Hi everyone. I can so relate to what each of you has said.

When I was little, (the only girl and youngest) my father used to take me everywhere. He always bought me something to eat. "Here, have an ice cream, but don't tell your mother" etc.

I was ten when he died and no one knew what to do for me, so instead of hugs which were uncomfortable in my family, they gave me food. "Here have a Snickers bar. Good, eh?"

Not only did food become my connection to my father, it also stepped in for the "hugs" and comfort I didn't get after he passed away. So now I confuse hunger with my emotions and eat when tired, mad, glad, sad etc.

I have been losing and gaining weight for thirty-eight years now. And even though I know the reasons why, and I know how to lose the weight, I still continue to overeat and / or snack. I'm blowing up like a balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

Wave to me when I float by!

Petunia