Anybody LOST a lot of weight then GAINED it all back?

When I was 26ish, I lost 70lbs in about 7 months. I was incredibly motivated to lose the weight and put so much work into it. I kept it off for a few years ... and then gained back every single pound (between the ages of 30-34).

I started to put it back on because I went through a really bad break-up with someone I had been living with for a number of years, and found myself moving back home. Depression coupled with mom's comfort food ... and the fact that I moved away from a mult-mile hiking trail that started in my backyard, to the inner city ... it wrecked both my diet and my work-out.

Excuses? 100% absolutely. I totally recognize that.

And it wasn't until I stepped on the scale and saw that I'd literally gained back the entire 70lbs that I felt myself overcome with horror and shame.

All that work, wasted. Ugh.

But there is one positive. The first time I lost that 70lbs, it felt so very impossible. It was mentally exhausting because I kept telling myself "ugh, god, I'm never going to be able to do this."

This time it's different. I know I've lost 70lbs before. I know how I did it. I know the work it took. And I know that, over time, if I keep the work up, that weight will be gone.

I don't have that same level of mental exhaustion or that same level of negativity.

It's like playing a video game, struggling to get to the end and then getting killed ... sure, it sucks to have to go all the way back to the beginning, but now you're familiar with it, know what it takes, what works and what doesn't work, and you find yourself doing much better the 2nd time around.

When I was 23, I started getting serious about my weight as I was close to crossing 200 pounds. I decided dietary fat was the enemy and went on a low fat diet. The weight came off really quick and I remember losing 20 pounds in one month. I started exercising as well but really had no idea about fueling my body. I don't know how long it took but I lost 60+ pounds and was happy with the way I looked. The way I felt was totally different, I was constantly bloated and had no energy. I could easily spend 1 1/2 - 2 hours at the gym and worked a full time physical job as well as helped my dad with his cleaning business. I think I was constantly netting negative calories.

When I turned 26, I met my future husband. We constantly ate out as he lived in the barricks and I lived with my dad. The weight stayed off because of me being so physical but once we got married and moved in together, I got content and the weight piled on. I wasn't used to eating so much food! I went back to school and wasn't as active as I used to be. The weight came on pretty quick in the two years I was in school and I haven't been able to get rid of it.

Now i'm pregnant with our first child and ready to burst (due date is next Sunday..lol). I was close to 100+ pounds heavier than when we met. Now I have the tools to make sure I lose this weight the proper way that is healthy for me. I will continue with walks after the baby is born and get back into my strength training when the doctor gives me the okay.