Lifetime of struggling
I'm 38. I've been struggling with my weight and dieting since I was in elementary school. I've lost the same thirty pounds again and again over the years, which I know is unhealthy, but I just can't seem to find anything that works long-term for me.
This past year was particularly rough. In 2016, I lost about thirty pounds again, getting down to 203 and a comfortable, if not slightly loose, size 16. I did it by going low carb. I didn't count carbs or calories. I just avoided sugar, bread, starch, etc. I was also walking to and from work every day, which was a good amount of exercise for me.
Fast forward a few months. Walking to work was no longer an option, so there went my exercise. I had surgery. I had a Mirena IUD inserted at the same time. My father-in-law suffered and died from cancer, and then I started a much more stressful position at work. Stress, stress, and stress. I got back into bad (but easier) eating habits.
My appetite and cravings have been insane over the last few months, and I have gained back almost all the weight. I'm back to 230 and in a tight size 18. Most of the weight has gone to my lower belly. It's horrible. I look swollen. I can still wear most of my same clothes, but they don't fit me right anymore because my stomach is so big now. I know that people at work can see it, and it's so embarrassing.
I am really depressed about this happening yet again. I don't know what to try next because it seems like I can never stick to anything more than a few months. I'm tired of putting myself and my body through this dangerous weight roller coaster. I'm here on the forum now for advice and support because I have to do something. I don't want to shorten my life span because I can't lose weight and keep it off. I'm trying to stop the train before it goes any further.
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