to get FIXED. I was about 130lbs. overweight when I

had the surgery. According to WW, I need to lose 90lbs, but would be

happy to lose 70.

What is different for me this time, is that I am addressing the

emotional baggage that I allow to make me eat. I eat for every

reason. Happy, sad, anxious, just everything. I eat when I don't

even realize that I'm doing it. I need structure and most

importantly,I need portion control. Even with the surgery, I eat to

much. Unfortunately, many people do not realize that you can stretch

your stomach right back to where it was.

I am soooo.... tired of letting my weight control me. I am very

outgoing and have a blessed life that I am so grateful for. I have

come to realize that there is no magic pill or potion and that I

have to have self-control and will power.

I will definately be contributing to this group as much as I can and

I wish you all success.

Gwen