Hi everyone!

I haven't posted here in... well, a long time. I've been a member of these forums for over a decade... since I was in college. My weight's been a constant struggle. A few years ago I did Ideal Protein, but I've since gained that weight back... a diet that restrictive isn't right for me and feeds into my sometimes obsessive personality....

Things have been kind of rough for the last few years and is starting to get better. In 2013 I had an extremely rough breakup and moved 700 miles back in with my parents. It took me almost two years to find a decent job- I temped for awhile, and in April I finally got a full time job that I'm really liking. But it's taken so long to get here that I feel like I'm still digging myself out of a hole of depression and self loathing. I'm about to turn 31 and still living with family, which has been weighing on me a lot lately, but I'm very lucky to have a supportive, close family who has not said a negative word about me having to depend on them.

So.. here I am. Trying to be better and accept myself as I am but hopefully with a few less pounds. I don't have the heart to update my ticker now but I've probably gained at least 20 pounds from there. I almost don't want to look!

I'm going to poke around now and hope to see some familiar faces!

Welcome back!

You are very lucky to have parents to help you out. Sounds like you have pulled yourself up by the bootstraps and have a plan to move forward. I have been divorced and know all about starting over again. I found a wonderful man but then lost my job. I wasn't happy there, so I look at it like a good thing. Finally found a job that would just pay the bills and moved up from there. But as they say "when one door closes, a window will open". Looks like your window has opened.

Hi there, and congratulations on starting over! Honestly, don't beat yourself about regaining or where you "once were" - just forget about it and start today. Starting when you're in a better place is always a good idea, so you build that foundation for when something happens - when you're able to stay on track through those bad times - your confidence is going to burst through the roof!

I spent half of my 20s and all of my 30s overweight - and finally had enough the year I turned 40. I just turned 44 and, literally, one of my greatest regrets so far is that I lived like that for so long. It wasn't just about being overweight, for me, it was also about serious long-term depression, crazy binges, losing all my friends, stopping all things I enjoyed doing and hating my job. I wish I could erase that, not only for myself, but for every person alive.

You are 31 and starting afresh. Be proud! I wish I could've done it at 31 - oh! The fun I would've had all those years!

Welcome back djs06!

Welcome back. I've also just recently returned after a long absence (and an absurd weight gain). Best of luck to you in starting over.

Welcome back!

Hi stranger!

A warm welcome back to you as well Aclai4067!

Today's a brand new day and a great day to start a new. It's a great blessing to have a family to support you and you can start today exercising and getting back on track. Just think, this time next week you won't be like you will be today, just like this time next month and this time next year it won't be the same. Heck, with as fast as this year has gone for me, how far will you be when Christmas gets here? Take your time, be patient and start slow and you will do great. Welcome back

Thanks everyone! It's great to have the place, especially when struggling!

Hey right back at you, IPNewbie stranger!

Welcome back! It's never too late to refocus on your health and yourself. I have started this process a dozen or more times. This time, at 42 years old, is going to be the LAST!