Looking for accountability buddies and some advice

Walk_run1410

Hey there fellow MFP peeps!

I'm looking for accountability buddies. I am a 26 y/o F with about 30-35 pounds to lose. I have fallen off the wagon about 62 billlion times, and it's time now to ACTUALLY cut the bull crap. I am now starting fresh (once again, hah) by logging accurately via weighing and measuring, and combination strength/cardio exercise. Also, I will find a new therapist to help me tackle longstanding issues (more about that below). I am wondering, those of you who have been in my boat, what has helped you to actually stay on track? I'm just frustrated because, I know how to lose weight. Bottom line: eat less, and track and weigh every little thing. I have successfully lost weight in the past, but I have always given up at some point and gained it back.

A little more background about me, I put on excess weight after college. I started binge eating, and it eventually spiraled out of control. Just to be clear, I fully believe that I am responsible for my own health and happiness, so I accept full responsibility for my current predicament. However, earlier this year I finally realized that, while no one is forcing me to buy tons of food and eat it in a short period of time, I have a problem that I can't handle on my own. It's up to me to do everything in my power to deal with this appropriately and put up a hell of a fight. The overwhelming, compulsive urge to eat anything sweet or savory I could get my hands on was truly unbearable (and still is currently, if I'm honest).

So, in April of this year I swallowed my pride and got some help. I went to a psychiatrist and started taking bupropion for depression, and also to help curb my appetite. I am completely honest and open with him about what's been going on. He is aware of my overall weight loss plan (roughly 1700 calories per day, adjusted as needed for exercise), and is ok with it. I also went to a therapist during this time, but after several visits, it really did not seem to benefit me, and I couldn't justify the $200+ per visit cost. I am aware that this could be due to one or several different factors, perhaps I could have done something different or maybe we just didn't mesh well, I don't really know. However, I know of a therapist that my psychiatrist referred me to, of whom specializes in eating issues, so I'm going to call this therapist's office tomorrow and set up an appointment. Positive steps!

Also, I just want to add that in April of this year to early June, I was really on track with things and felt like I was truly on the right path to success. I sought professional help, started taking medication that seemed to help me feel better and curb my cravings, I was weighing and measuring my food, avoided buying certain foods that I KNEW would be problematic, and I was training for a half marathon that I ran in June. I have been a runner for half my life, and genuinely enjoy exercise. Additionally, I wasn't super rigid in my approach. I ate out sometimes, and allowed for treats, so long as it fit into my daily calorie allotment. I was successfully losing weight.Then, I remember this so vividly for some reason, the evening of June 10 (the day I ran my half marathon) I simply gave up and binged hard. I never really got myself back on the right track since then, and have been binging regularly.

I'm still taking bupropion and see a psychiatrist, and will seek out a new therapist. Like I said before, I am now back to weighing/measuring food and exercise. What other suggestions do you have for me to STAY motivated and committed this time? (Of course, no one ALWAYS feels motivated 100% of the time, it wanes sometimes) I'm open to constructive criticism as well.

Well, thanks for reading this and hearing me out. If you need me to further elaborate or clarify something, please let me know. Good night friends!