[lajoiece]

My name is Caitlyn. I am 23 (24 in a month). I have struggled with weight issues since before middle school. During middle school, thanks to an early puberty and comfort eating, my weight shot up to over 200 pounds. I lived this way until my second year of high school, where I fell into the deadly allure of an eating disorder.

I became anorexic in high school. I also became addicted to exercise. The weight poured off of me. In 6 months I lost 75 pounds. My weight fluctuated between 115 and 145 for the next 4-5 years, I got help for my ED, and eventually stabalized at 130.

two years ago, I went on BC for the first time. I didnt notice a change in weight. If anything people said I was thinner. I dont doubt it. I was in a stressful and troubled relationship with a real piece of work, had a heavy class load in college, and worked about 30 hours a week. My now ex would also criticize what I ate, which meant I hardly ate.

After ending my relationship, I met an incredible man, the love of my life. I began eating again. Not just more in general, but terrible things. I began eating fast food! I had never eaten before. I ate a lot too. A few times a day. I also began drinking heavily, for no particular reason either.

Last december I was having chest pains. I got to the doctor, and was weighed. I WEIGHED 175 POUNDS!!!! I couldn't believe it! In less than a year I put on 45 pounds! I shouldn't have been shocked. I was eating far too much of the wrong things and drinking like a fish...

I began a job this past spring that has me outdoors all the time. I dont drink AS much, but still daily, and I am eating healthy food again. I haven't lost any weight still, and its been 10 months and the scale hasn't budged. Needless to say, I am desperate.

My goal is to get back to 120-130. Currently I am taking thyro-slim supplements and doing the special K challenge. I WAS doing P90X, but sprained my ankle two weeks ago and am still recovering, and then yesterday I stepped on a nail and it punctured my foot.

So until my wounds heal, I will be dieting and trying to get as much exercise as possible.

I am excited to have found this website, and am looking forward to getting and giving support.

[Raven132]

Ow! Sounds like you are on the right track, are you following any particular plan? Good Luck!

[170starting]

Drinking every day may be having a major impact on your weight. I would try going without alcohol for a while and see if it jumpstarts your efforts.

Good luck.

[HikingChloe]

I would second what 170stating said - I think alcohol is probably a bigger culprit than the food. And if you are like me and eat while you drink then it is only worse (who thinks about what they are eating when they are drinking?!).

You might be pleasantly surprised when you get the alcohol out of there. If nothing else, without it you can start getting a true sense of food calories next.

Working outdoors for some people has a tendency to trigger eating - so be aware of that. I think it is like how some people are triggered to eat a big meal after a big workout.

At least you are aware right now and trying to consider your changes. Best of luck.

[HikingChloe]

I hadn't seen the special K challenge so I looked it up. I would have trouble sticking to it (pretty restrictive, but I get what it is trying to accomplish from a calorie point of view). Do you find you "cheat" on it a lot?

Also wasn't familiar with Thyro-slim. Have you had your thyroid checked out? If it is low, probably a prescription would be more effective.

[Someday123]

Welcome, and good on your journey!

[lajoiece]

Thank you all for responding to me.

A few replies to your replies...

-I dont eat while I drink... and I really want to stop drinking. I know I am an alcoholic, so I am trying to go more and more days a week without drinking. Last week I only drank 4 times, so I guess thats good.
-In terms of the special K. I have done it before and it worked. I dont follow the plan exactly, as I am not much of a snacker, and I dont like sugary cereals, so I eat the original with a 1-2% milk. Then I eat a normal dinner with lean proteins, veggies and rice usually. If I am feeling low in energy I buy an all natural soy protein shake (containing at least 32 grams). I am on day 5 and I am not having cravings of any kind and I have already begun to notice my collar bones sticking out more. I usually get exercise 3-6 days a week with work and then hiking for pleasure.

[lajoiece]

I just started a Blog if you want to follow it through this site titled 40 pounds to Freedom

[tommienc]

You and I have very similar experiences with being over weight, developing an eating disorder, being addicted to exercise and gaining when we found an amazing man.

I'm sure with hard work you'll be back to a healthy weight before you know it. I've lost 28 lbs in the past 2 months just by eating healthy and exercising.

You can do it!! Good Luck!!!!!!!!