Hey add me to the list. Though I didn't gain too much, just 7 lbs, I know the depressed feeling. I have been there before where I gained back much more and I have made a commitment, that if I ever start gaining again, I am going to stop myself ahead of time before it goes too far. So, with that commitment in place, in general, I am pretty happy. Today starts day 1 on getting back on track. YOu can do it too!

First of all :HUG:, it will be okay. The weight can and will come off. You're not alone, it happens. I myself am 22-lb gain (my first ever regain) after maintaining a healthy weight for over a year. I was in the zone vis-a-vis maintenance, I really can't tell you what happened and how things come this far. I NEVER thought I would regain, it wasn't even a fear for me. One day, I was thinking I need a new belt or new pants in a smaller size, and today, I'm sitting at work in unbuttoned pants because I gave my old clothes away and have nothing else to wear. It's a horrible feeling and I'm trying to use it as motivation to get back to where I was. One thing I know is if you could do it once, you can do it again.

Vis-a-vis the gym membership, I don't think it's necessary. I mostly go there to run on the treadmill because I live in the tropics and it's too hot outside. Sometimes I do some elliptical and biking but for a good part of my journey, I did and still do workout videos. They are cheaper (many of the Jillian Michaels ones are under $10 bucks brand new and probably cheaper used and you can use them over and over for months). You can also find workout videos for FREE online or at the library or if you have the right kind of cable service (I know from when I lived in America). My favourite thing about workout videos however, is that there are so many different "classes" you can take from the comfort of your home: Aerobics, Step, Zumba, Kickboxing, Dance, Bodyweight training, you name it and it's possible, even walking. And you can do it alone or with a friend or partner or kids if you like.

If you don't want to do workout videos, you can also of course workout outside. Go on walks or jogs or hikes or whatever is convenient for you. Personally, I'm not an outdoorsy person so I love my workout videos but if you are, that's great and there's opportunity there too. Your body is yours and it doesn't have to cost a bomb to work it out.

Thanks for all the support everybody.
I've restarted my weight loss attempts. I've started healthy eating and I bought my gym membership. I've exercised every day this week and I'm now down 8 lbs.

Whoo hoo, way to go Kendrabear!

Way to go Kendrabear! After losing 120 lbs, I maintained that for 10 years and then allowed myself to regain 40 lbs. So, I know the feeling. However, In January I jumped back on the wagon with calorie counting and exercise and have lost it all! You can do it!

I know I'm late posting, but ~ just reinforcing what everyone has noticed ~ it is SOOOO easy to let it all creep back on!! As if, OK, I lost 30 pounds, now I'm done Forever! I had that, then pulled an "Oprah" and moaned, "I can't believe I gained all this weight and never noticed!!"

This year we had a family crisis concerning one of our sons. I instinctively put on weight because I was truly in "Battle Mode" ~ 10 POUNDS.

(Proudest Mom Moment: catching the main drug dealer in our town and sending him to jail!! Filled with Righteous Anger, then immediately spear-headed a Drug Awareness program in the community. End Result: Son Straight and Serious!)

Then, in exhaustion, I said, "I think I'll take it easy this summer... moderate breakfast, eat at the snack bar for lunch, have a PM coffee, and a moderate dinner." ~ 15 POUNDS!!!

So, between stress and even moderation, it comes back!!

Follow a systematic routine and avoid junk food. Drink lot of water atleast 5 ltrs a day.take a proper sleep of min 8 hrs.

Lost 35 lbs and gained it all back!!! . Two deaths in the family, new job. - I need to get back on track. Will prob start with Weight Watchers and have someone weigh me in each week and learn some new recipes and get some support - I told myself I was never going to gain that weight back and HERE I am!!!!

IMHO: I will always be watching my weight. I lost 60 and gained back 65. I've now lost 50 again. I know that I always have to be mindful of my food and exercise. That's just the way it is. I can't be complacent and think 'I'm done, I'm skinny now, I don't have to worry about it anymore.' That's mindset is a sure fire way for me to regain everything I've lost.

Keep at it, forget the past and move forward with today.

Honey, it happened to me more times than I remember. Pick yourself up and try again, you deserve it.

i gained back the 20lbs I lost during the spring/summer. So much for my goal of being 30lbs lighter by Halloween. >

Losing is easy! Done it umpteen times!

Maintaining! That's a whole new ball game.

As you can see, most of us can relate! I have lost almost 100 pounds twice and gained it back due to stress eating and overall poor choices. I could just kick myself! I went through such hard work getting myself healthy, in shape, and was so proud. It is embarrassing to see people who congratulated me so. Ugh. But we are here now, and that is what is important!