Gained all the weight I lost - HELP.

Fattack

So, I lost a lot of weight before MFP. I still had quite a bit left to lose (20kg / 40lbs), so I started using MFP in March and lost about 25lbs (12kg) from March to June. Then a few bad external things happened (I lost my job, I emigrated to a new country to live with my boyfriend - where I'm struggling emotionally, financially and socially to be frank) and I emotionally overate. I gained all the weight back that I'd lost and then some on top of it.

Now I just am really struggling to get back on track. I feel unattractive, and I'm so upset with myself. Losing the weight that I've already lost this year, rather than seeming like something I can do (because I've done it before,right?) is a daunting task, and to be honest, it seems like something tiresome - I already lost it, and now I have to do it AGAIN because of my own stupidity. When I lost it the first time, it was exciting, I was seeing my body change into new shapes that I wasn't used to - I know what all those shapes look like now - I don't know if that makes sense to anybody? And obviously, I am so, so disappointed with myself. I feel an absolute mess, my body language is even changed (my boyfriend made a comment about how I sit hunched in a ball on the sofa, and covering my body with my arms), I feel unattractive, unfeminine and most of all, I feel like a total failure.

Has anybody been through this? (regaining weight they lost on MFP) More importantly, how did you find the impetus to lose it again?

blueimp

First of all -- give yourself a break. You made a lot of changes in a short period of time; your in a new place and there are a lot of adjustments.
You seem to have the support of your partner -- capitalize on that and be encouraged by it.
You have the support of as many folks as you want from the MFP community -- use it. Most of us have been there at least once.
It does come down to you; turn that frown upside down. You've done it before, you can do it again! We're here for you. Friend me if you like.

bcattoes

There is no easy answer. Wallowing in self pity because you gained weight won't take it back off. You know what you have to do to lose the weight. Waiting and wishing won't do it.

dvankuiken

It's happened to me as well before. However, today is a new day. You need to wipe that guilty slate of yours clean and remember that if you lost it before, you can lose it again. Just keep on pushing forward. Lean on us MFP pals, we like to encourage you!

sgtlittle

We can't help what life gives us but we can certainly control how we respond to crap thrown on us. The most important part is not feeling like a failure, because you're not. You have had some hard times and everyone deals with it in a different way, but you have a unique advantage by having MFP and the people on it to support you. Let's get started.

You know it is an accomplishable task because you have done it before, and many other people have done it too. What we need to do is set some short term goals for you and strive to complete those. Weight loss and total health is not an overnight thing or something that can be accomplished immediately. We must take baby steps and accomplish the short term goals and your long term goals will naturally follow.

What do you want to accomplish by the end of January? Maybe a workout routine, eating certain fruits and veggies, dedicating a small amount of time per day to be by yourself and meditate. Let's start there and see where it takes us. I am here to support you and get you back on track.

sambo155

You're not a failure! I could never be brave enough to make all of the life changes you have! But you probably feel like, with all of the struggles you're facing right now, how can you be tough enough to deal with all of that AND be on a diet??? Because you CAN and you WANT to! I know how you feel as far as not being happy with yourself. I'm not either. I'm uncomfortable ALL the time. The way I figure it is, my body ain't gonna change itself! Not in a good way, that is. Baby steps! You can do it! You know you can. You have before!

igora_soma

You've made a lot of changes and even though they seem hard, is your life better now than it was before? All together the things in your life that are difficult may seem overwhelming, so tackle one thing at a time. Eventually you will be able to get into a rhythm that works for you. You lost the weight before and you can definitely do it again!

Check out community classes, you might be able to make friends there and get a workout going.

You can do it!

Fattack

There is no easy answer. Wallowing in self pity because you gained weight won't take it back off. You know what you have to do to lose the weight. Waiting and wishing won't do it.

I know that full well, I was asking for input from people (preferably those who have been in a similar situation) as to how to get back on track but thanks anyway.

Thanks for the positive responses guys, the frustrating thing is I'm studying to be a Personal Trainer and Weight Management Advisor and have actually devised plenty of plans for friends but am struggling to actually help myself... and then I feel worse because how can I be a good advocate to others if I can't help myself! Maybe I need to look at it more objectively.