I've been debating posting here for a while, but when I went to update my signature I ran out of room for weekly consumption and had to switch to monthly averages. Weekly consumption looks like this (I'm currently in week 35):

PreTSM: 126 u/wk, 18/day, (0)AF (1 bottle wine=6 units)
Wk 1-8: 52(2) 56(2) 58(2) 45(3), 67(2) 54(4) 50(4) 30(3)
9-16: 38(4) 13(6) 0(7) 6(6), 21(4) 34(4) 39(3) 47(2)
17-24: 12(6) 1(6) 0, 2(6), 0, 0, 0, 3(6)
25-32: 0, 1(6), 0, 3(6), 5(5), 0, 0, 2(5)
33-40: 0, 0

One of the reasons why I waited so long is because I was worried about what would happen when I started socializing again which I knew would happen with my recent weight loss. As of 1/24/11 I've lost 62 lbs on the hcg diet (another much criticized method that is also misunderstood, widely misreported in the media, and effective for many who have given up hope for successful weight loss). I am just now starting to feel and look like my old self and with the return of my social life comes being out in bars and other situations where alcohol is part of the scene. Well, in the past several weeks I've been in several such situations, and most of the time didn't drink, if I did had one glass of wine with no desire to have more. I also have several bottles of wine & vodka in the cabinet for entertaining, and no desire to open them. Also been in old trigger situations (fight with my boyfriend) where the first reaction PreTSM was to drink 1, 2, 3 bottles of wine alone in my apartment and try to numb the sadness, fear, and frustration I felt. As much as alcohol was ruling and destroying my life a year ago, it is just so much not a part of it now. I can't thank Drs. Sinclair & Eskapa enough, and everyone here on this forum for their immeasurably significant contribution to my success with TSM. As you can see from my numbers I was one of the heaviest drinkers ever on here. I also was on the forum obsessively in my the first several months and I know that made a big difference in how well I responded to both NAL and TSM. For those of you just starting out, do not underestimate the power of this virtual community. For those of you struggling, please know there is hope. It wasn't all roses for me from the beginning. I felt I "regressed" to drinking a lot after an initial great response to NAL and the emotional roller coaster cannot even be described, it just has to be lived through to understand. But ultimately I think for most who stick with it, this is the game changer when it comes to alcohol and no longer abusing it. I will continue to update and post, I spend more time lurking these days as I try to keep up with the peeps who started with me and there are so many new folks here (which is great). But let me shout it from the rooftops that TSM cured me!

Well done StJude What an admirable achievement to have stuck with this process, through all the ups and downs, to get you where you are today. Your current situation is, I think, what many of us problem drinkers really hope for:



Sounds like you have made a number of radical changes in your life to improve your health and wellbeing, so congratulations on your progress - it is an inspiration to the rest of us!
And yes, please keep posting...
G.

Congratulations! Simply awesome.

Congrats St. Jude! I'm a few weeks behind you, but in the same situation. Down to 0 units and AF weeks, not days. I've run out of characters as well, and need to start monthly calculations instead of weekly ones. I am holding off on the cured list as well, because I still obsess over things like a vacations (all inclusive, that means free booze), go to Vegas (don't they just party there). I realize that I need to get out and experience these things and make responsible choices before I feel confident enough to truly call myself cured. I have now changed my focus to weight loss and healthy eating instead of alcohol. I would be interested to hear your take on your diet. I am unfamiliar with it. I feel I have at least 25-30 lbs to lose to get back to where I was before the alcohol took over six years ago. I do already feel less bloated and puffy, but fight the urge for sugar, especially at night when I would be consuming 8-10 units of wine (full of sugar). Any links or info you can send me would be greatly appreciated. Congratulations again! It does feel wonderful to be present in your own life again!

Great News StJude: We started around the same time. You were one of the Saints who welcomed me to these message boards offering support. Both my Saints have now vanquished the beast.
Nal on fellow TSMer

Congrats Saint Jude!!!

Thats outstanding St Jude, congratulations. Its especially impressive given the number of units you were averaging preTSM and the fact that you were losing so much weight at the same time (most people would (and do) struggle with either one alone, not together). Well done you.

Congratulations St. Jude, I'm so glad you shared your declaration to all! I'm just starting, this is my first week, and it's so inspiring to hear about your incredible success. I will go back and read some of your earlier posts. And those of many others. They will keep me going... thank you.

Congrants on your new status!!! I certainly have appreciated reading your posts and your willingness to so openly share your life with us. All the best!

Thank you St. Jude. Your tale inspires me. On week 15 and hopeful I will join your company.....