I'm sorry you're going through a rough time. I'm so glad that you are back here where you can get support. Everyone has given you great advice, I don't really have anything to add but more

Beverly,

I haven't read the other replies yet because I am, uh, dealing with chronic pain. And it's bad enough at the moment that I
a) can't do much reading, and
b) want to stuff myself with pizza to distract myself from the horrid headache and mild nausea

But I want you to know that I really like having you around. You're such a nice person and have always been supportive and I really appreciate it. And I am right there with you, regained weight and trying to get it back off. You're still skinnier than me

I have chronic knee pain. I have severe degenerative arthritis and bone spurs in both knees, and a torn meniscus on one knee. It hurts a lot of the time. It grinds ALL the time. And yeah I want to throw myself into a vat of alfredo sauce to drown out the pain sometimes, but I find that acknowledging the pain and the desire for it to go away and the feelings of helplessness... just acknowledging all those things goes a long way in being able to stay sane and find alternatives to overeating.

What do you love to do? Make a list. Think of things that comfort you that are not food. Me, I like long baths, reading books, sitting outside in nature and meditating, and sitting with a mug of hot tea with a scented candle burning in the house. Those kinds of things can help with chronic pain.

Good meds help too... take what you gotta. Sometimes I just sit and cry a bit over the pain and then I can get back up and keep on going. It's better than stuffing the feelings down with food.

Anyway I care about you and want you to succeed, so keep on posting and we will get there together, ok??

I'm sorry that you have been having to deal with this pain and the negative feelings that come with eating for comfort. I wish I had some advice on dealing with emotional eating, but I'm sorry to say it's still how I usually deal.

Good for you for changing your ticker. It shows that you are taking back control. You will turn this around!

Beverlyjoy, sending you healing thoughts and support during this tough time. I understand how challenging this situation can be and I wish you relief from your pain.

I read a recent post on the Refuse to Regain website on this topic. I don't know how to link it here (technically challenged!) but it might be helpful. It's written by Jenette Fulda, a young lady who lost half her body weight and is maintaining it with chronic pain.

Take good care of yourself Beverlyjoy.

Macomer, schmoodle, meg, thighsbegone, fb, fiberlover, kaplods, mj, paulam, rodeo girl, kmk, rhonda, time2lose, lyn, tai, farseashore, h8cake ....

Thanks again to you all for responding with hugs, caring, good ideas and support. It means so much to me.

Beverlyjoy,

I'm sure I won't be the last to respond, and so many have given you all the thoughts I would have had. All I have left is to send you hugs and healing wishes.

Perhaps always our biggest challenge is to find alternatives to eating as a way to cope when we are challenged. I would add to the list...remembering all the folks who care about you, both here and in your daily life. That's the real love you get, not the fake love in a bowl of ice cream.

Don't hide away again, keep posting, and keep changing your ticker...I know it can move down!

I am sorry that you are having to deal with so much pain right now. You have already gotten so much great advice.

I am really proud of you for admitting that you have gained. Now that you own it, you can start fixing it! The holiday season is such a hard time anyway! But we have to try!

Beverlyjoy -- I can't imagine what it must be like to deal with that kind of chronic pain. I admire you for strength and perseverance! I think the quote in your signature says it all! "You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it." So, you slipped a little and have to re-fight this battle, but I know you can win it in the end!

I always love reading your "Reason I Will Stay On Plan"...oftentimes they really resonate with me and I think, "Yeah, that is a good reason! I want that too!"

Just know that you're a real inspiration and I think it's inspiring that you've admitted your gain and you're taking control again. Like everyone else, I wish I had the answer for emotional eating, but I do it too! So, take comfort in knowing you're not the only one, haha!

so many *hugs* to you my friend. So many hugs...