[lucky_star]

Hi everyone!

Thanks for stopping to read my post!

I'm looking for someone out there who can relate to my situation so we can hopefully share some advice and encouragement. So here's just a little part of my story with weight-loss/diet stuff: My major episode of weight loss occurred during my senior year in high school. I lost about 70 lbs by a calorie-restriction diet and some major cardio workouts. When I got to college, I found it too difficult and time-consuming to count calories, so I "let myself go" because I was tired of all the counting and restrictions. So I gained about half of what I loss back, all while in college, because I switched from being semi-anorexic to becoming a binge eater. And you know how it is....once you feel like you've "fallen off the wagon" it's hard to get back on it. I just feel like I don't have the motivation/discipline that I had before. As a result of gaining back weight, I became very depressed and self-conscious...so couple depression + self-esteem issues+ binge eating disorder and that basically equals me. I also have a rigorous academic schedule (I'm a pre-med), which makes sticking to any type of diet frustrating, because all I wanna do is break out the popcorn and chocolate for those all-nighter study sessions.

So....if there's anyone out there who can relate to anything I've said (especially if you're also a pre-med or a binge eater or have self-esteem issues), feel free to write me. Thanks for reading!!

[Kithkin]

Well, I'm 25, and my story seems pretty similar to yours, except I lost my wt in college (60 lbs or so) and gained it back my 2nd year into medical school, when grades became more important than wokring out, and I met my future hjusband (read lots of eating out). I know very well the self esteem spiral that can trap you, and I'd love to keep in touch with you.

Good luck!
Kith

[Chestnutlass]

My story is so similar as well! I lost almost 80 lbs in college (went from 280-202, never quite hit 200) on a very restictive (read....not eating) diet. I was student teaching, taking 2 classes, had a job, easy to not eat when there is no time! Now i am teaching school, kids bring lots of junk food! I have gained back 50 lbs! Arg! Falling off the wagon hurts! Now I am back on and trying to get a routine again. Getting there little by little!

[lucky_star]

Thanks guys for sharing your stories. It helps knowing that others have been/are going thru the same thing. I have no idea how you guys managed to lose weight in college, it's so hard to do! Did you do it on your own or have a gym buddy? Congrats to you both and good luck as well trying to get back on track.

Kith - Wow, your story really does seem like mine! What year are you in med school? I think that's another one of my biggest fears: that I won't resolve my personal issues before I get to med school, so by the time I get there, it'll be even harder to deal with. I'm absolutely sure the actual school part of med school is wayyy harder than getting in, but right now, my concern is just getting in. That part is giving me anxiety. How are you juggling both school and dieting/fitness stuff and being engaged? Are you still trying to figure everything out, or have you gone back to your old routine?