Good at losing weight, even better at gaining it!

I'm not really new to MFP. I think I started my account a year or two ago, but haven't used it much. The reason I'm introducing myself here is that now I finally plan to really use it. I'm about a week in, and I am quite satisfied with the foods database and the recipe calorie calculator thing. Pretty handy.

Anyway, I'm a veteran at losing weight. In 2006, I lost 70 lbs on a commercial diet method. I'm even a "lifetime member!" However, over the past 8 years, I've regained 60 of it. Yeah. My bad.

Point is, I do know how to lose weight. There is no secret; healthy eating (with controlled portion sizes) and exercise will always rule. It's just a matter of doing it, then maintaining it. That's the hard part. Right now I'm totally motivated, but you'll probably see me back in the forums when I'm having a hard time. When you have 60 lbs to lose, there is going to be some discouragement along the way.

Possibly TMI, but if it helps anyone else here, I have bipolar disorder and take a handful of medications every day in an attempt to manage it. Some of the meds can affect weight, but in the end it was my lifestyle choices that got me here, not any little pills.

Despite that, I've managed to get a masters degree in a medical profession, and I currently work in clinical research. I'm 30 and single. I have a cat. I play the bassoon in two community orchestras, and I'm an enthusiastic vegetable gardener.

This seems to be turning into a dating website profile, so I think it's time to put the iPad down now. :)

Replies

  • JustSomeEm
    JustSomeEm Posts: 20,289 MFP Moderator
    My sister is bipolar, so I have some idea how that affects things. I commend you for all your success, I know how hard it can be. My sister seems to be stuck in the 'take pills, feel better, stop taking pills and end up in hospital' loop.

    Anyway, I garden too! LOVE to eat tomatoes I grew, knowing that there are no crazy chemicals in them. :)

    Welcome back to MFP. :)
  • BekkahS1552
    BekkahS1552 Posts: 34
    I am a fellow veteran at losing weight and then gaining it back :tongue: I love cats... I have 2 of them (one for each of my kids).
  • ajmurray1234
    ajmurray1234 Posts: 163 Member
    I too am a member of the lose weight gain it back club. First time was back in 1996 - went from 170 to 130 (pure exercise) Second time was in 2001 - Went from 185 to an unhealthy 105 (Atkins + over exercising) Third time was two years ago, went from 150 to 125 (personal trainer). Now 2014, back to 170. Dare I say this is the last time? I really hope it is.
  • Thanks for the replies!

    Homegrown tomatoes are the best, and probably my favorite crop! I also grow cucumbers, peppers, onions, summer squash, and some root vegetables. It's a lot of work, but so rewarding! I live in a condo (and have no yard), but there is a community garden in town. Unfortunately, it still isn't open yet this year. I'm about to give up and buy a bunch of big planters for the many vegetable plants currently inhabiting my balcony. It looks like a jungle. :)

    With regard to losing weight, I also hope this is the last time for me. Barring any severe unforeseen circumstances, I am ultimately the one in charge of whether or not I regain the weight and have to lose it again. I keep telling myself I can do better this time, and I'm sure as heck gonna try!
  • runningagainstmyself
    runningagainstmyself Posts: 616 Member
    Hello, fellow veteran!

    I lost 54lb. through the "commercial method" I believe you're speaking of, and I'm lifetime too. I gained 40 of it back, though. So far, I have taken 20 off, but it's still a work in progress.

    Amazing how they teach you to lose weight but give no formal instruction on how to keep it off, hey?

    Anyway, feel free to add me. I have cats, too! (Note: That was incentive. ;) )

    *Edited for typo. Sorry.
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  • krazyforyou
    krazyforyou Posts: 1,428 Member
    Yes, I am really good at regaining the weight I lost. Nothing like drowning your self in a 1/2 gallon tub of ice cream is there. Glad to know I am not alone.
  • Weight watchers. I wasn't sure if I was allowed to name names on the forum. :)