Ed's Story: Written verbatim by a client
Two years ago I removed my lap band after 5 years of placement due to internal bleeding. I had lost a total of 100 pounds in those 5 years. However, it came at a significant price. Many times I would throw up from the food getting stuck. Often I was eating soft or pureed meals in a broth. I believed there had to be a better way to lose weight.
Prior to bariatric surgery I had tried: medications (that could cause either pulmonary fibrosis or pulmonary hypertension and others that could cause anal leakage), diet by a point system, meal replacement milk shakes, chocolate candies to suppress appetite, dietitians, packaged microwaveable meals, high protein and fat diets, low carb diets, weight loss support groups, cabbage soup diet, grapefruit diet...just to name a few. Unfortunately, once the band was removed it was like the damn was broken. I was eating constantly. Usually it was one meal a day that lasted about 6 hours.
Within one year of having the band removed I gained over 100 pounds. My health and mood was low. I was desperate for help to deal with my food obsession and finally realized it was an addiction. A food addiction therapist led me to seek help from David Wolfe for a meal plan that would quiet my cravings for sugar and highly processed foods. He spent several hours assessing my history and the severity of my food addiction. The meal plan was specifically designed for my needs. Plus David continued to work with me to adjust the meal plan to maximize adherence. He also strongly recommended a 12 step program for added support and to be inspired by like minded people.
After a few months of success my life became extremely stressful and unmanageable to me. It was the anniversary of my wife’s passing. Which was very difficult for me to deal with especially because she passed shortly after giving birth to our first and only child. Plus a really close friend of mine just past away at that time. My depression and anxiety were back at full capacity. I stopped caring about everything including myself.
I quickly returned to my old ways of eating, isolation, missing work and neglecting my son. My weight exploded again. Soon after I was no longer able to look after my son or myself. My family intervened by looking after my son so I can begin getting help. After some very dark weeks I admitted myself into a hospital for an 8 week in-patient treatment program for my extremely low mood.
I worked on many issues from my past while in treatment. I finally started to have a more realistic view of myself. I had hope and possibility for the first time in a long time. When I completed the program I knew that was only the beginning of my recovery. I immediately went back to my most positive experience. I committed to going to a daily 12 step meeting and seeking support for my food addiction.
I quickly turned to the meal plan that provided me peace and feelings of satisfaction that David provided. I reached out to David for continued support since I knew I could always rely on him for some inspiring guidance. I have reached nearly 3 months of abstinence from sugar and processed food. I am far from “fixed.” However, I have a great meal plan, a support system including a food addiction therapist, David, and my fellowship from my 12 step program. I also developed a routine that includes meditation, journaling, leisure, and work to ensure my success. I have come to realize that I don’t need to abstain from sugar forever. One day at a time is my new mantra. I just need focus on my abstinence for the current 24 hours.
My recovery is far from a straight line. At the same time I am thankful for David Wolfe’s continued support and guidance.
Thank you,
Completely Grateful
Ed W.