The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[ilovedazee]

Hi Everyone!

Just want to thank everyone for being so open and honest about their weight loss journey. I tend to keep it to myself how horrible being overweight makes me feel.

I've been a yo-yo dieter myself for SEVERAL years. I found that what worked best for me was to starve my body. When I did I would lose about 15-20 pounds, but found I would gain double that everytime I wanted to eat again. "I'll just eat today and have nothing but lettuce tomorrow" YEAH RIGHT!

I've done a lot of research before getting to this point. My 5 week package arrived yesterday, and I started the medifast plan TODAY.

One of the most difficult situations for me is alcohol. I've been a heavy drinker since my divorce in 2000. Initially I went thru the weight loss phase, and was feeling great about myself after wards. But since then, I've overindulged in alcohol, and then food. Now in one year I've gained over 40 pounds! I'm extremely depressed these days, and have decided to do something about both.

Today was my first step to sobriety as well as overeating. I've read a lot, (almost all) of your posts, but didn't see anyone that had the same struggle I do with alcohol. My social life is definitely going to change, I'm hoping I can still go out with my friends, (after a few weeks of medifastin' of course) and continue to fight the urge to drink alcohol.

Being overweight and trying to be confident in a social situation is not easy! I've turned to alcohol as my liquid courage.

Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself and can't 'weight' to hear all of your encouraging words, as I have no doubt you will!

Thanks for "listening"!

[falisamarie]

ilovedazee

Hi and welcome to Medifast This is day number 5 for me and I am loving it

I can't relate to you concerning the drinking issue but I battle depression everyday of my life and I am on medication for it.

I know that sometimes life can seem overwhelming and can really beat us down but what is important is that you have realized and admited that you need help and I am sure that some of the more experienced medifasters will chime in and give you some advice so just keep reading and take it day by day

Lisa

[cydj21]

dazee.... May I just say, I am incrediblely impressed with your honesty. You deserve to be proud of that. I think the first step to recovery (I know this is cliche, but I believe it is true) of any addiction....drugs, alcohol, food, whatever....is to admit that you have a problem. Today you just made it known that you have demons to conquer and that is a huge step in the right direction. Congratulations! It took me a long time to admit I had a problem with food...

I cannot say I struggle with alcohol the way you do, but perhaps to some small extent I can relate. As a fifth year college student studying architecture, an honor student, and heavily involved with student government and holding two jobs, there is nothing I love more than a monthly a night out with my girlfriends to shake loose and dance off the stress. Sometimes we have a couple drinks, and sometimes we have a couple plus a couple more. For the most part, I am not a heavy drinker....but I can say that in a small way alcohol has been a release for me. Last night was my first night out since starting Medifast and I didn't mind not drinking. I think if you keep your mind in the game, you will succeed.

And remember...there is nothing like talking to people when you're feeling like you might slip up in some manner. When I think I will die if I don't eat a cookie, I get online and read the forum. Today is only day 5 for me, but so far that is working.

Again, I want to congratulate you on your bravery. You can do this! I was in a musical once, Children of Eden, and the main theme of the musical seems very applicable here.....

For every moment of our lives is the beginning...

This moment is the beginning of the rest of your life. Make it count.

[Misty]

Hiya Dazee

I can relate to what you are saying I love the vino also rum and diet coke. I am sure you have been told that alcohol is a depressent. The bummer of it is it seems to sooth the pain and calm the restless spirit immediatly only to be depressed and foggy for several days after. Even after 1 drink I feel cruddy for about 2-3 days then the fog begins to lift. I have a hard time having it around the house and not wanting my favorite conconction. Especially after giving up on that two faced friend called food. Evenings are the worst for me, my favorite end to a chaotic day was having red wine. However we are not helpless or hopeless. Keep it out of the house or under lock and key. Having a diet soda in a fancy glass or foo foo tea helps me break my bad habit. I have also removed the welcome mat for peanut butter chocolate ice cream it's outta here. We can do it! We can do it! We can do it!

[Jan]

Hi there,
Thank you for being so honest. You know most of us have turned to something to make ourselves feel better. For many it was food and for some drink and yes for some both. It is quite the struggle. I can tell you have courage because you told "it like it is" no excuses .. just facts. I have always felt that one of the best things we can do for ourselves if we lack a certain amount of self control in areas is to be accountable to others. It is easier to let ourselves down than to let others down. You've started on the path to a much healthier life style. I know the forum members here will be more than willing to help you in any way possible. Keep posting and let us know how you are doing. I really feel you've come to a turning point now and good things are ahead for you.
jan

[Patti]

iloveadaze,

I can identify with your situation. I went through a messy divorce in 1998, lost a lot of weight, moved back home to Louisiana where the drinking began and escalated....as did the weight gain. I have struggled with controlling the problem and tried to give it up many times.

In September 2005 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, had a partial mastectomy, went through four months of chemotherapy, lost all of my hair, lost my job, was sick as a dog and still drinking. I had read that people who drink alchohol seem to have less of a problem with nausea during chemotherapy....WRONG! My last chemo was December 21...I had three beers afterwards and haven't touched another drink since...nor do I have the graving for it. Mind you, I would go out an drink after work just about everyday....it was how I socialized.

I was constantly beating myself up about it, telling myself "you have to stop", "it's not good or healthy", "it's putting weight on you"....then I would start rationalizing and justifying my behavior and continue it.

I finally just let it all go and told myself what will be will be. I quit beating myself up over it, quit putting myself down, stopped looking at myself as a bad person and stopped obsessing over it.

I started giving myself credit for all of the things that I had accomplished since my divorce and started being grateful for for what I have, surviving chemo (and believe me...I threatened to quit the treatments everytime I went) and telling myself there are people in worst situations than myself and I am so grateful for where I am today.

The bottom line for me was "I wanted to stop drinking". It was no longer "I needed to stop", "was told to stop by others", or "had to stop for medical reasons". I call it a miracle...and wonder why I couldn't do this in the past. I suppose there is a time for everything and letting go of control and putting it all in God's hands is what helped me.

It takes courage to admit you have a drinking problem, so give yourself a big pat on the back for doing so! It takes courage to ask for help. So, give yourself another bit pat on the back! See yourself as someone unique and special....which you are....as are all of us. Applaude yourself for all of your accomplishments...which are many.

I wish you the best of luck and success on your path to wherever you choose to journey....you will get there!

[ilovedazee]

Thanks everyone for your encouraging words! Just wanted to check-in. Today is day eight, still going strong. Today is my BIRTHDAY! Usually a day of lots of drinking! Well, I'm sticking to the herbal tea. Feeling much better than the first few days, you wouldn't BELIEVE how clean my house is! Thanks for this message board, I love to read over it everyday just to stay encouraged! You guys are fantastic!

[falisamarie]

Happy Birthday!!!!!

[Drama Queen]

Happy Birthday ilovedazee!!!

Hope you are having a wonderful day! Stay away from those drinkies and keep shakin'.

Drama Queen

[SueInSLO]

Have a "Happy Birthday" ilovedazee!!!!



And many more healthier ones to come!!!


Sue