[DreadPiratePanda]

Well, I'm here! I turned 30 in July of 2015, but I mostly hang out in the 100lb Club forum. I graduated from nursing school (an LVN program) at the end of December, and now that I'm about to test for my license and go on interviews, it's occurred to me that I don't have a whole lot of excuses left as to why I'm not losing weight. I used the "but I'm in nursing school, I'm so stressed and busy, it doesn't matter as long as I graduate" excuse all year...and here I am, 20lb heavier than when I started.

Don't get me wrong, last year was the hardest I've worked at something in a long, LONG time. It was long and stressful, and I cried multiple times a week, and at the end, every day. I'm so much happier now that it's over...but I'm also fatter, and pudgier, and just generally squishier. I try so hard to keep my head high, to be positive and happy...but it's hard sometimes. Especially when I wear a shirt around the house that's form fitting and shows off all the less-than-flattering curves around my midsection. It was easy to hide everything in the baggy scrubs I wore everyday, but it's so much harder now that I'm wearing real clothes more often. I can't keep denying how much it drags at my self-esteem.

So, here I am! Posting in multiple forums because I like the company and support, and I'm a social person that likes to talk to people often (especially those that know the struggle!). I've lost a pound so far. It's not much, but it's a start.

[Swenea]

Hey DreadPiratePanda,

First off, congratulations with graduating from nursing school. Two of my friends have recently graduated and are currently working in hospitals. It is not easy at all from what I hear them say.

It's very easy for me to gain weight too when I am in a stressful time in my life. I have a problem with sugar and emotional eating. I am testing out a theory I have on breaking both those issues. It seems to be working so far.

Just know you are not alone here and that there are some very supportive people here going through the struggle. I've already been supported and I've only been here about a week!

If you ever want to talk, I'm here!

-Jerusha

P.S. Oh, please go purchase yourself a foot massage as a reward for achieving your goal. You will have your work cut out for you.

[souvenirdarling]

Congrats on finishng your studies!! I hear the shift part of nursing is rough - eating at regular times, accessing "healthy" food. Now that you won't always have school on your mind, its a great time to start working on your non-academic life

[LilEmma123]

Hi DreadPiratePanda,

Congratulations for your graduation!
I can totally relate to your story... I've been in grad school for a year and a half now, during which I have gained 25 lb. I know how stressful and demanding it can be.

You are not alone... If you ever want to talk, I'm here for you

[DreadPiratePanda]

Thanks, guys! I just took the NCLEX yesterday and I'll be getting my results tomorrow. In the meantime, I've been cleaning and working out like crazy. Time to get this show on the road!

[Skinnygirldreams]

I hope your NCLEX went well! I work in a hospital myself as a secretary. We do the 12 hour shifts. I have really been trying to bring my meals with me ( breakfast and lunch) to avoid unhealthy choices in the cafeteria! I've done pretty good the last month or so. On the rare days I haven't brought my lunch I've made healthier choices. Though generally I just try to avoid the cafeteria. I find that sometimes, if I am down there I may have the intention of getting something healthy, but will then have my eye caught by a less healthy option.

[DreadPiratePanda]

Skinnygirldreams: It did go well, thanks! I'm now officially an LVN.

[K9Owner]

I gained 20 lbs in RN school too. I lost it--you can too! This site and one like my fitness pal can help!

Sorry to say, school is just one obstacle with nursing and weight gain.
Once you're on a floor--any floor-- if you work in a hospital, there will be other obstacles. One of many will be the aroma of different food from every avenue all hours of the day and night, long hours, high stress levels, and on your days off--you'll just want to crash in bed!
Not to mention all the parties, meetings with food, baby showers, wedding showers, going away showers, etc that will have more food around you than you can sometimes handle!

I can totally relate. The struggle IS real!

[kitcat671]

I've gain as well when going through nursing school and now in the workplace. It seems like we're always snacking on sweets, takeout, and not to mention the potlucks.

I bring my own healthy lunch which helps with the temptation.

You CAN do it!! Its all about self-control.

[CallyMay]

I graduated as well last year, though not from nursing school. I only gained about 2 or 3 lbs in that year, but definitely haven't managed to lose any weight and I also feel that now I don't have an excuse not to lose weight.