Amanda, this feels like running into an old friend unexpectedly while out at some crowded event or at the grocery store. I remember so well your posts, your wedding pictures, your and your partner's decision to have a child, the little guy's birth, demanding job, your fears about monstrous regain after the elliptical accident and how you coped with recovery and getting back your mobility. I'm so glad to know what's been going on with you, including the unhappy events, like that devastating fire (been there myself, only with a devastating flood). And welcome back -- of course you're a maintainer.
I think I understand your state of mind to some degree as well. I, too, have maintained through a parent dying of cancer, through loss and reconstruction of a home, through physical ailments, through escalating stress while overachieving on my job. I didn't think I could do it, I thought I'd relapse and dive headfirst into the familiar comfort of a food addiction, but for the most part, I have maintained my "abstinence" (insofar as I can abstain from something that we all need to live). What I've regained is within the small margin that most people call "normality," which is the state that I always longed for, really.
I'm glad we're all here at the same time to help one another. That's all.
Thank you everyone for the warm welcome back. I'm really looking forward to catching up.
Saef, I get what you're saying about being in that margin of "normality". It's strange to have not fallen back into old habits without thinking about it (maybe that's what 8 years of mostly maintenance gets you?).
I'm just excited to bring out the tools I know work (3FC, weights, food tracking) and see some progress, now that the space to do them exists.
Amanda, I'm new since last February. Oh wow, when I just typed that I realized I have maintain almost one year. Oh well, nevermind about me, your story is amazing! I'm so sorry for all you went through. Any one of the things you wrote could break someone and you have maintained! I hope you realize how strong you are. Your little one is adorable! Thanks for the inspiration.
Wow, that is a lot to deal with! If that was me, I would have gained it all back and then some! I definitely don't think you should be beating yourself up about not having lost the last bit of weight you wanted to lose! Your son is 2, my youngest is 5 and I'm just now finally figuring out how to get this weight off!! You are inspiring. I'm so sorry to hear about your dog and cat . I hope things get better for you! We're having to move not by choice right now as well. Take care! ~lisa
I swear, I wrote in this thread last week. Or just read it and never came back and posted. Welcome back. I'm so glad that things are starting to settle down for you guys.