Feel like I'm dying...

Speaking from personal experience, depression may be the main problem, or at least the first thing to address. Any number of physical problems may be causing you to be fatigued/depressed, in which case trying to lose weight is just an added punishment. Depression, whatever the etiology, is treatable. Don't give up!

Have you tried getting a second opinion from a different doctor? I'm amazed at what one provider will test for versus the next. Have you been tested for hypothyroidism? I know it's uncommon in men..but it might explain a lot. Also, I'd pursue Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care. This is a specific kind of chiropractic that can help get your nervous system working again if it has been pinched and is operating poorly. I'm so glad you posted. MFP users will take good care of you if you stay connected. Take good care and don't be too hard on yourself.

Today, my husband lost one of his best friend's to an obesity-related disease at the age of 49. It was horrific to see someone so wonderful die so young from a disease that was preventable. By the time we realized how bad his situation was, it was just too little too late. Don't end up like this. Take care of yourself. You deserve to live a great quality life, and I know those who care for you feel the same way.

Anyway, just thought I'd share in hopes that it can help keep you motivated to live better than our friend did. It sure has us remotivated.

Hey Doug! I'm glad to see you are still hanging in there.

I'm concerned about the low calorie crash diets you keep doing though and your admission that you have lost and regained to many times it is hard to try again.

Stop doing low cal crash diets? Slow and steady wins the race. Use the tools available to you to find out what your maitenance calories are supposed to be and slowly decrease your intake to meet those levels. Then slowly decrease your calories again to under maitenance to start creating your deficit. If you're eating way over then depending on your weight you could lose weight to start just by going down to maitenance.

Happy New Year whether you decide to get back on the horse or not.

Hi Doug!
I'm just throwing this out there since you mentioned the passing of your dog a while ago.
Is there a local animal shelter at which you could volunteer? Taking dogs for short walks or just tossing a ball for them can do wonders for them and for you! I find it easier to do an activity when I'm doing it for someone else. Maybe you'd feel more motivated if you knew your activity was helping the dogs? Since you have experience with dogs, maybe you could even do basic obedience training. That would be both physically and mentally stimulating without being too intense. Since you've had several life challenges that seem to have brought you down, helping shelter pets might give you something to feel positive about, too!

These are the consequences of unhealthy living.
Do what you can and run everything past your doc.

In time you'll be enjoying the rewards once again.

I think people have said most of what I was going to say.

I just wanted to remind you that there a lot of other people starting their journeys just like you! We've been up and down, too. Most of us have failed more times than we can even count.

Read tons of success stories and visualize your goal as much as you can to stay focused.

I also have a hard time waking up (Not as hard as you, I don't think), but I try to drink a huge glass of water the moment I wake up. I'll admit that it sorta makes me want to throw up for a while. But after about 10 minutes, I feel awesome. So that's probably worth a try, if mornings are your kyrptonite like they are for me.

The thing that has helped me most with energy levels has been exercise. Yes it is hard to start, but start slow. Build up. You will get stronger and you will become more energetic. Every day tasks will become easier for you when you are stronger.