The first 5 pounds.

the first 5 pounds are officially off!  while it doesn't really make a difference in the fit of my jeans, it is certainly reassuring!  after meeting with the nutritionist last week and revamping the way i eat, i feel sooo much better physically!  do you know that i haven't had an IBS episode since i put into place the changes she rec'd?  that's an amazing feeling.  to not spend even one minute in near tears on the toilet... it's the first taste of  freedom and i want more!  i can't wait to see all the ways that being healthier is going to make me *feel*! 

yesterday was my psych clearence for the band.  i was nervous that he would see my crazy and deny me.  but he said he thought i would do great!  i was so happy leaving there, i practically skipped to my car!  a couple great points he made when we talked

• there are 4 kinds of hunger- physical, emotional, social, and cultural.  the band only helps with physical. 
• chocolate will go through the band.  i just have to make sure it doesn't go in my mouth (well, too much)
• the two leading causes of stress- the past and future.  neither of which we can control.  so if we let go of things outside of our control, we will have significantly less stress

so i am going to work with my therapist to address my emotional eating as well as gaining some tools to deal with the social and cultural issues.  can you name a single social event that doesn't involve food??  point is, food is how we do everything.  anytime we get together, food is involved.  why?  we can't possibly be that hungry.  if we really only ate to meet our physical needs, we wouldn't need cake, chips and dip, and yummy treats just to get together and chat with friends. 

how do other people deal with the social aspect?? i'm really curious about that.  i think it's going to be my biggest hurdle.