Show Notes

Listeners’ Letter

Dear Food,

I am a former MS, RD who gave up my credentials due to diagnoses of major clinical depression and EDNOS. That was over a decade ago, but I think that at least a part of me may still grieves that decision.

I had a major weight gain when I began taking prescribed psychiatric medications as an adult. Prior to that, I had no history of “added” pounds as a child or  young adult.

I’ve had two weight loss surgeries: a sleeve gastrectomy a little over a year ago and the lap band before that. I dropped some pounds (~100 with the lap band) prior to the sleeve but the band was removed due to complications of pseudoachalasia.

I work in group and individual therapy, times many, many years, regarding HAES and intuitive eating. I am healthy, no HTN, diabetes, but I do have severe bilateral knee osteoarthritis that limits my mobility.

I have questions on several levels. First, how can I be more gentle with myself regarding my professional history? My pride prevents me from sharing my full educational and training background in my group.

How can I be more gentle with myself regarding my weight loss surgeries? I feel that the sleeve was a mistake, but there is no turning back now…. I haven’t lost any weight since the surgery and, of late, there are times when I binge (having not done so in many years.)

How can I be more gentle with myself about exercise? I’ve not found my “joyful movement” as an adult just yet. It’s a strain to walk due to my knees.

Although I want to continue along the road of slowing down my eating and being more mindful at meal/snack times, I find myself just “not doing it.” How do I balance feelings of giving up with the desire to tune into my body?

Also, my body is large, with hanging flesh. I have a desire to live in a smaller body, thinking that my movement would be less constricted. That said, I realize that “desire” itself may be my actual impediment….

Your thoughts, feelings and feedback are most welcome.

Sincerely,

One of Your Most True Lovers