Idea I want to run by y'all - Accountability - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

John · 03-31-2008, 10:59 PM

Okay, so I have an idea and I wanted to get YOUR feedback.

I was doing a little thinking today, and I realized that a big part of getting through any struggle, particularly food (in my case, homework), cravings, addictions, etc is having a way to hold yourself accountable for your actions.

My idea was the following:

What if we created a protected section/forum on TT (registered users can access only), where you can hold yourself accountable for deviating from your nutritional or other goals, and get the peer support from others to overcome these urges?

Let’s say you’re really craving a doughnut, piece of pizza, or other snack, and you know that you shouldn’t. This is where you would go to either (1) explain to others why you chose to do so, or (2) get some moral support from others to help yourself stay away.

I know we must all hold ourselves accountable for our actions in the end, but there is nothing wrong with getting the support of others. If you DO decide to deviate, you could write a thread explaining why you chose to do so, and how you hope to compensate.

I figured that this may be a good long-term method to staying away from evil habits, which sometimes can unintentionally creep back into our lives.

Anyways this was just an idea. I wanted to see if any of you liked it. You're free to share your opinions here, whether you hate the idea or love it!

John

MiladyB · 03-31-2008, 11:07 PM

That mind of yours just never stops thinking, does it John?

Actually I think it is an idea that could be very beneficial. Recently I had a bit of a weight gain. I sent out an email plea for help to members of the support group I lead at home. I had a couple women respond to my cry for help and we started holding each other accountable. We made a point of emailing each other our daily food journals. We've been doing this for the last 5 weeks and it helped. I took off all of the weight I put on plus a few more pounds and the women who were doing this with me restarted their weight loss after some really long plateaus. So yes, this type of system works and I do think it is something that all of us need if we hope to remain successful.

Just my 2 cents on your idea.

Keep brainstorming, John....you are coming up with some really good ideas!

splendifor · 04-01-2008, 02:30 AM

sounds like a great idea would be cool to have food journal section/group; 9-1-1 section (help I'm being chased by a pepperoni pizza!) and a 'splain urself section (the pizza caught me) - I particularly like the idea of making a plan for how to deal with a "relapse" in the future.

good work

coptergirl · 04-01-2008, 05:19 AM

Once again - you are amazing me!! This is a fantastic idea, John. Perhaps there could be sections for those on pre-op diets, post op diets, and those farther out...

Omaha Jim · 04-01-2008, 06:16 AM

PM sent. Thanks John for all your incredible effort.

Debz · 04-01-2008, 06:33 AM

You never cease to blow me away. I find that I have to remind myself that you are not only naturally thin, but also 22! You're insight, compassion and dedication to this community amaze me. Your parents are quite lucky to have such a cool guy as a kid. I see great things in your future...

nextbigloser · 04-01-2008, 06:45 AM

Sounds like something I could use.

fisher1000 · 04-01-2008, 07:15 AM

I, too, think this is a great idea.

The only consideration would be that those that participate need to understand the purpose of this "confessional" situation and not be prone to hurting someone's feelings. There have been some on the forum that have come to us with exactly this type of need, and some members have chosen a harsher route instead of providing support.

It needs to be clear that this is a chance to "come clean" in a compassionate zone where others will offer their support and caring, rather than an opportunity to criticize (or sometimes crucify...) the person asking for help.

I love this forum, for what it's done for me, and for what I've been able to share with others. I think this idea is a great one, and helps the forum to further evolve in its scope and capabilities. If we create an area like this, I would hope that those that participated did so as an outreach approach, with caring support and nonjudgmental suggestions.

Thanks again, John--you're awesome!

-Mike

Zenomia · 04-01-2008, 07:25 AM

I second Mikes Concerns

Corrine · 04-01-2008, 08:11 AM

Yep - Mike raises a serious issue IMHO.

There were a couple of occasions when I wish we had a moderator to nip that sort of stuff in the bud.