For all MFP returnees, why did we gain the weight back?

Almost four years ago, I started logging, did nutrisystem, was extremely vigilant about food and exercise and lost around 50 pounds. I decided to stop nutrisystem and had a hard time maintaining the low calorie diet without it and my husband had to work more and that cut down on the amount of time I could go to the gym to work out. Also, I plateaued for a few weeks and still had so much more weight to lose, and that made me also lose motivation.

Those were all factors that caused me to go into vacation mode, where "I'm going to start dieting and exercising soon, so I might as well pig out as much as I want while I can still have the good stuff". Also, extreme laziness where I don't pack or cook food, led me to having a fast food diet. So over the last 3 years I've gained back all the weight and then some. Some little part in my head keeps thinking, "well, once you start dieting and exercising again, you'll lose the weight, so why don't you just delay." Also, it is sort of embarrassing going back to the gym and be SOOOO out of shape (at least the first time around I didn't have a frame of reference).

Those were all the excuses from before and now I am trying to fix that, my eating is still not that great, still have a good portion of fast food in there, but at least they are healthier and lower calorie choices, and I'm slowly ramping up my exercise. It's a lifestyle change, not a crash diet.

Been on here since 2011, always quit within a few weeks. I came back December 14th. I came back because it was time to get serious about this. I just finished nursing school, I was applying for hospital nursing jobs and I felt being an obese RN was.... hypocritical.... Plus 12 hour possible night shifts, it is time to get healthy now.

The reason I quit before were because I was so restrictive. I cut out fast food, 'bad foods', a whole bunch of stuff. It would lead me to rage quitting. This time I have not cut anything. Today I ate chick-fil-a, and it fits in my calorie limit (no its not the only thing I ate) I just didn't get a large combo meal. I am eating what I want, just making better choices about it.

I also told myself, if I can do this during the holidays then there is nothing stopping me. I lost weight during the holidays and still enjoyed myself.

And today marks 30 days now, the longest I have ever stuck with it.

I got pregnant. 17 months later I'm still trying to shift this darn weight! I think not being at work is the cause of my problem.

Wow, I am in this exact boat. Lost about 40 lbs and have put just over half of it back on. I totally lost all my motivation. Life circumstances changed. I was previously getting up at about 6am to work out and be to work at 930. During the holidays (2012 holidays), I let myself fall off the wagon with eating and working out, then my work schedule changed and I had to start getting to work at 730am. So, for the past year, I have wondered where my motivation went but wasn't doing anything to get back to it. I still am struggling with motivation, but I thought signing up for a biggest loser contest at work would help. It has, a little. Still looking for the motivation that I had a couple years ago. uggg

Interesting idea. I'm not really a "returnee" I'm always lurking on here. I may skip a day when it's a holiday or have my days mixed up when I work overnights but I've been on here a lot for a long time. I have had no results. If anything I've gained weight. But this isn't really mfp's fault. I am not always perfect in logging. I may forget to log a snack or a drink. These add up. I work a ton of hours and this makes exercise difficult. It isn't even just the "time"thing. I'm mentally and physically drained after work. And it's winter. The cold doesn't make it easy to go to the gym.

But I made a promise to myself a few days before the new year that I would be more diligent in weighing my food and logging correctly. I have started adding in meals at the beginning of the day based on what I pack before I go to work. If something changes, I change it, but it's much harder to "forget" if I planned it and it's already part of my log. I also increased my calories and made my projected loss 1.5 per week. This has made it far easier to keep within my counts. I also am choosing more healthy options. I haven't sworn off candy but now I make absolutely sure to count the number of gummy bears. (I limit it to 10 a day). This is a far cry from my bad days where I'd eat a whole bag of them. I've been logging religiously for 16 days approximately (I think) and I actually lost almost 4 lbs so far.

So the plan for me,"this time" is: pick foods that satisfy me and help cravings (this means I eat avocado and real bacon shreds nearly every day) Drink tea throughout the day. Drink more water. Plan for eating dinner out and log accordingly. Plan my meals before work and pack a substantial meal and a few decent snacks. This is just phase one. Once I get my health issue figured out (been having a problem since November) I will continue with my eating for the next 3 weeks or so (maybe a little less) and then add in some exercise again. I've been reading a lot about heavy lifting and I want to do my Zombies, Run! 5k trainer again. Of course I will continue to follow my goals for eating properly. I'm just attempting some baby steps instead of jumping in head first and then getting bored or overwhelmed quickly.

Long post but it was nice to share and read some other peoples struggles.

Just adding, so I can read later and don't lose this thread...

I was doing awesome. Here everyday, logging everyday, exercising everyday. Then my Dad got sick--lung cancer. I started slacking off some, and went completely off the wagon when he passed away last June. That was the end of diet and exercise for me...I told myself I didn't have time to worry about it, now having my Mom move in with me and having to worry about her health concerns. I gained back 20+ pounds in just 6 months.

BUT. I'm back, and I honestly think I'll get there this time. I'm more determined than ever