Binge eaters are usually superstars at losing weight rapidly in impressive amounts. It’s maintaining a loss that defeats us. Most binge eaters also eventually become obese, which I refer to as chronic obesity. We’re the ones most likely to be on the roller coaster ride of weight loss and weight gained that is witnessed and deprecated by the World at Large.

This book is the chronicle of that ride, told in the form of short, personal reminiscences and ruminations that describe both the emotional and the practical aspects of obesity. It is not a recommendation of any one weight-loss plan or a compendium of tips. It’s not me sharing a sure-fire secret found after years of searching the far corners of the weight-management universes.

It is my truth, sometimes sad, often frustrating, always blunt. Victorious in the end.

Introduction

Part One: The Battle Lines are Drawn

     In the Beginning

     Five Pounds Thinner

     Snap

     The World at Large

     Baby’s First Diet

     Mrs. Peel, We’re Needed!

     Banana Dream

     Eating in Public

     Diets Don’t Work

     Etc.

Part Two – The War on Hunger

     Copernicus

     Where Did It All Go Wrong?

     Scales

     The M&M

     Rock Hudson’s Yo-Yo

     Diets Don’t Work Redux

     Two Plus Two is Four

     The Compliment

     The Compliment Redux

     Monday Monday

    Triple Lutz

     It’s Your Fault: Nature

     Fashion Statement

     The Girl in the Mirror

      All in the Family

     Ode to Large

     Let’s Make a Deal

     The Hunger Response

     Bingeing

Part Three: The March to Victory

     Help Me If You Can

     Two Years Before the Fast

     The Tipping Point

     Potential

     The First Three Months

     Night and Other Terrors

     I Discover JUDDD

     JUDDD Redux

     The A Word Redux

     Delay, Don't Deny

     Going Public

     Fasting

     Staying Focused

     Exercise

     Fat-Shaming

Appendix One: Live Lessons

Appendix Two: Weight-Management Terminology