Jist: I'm back because I gained half of my weight back and I need to get it off, lol.
I started dating my current boyfriend 2 years ago, and I've enjoyed the **** out of myself, a bit too much. He's a foodie and he loves trying new foods and traveling and unfortunately all that going out and away has affected my waistline. I think last time I talked to you guys I was in the middle of my gain and trying to stop it before it became a problem. I had gained back like 30lbs and that 30lbs has since turned into another 30 from that point. I got all the way down to 143lbs at my lowest, and I'm back up to 200lbs now. Ugh ugh ugh.
And it hasn't just being going out all the time. We recently moved across the country, and trying to get adjusted to my new life in my new state has led to me mindlessly eating, and while I haven't gained any weight since I moved, I can tell if I don't do something now, I will only put on more weight. In fact, I've put on weight without putting on pounds -- I've gained inches all over, and my belly feels like it's huge, and that only means that it's only a matter of time before I cross that line back into what I consider big-time obesity (which to me, is a matter of clothes size: If I'm exclusively in plus sizes again, I know I've gone way too far. I caught myself on Torrid's website again a few days ago, and while I love Torrid, being able to fit into their clothes again only means that I've let myself go, at least to myself, and that's depressing).
Sooo I guess I'm back again for encouragement and motivation and accountability and all the reasons why someone would use this forum, lol. That's my story, and hopefully I'll actually stick around this time and get some of this weight off, again.
Why is weight management so hard? You'd think they'd come up with something to combat it by now, it is 2016 after all. But I guess some things you just can't fix any way other than the old fashioned way! Right? Sure! Lol.
Anyway, that's my long post. Hope you all have a lovely day.
back to 3FC, Lauren! Nice to hear from you! I remember you well from a couple of years ago. Girl, your story sounds like mine minus the boyfriend and cross-country move My lowest was also 143 and now I'm back at 200. Like you, I found losing the weight was much, much easier than weight maintenance. When I lost weight I went into it with a lot of skepticism that I could be successful and lose the pounds. Once I found that I could and do it pretty easily as long as I was disciplined, I snuggled comfortably into weight loss mode never thinking about maintenance. BIG mistake. The other thing that is different for me is actually getting back into the success mindset. At the height of my weight loss success I was working out twice a day, doing Body Pump, kick boxing, running, walking AND on point with my eating. And, it seemed so easy once the habit was created. Now? I just can't seem to get there again.
No advice from me. Your own history and experience tells you that 3FC is populated from some of the most supportive and kind folks on the planet (or so it seems). Honestly, I think being public about your struggle and willing to try again regardless of challenges and roadblocks is half the battle and speaks volumes about you.
Good to know that you are doing well. Stick around!
I feel your pain! I had gained about 30 pounds, then lost 50 pounds, maintained for about 5 years, and then over the past 2 years I gained it all back and then some. Part of the reason for my gain was a lifestyle change due to a relationship, but we're no longer together so I won't mention that again.
Anyway, just wanted to say that I know the frustration. As others have said though, the good news is you know how to lose and that you can do it!
You may not be feeling it yet, but more good news is that you're about to feel MUCH better as you move back into a fit lifestyle. Health really does feel much better, even while we lose, not just once we get to the goal weight. Once you get the habits back into place, you're going to feel great.
back, Lauren. I doubt if there are very many of us on here who can't identify with the losing and then gaining it all back... nothing to do but buck up and start again, but you can do it!!!
Welcome to Washington! It's a beautiful place to live.
And actually I agree with you about the old fashioned way. For me it was just "stop eating crap and get off my butt." I am happy that I have been able to maintain my weight for three years but am back and still wanting to lose more.
I am back here too after putting on 14 pounds. Trying not to gain more. I moved back to my home state in December and started a new very demanding job. I used to work out 10 hours a week now I commute 10 hours a week. My Dr said it may take me a year to get back into a schedule after the move. Once we got here I went almost immediately into working 70+ hrs a week behind a desk not working out and then commuting. Yuck! (tax accountant ) so here I am getting back on the wagon too. Going back to what worked the first time. Logging all of my food, some form of daily exercise and yoga. Most importantly coming here for support. I just can't express how important the support is. I'm back seeing my personal trainer weekly after having Avoiding him for 6 months too. The move, new schools for kids, new job, new home, new daily schedule all was A LOT to handle all at once. Good luck.
Weight management is NOT hard once you get the hang of things. Find your routine, stick with it and keep the weight off for good. BTW, it's perfectly fine to have a cheat meal every now and then because at the end of the day it comes down to this: The GOOD outweighs the BAD. If you're doing 90% clean eating and exercising, NO junk food is going to take that away from you. Find a rhythm and stick with good. Good luck!
I don't know why people believe all the diet hype when the reality is that when people restrict and lose they gain it back. It happens over and over to everyone we know and even when it happens to us we don't believe it. Diets don't work. If they did we'd all be skinny. It's absurd to me that people do this over and over again for their entire life. Diets fail 95% of the time. If our doctor were to give you medicine and said "there is only a 5% chance this will work and 95% chance that this will make your symptoms worse" would you take that pill?
Ok rant over. It makes me sad to read a post like this because you've done nothing wrong. I'm reading that you have moved to a new state with a guy you love and he loves you and loves to enjoy food with you and you're upset because you're browsing clothes from an unacceptable clothes purvayor. You're adraid of crossing lines and being in plus sized clothing and you're making "fat" this terrible destination and scrutinizing your body. Life is short and your body needs you to take care of it, not put it in ultimatums. You are failing your body big time, not by gaining weight but by putting it under so much pressure and scrutiny. Be healthy, eat, move your body, exercise, pursue health! But don't pressure yourself into a number of pounds. Don't love your body conditionally. Would you turn to your best friend or mother and tell her "I will love you if you are below 145lbs"??
Ugh.
back to 3FC, Lauren! Nice to hear from you! 
I remember you well from a couple of years ago. Girl, your story sounds like mine minus the boyfriend and cross-country move 
My lowest was also 143 and now I'm back at 200. Like you, I found losing the weight was much, much easier than weight maintenance. When I lost weight I went into it with a lot of skepticism that I could be successful and lose the pounds. Once I found that I could and do it pretty easily as long as I was disciplined, I snuggled comfortably into weight loss mode never thinking about maintenance. BIG mistake. The other thing that is different for me is actually getting back into the success mindset. At the height of my weight loss success I was working out twice a day, doing Body Pump, kick boxing, running, walking AND on point with my eating. And, it seemed so easy once the habit was created. Now? I just can't seem to get there again. 
Honestly, I think being public about your struggle and willing to try again regardless of challenges and roadblocks is half the battle and speaks volumes about you. 
back, Lauren. I doubt if there are very many of us on here who can't identify with the losing and then gaining it all back... nothing to do but buck up and start again, but you can do it!!!
