Hi, everyone.

I'm usually more of a "troll" on forums, but everyone here seems to be very friendly, so I thought I'd take my chances and say hello. I don't have any support in "real life," so reading about other people's experiences is a huge motivator. Hopefully, this time around, I can make some friends.

Last year, I had great success with a combination of Medifast and Wonderslim products, losing 80+lbs over 5 months. I've tried going the Medifast route again, but hating my job, being clinically depressed, being in the process of applying for grad school, turmoil in relationships, etc. leaves me seeking food for comfort. Having gained all of my weight back, I should be wary of trying a Medifast-like diet once again, but I'm going to give it another try. I'm determined to reach a healthy weight (and stay there), once and for all.

This is only day 2 of my re-start. I was sick yesterday and only drank two shakes (as in meal replacements), and today I'm at just one shake. I know, bad start. I haven't weighed myself yet (I don't own a scale, lol), so I guess I should head to the gym and get on the scale there.

Enough blabbering for now. I'm SO looking forward to getting to know you all!

Ok, first of all,Sugarbooty!!! You are in a rough spot...been there, done that, bought the t-shirt, as they say. In fact, I'm still wearing that exact same t-shirt!

Big cudos to you for caring for yourself! I know when I was struggling with depression issues, just showering and brushing my teeth seemed like a big accomplishment. With regards to comforting yourself, with what are you replacing food? You can't just stop your comfort mechanism, especially in emotionally strained conditions. Find something effective, like a gentle walk outside, stretching, a friend you can call, or even posting here. Journaling can help too. And if you can afford it, get a massage regularly. During the toughest times with my divorce and depression issues, I got a weekly massage. It was really great!

I'm glad you stepped in here and posted, because these ladies are awesome! But you also need some friends in "real time". You sound a little isolated. I know how that feels too. My state of friendships during my darkest days really sucked! I had a knack for surrounding myself with useless, needy people who wouldn't be there for me when I needed them. I had to make new friends, find a therapist or mentor, and I couldn't settle on just one person to do it all for me. I have my fitness posse, a great therapist, my best girlfriend (of 20 years...best thing I got out of my marriage, next to my kids, she was married to my ex's best friend, who is also now her ex), a few older mentor-types, and a series of men of all ages, all over town, with whom I like to flirt just for fun (mostly at the supermarket ).

For me, when I didn't really have anybody, entertainment therapy was great. I really like to yuck it up and laugh a lot, and the one person who helped me the most was Craig Ferguson. He absolutely tickles my funny bone just perfectly! I TiVo The Late Late Show every night and I watch him every morning. You can also watch him online at the CBS website. I also love Flight of the Conchords, who I believe are quite clever. I got to see them in concert in L.A. last weekend! (I'm in love with Jemaine!)

And one more thing that has helped along with not resorting to eating is to find the things that I love to do more than eating, and that is to exercise my creativity and to learn. I'm in school too, and when I'm working on classwork that I love (going for a double major in digital media communications and writing), the whole day will blow past and I have forgotten to eat. Which is quite a big deal for me!

Looking forward to getting to know you!

Georgia

Hi Sugarbooty. So glad you stepped out of lurksville. I look forward to getting to know you.

Hey welcome!

I know how you feel about lacking support in "real life." I get what you're saying. I myself have some of that as well..kind of complicated my life. Pieces everywhere all fitting together, sometimes not fitting that well.

You have people to talk to, especially on here. The ladies and gents here are super supportive. We get you, we will listen to you because we want to.

I'm glad you're here! I hope you come back and make some friends!

Thank you for the warm welcome! I will most certainly be sticking around.

Georgia, it's good to hear from someone that can relate, but at the same time I feel awful that you had to go through such experiences. I know all about those days where you feel so crummy that brushing your teeth or washing your face takes a great deal of effort. I'm actually at a point in my life where I'm motivated to make positive changes and actually start living, but at the same time, I'm totally neurotic .

You're right about the isolation part. I sort of got "trapped" where I'm living now, due to school and family obligations, but I'm in the process of getting my finances together and moving back to the place I consider home. I am trying to find things to distract me from food, like training my dogs, taking them on hikes, growing things, reading things related to my career of interest, and trying to get into some television shows.

I can tell that you are a warm, funny, and witty person....you have no idea how much I appreciate your kind words.

XOXO!

Hi Sugarbooty...

Welcome!

I'm fairly new here myself and also have a lack of "real" support around me so I'm finding the people on here to just be so great.

Good luck with starting anew. The best thing is that you had success and you know it - so that should help you to reach your goal again.

Dani

Hey Booty! Are you out there...shakin' that thing? Just checking in with you.

I haven't done meal-replacement shakes in a very long time. Which one are you using? I'm thinking about doing that for my evening meal, since I tend to overeat after 5. Just trying to find a way to manage that.

Georgia