Bummer Wet Blanket

            I have become a bummer wet blanket of a person.  When did this happen?   One of my friends sent me an email that a mutual friend (MF) is set for the gastric band operation.  She, being a positive person, was elated for MF.  I, too, am elated for our friend, but I’m a bummer wet blanket.  I had to ask if MF was going to get therapy afterward.  I have acquaintances who’ve had the surgery, and after a few years, they go back to being nearly as big as they started.  “She really needs to fix the broken eating patterns that she’s had her whole life,” I pompously wrote back.  My friend did not email back.  I don’t blame her.  What can you say to the bummer wet blanket who can’t be thrilled for MF who’s had a massive weight problem all her life?  MF’s wonderful mom died way too young, from a bad heart.   We don’t want that for MF!

             My bummer wet blanket is thrown on everything.  One of the teachers at school lost about 30 pounds with Weight Watchers a couple of years ago.  Last spring, I said to a friend, “It’s creeping back up.”  And, damn, I’m right.  I hate that I’m right.  I gained and lost in a very similar way a few years back—so now I’m an ‘expert’.  A neighbor lost 60 pounds on a rigorous diet, and in two years, she’s gained 50 back.  She was positive she would never allow herself to gain the weight again.  Bummer wet blanket that I am, I preached to my husband, that she can’t eat 900 to 1200 calories a day for the rest of her life.  I give her a year.  Okay, I was right again, but that’s no excuse to be the Eeyore of dieting tips. 

             I had the nerve to tell a friend who has lost about 30ish pounds, and kept it off for years, about how to keep it off even better.  Thankfully, he gave me a funny look and changed the subject.  Next time I offer someone maintenance advice, I’d better be rail thin.  But it goes to show what a bummer wet blanket I’ve become.  I can’t even let successful people alone.  I have to teach them about calorie intake and the food you get the calories from makes a difference.  I’m horrible!

            There’s a reason I’m writing this blog.  All this wonderful “advice” has to go somewhere.  Now, maybe I can leave my friends and family alone.