Motivation

I started coming to this site way back (under another name) at 195 and was able to drop down to 150. I felt so good. I went through a break up of a twenty year relationship and felt even better. Moved up in my job, bought my own home lived alone with my dogs. I did not lose anymore weight but did not gain and felt ok.

Then work got stressful when we hired a man who, and I quote, "Has a lot of problems taking orders from a woman". This situation upped my stress level and I found myself eating more and more--that's what I do when I am in stress, eat for comfort. I really believe it's an eating disorder in itself....well, of course it is or I wouldn't weigh fifty pounds more than I should. Anyway, I gradually over the last year gained back most of the weight, am back up to 184 and feel sluggish and terrible. The guy at work has made cracks about my weight in joking ways and that has not helped.

I am just so depressed at this point. Though the work situation is resolving itself through upper level intervention (and my own determination) the weight is still creeping back. This site pulled me through many times and supported me in many changes and though I have lost touch I need to re connect. Work keeps me very busy but I have got to start taking care of myself. All help is very much appreciated.

You did it once, yu can do it again.  Your health is way more important than that guy and what he says.  Food didn't create the problem.  Food won't fix it.  It will just create more.  Get back in touch with the will to lose like you did before.  Going from 195 to 150 was quite an accomplishment.  One that I am struggling to do.  Don't make it all a waste of time.

When you put it that way, I feel a little like I've cheated myself. Thank you for taking the time to reply and for the positive push.

since you were able to do it once... I'm sure you remember how to do it again.  You sound motivated and ready to get back down again.  Stick with it and I'm sure you will see results again. 

Also.. btw.. I too eat when stressed.  Seems a connection to me that if you are sad/bored... if you eat something (especially something sweet) it make you feel better.  I am looking for alternative ways to manage that... and am considering st. johns wort for mood boosting. 

Just my 2cents... I'm here if you want to team up.  feel free to add me as a friend and I'll add you back

Stress can do it, I know that when I am stressed, sad, happy, bored... I eat too much of the wrong foods. You have taken the first step by getting back on this site.  I too have begun to lose the 50 pounds that I have gradually gained back after working so hard to lose.  (although I have much more than that to lose)  Just begin each day and take it one day at a time.  That is what I have been doing and I can't believe it has already been over three weeks and almost 9lbs.  I have been keeping track of everything I put in my mouth and am amazed at how much I can still eat!   I would encourage you to just begin again each day and do it for yourself.

ciosa1020 mentioned st john's wort.  I prefer taking Sam-e, a similar mood booster.  It has gotten me through 2 bad breakups and the last 7 years of that horrible feb-spring slump.  I get very depressed in the winter, mostly after the holidays have passed and I am waiting for spring.  I used to gain about 10lbs every year at that time (just in time for bathing suits, lucky me).  Sam-e has stopped that and I feel happy and motivated.   I definitly reccommend it as a short term solution to get you back on track! 

Stress is the diet killer....take a day and just start excersizing even if it is a Sunday.  I am cleaning out closets today.  Boring but a way to burn some calories.  If it wasn't threatening rain I would be out riding bike, but having a four year old out in the rain sucks.

Anyways back to the topic, work is hard when you have a person there making life miserable.  Take one day at a time start logging the food again and excersizing when you can.  Even movement while you are doing your hair in the morning is better than nothing.

When I used to work with someone who made me angry and I found myself at the vending machine to feel better, I started to tell myself that he wasn't going to make me do this.  I turned my frustration into anger and that strengthened my resolve.  I might not have been able to completely fix the problem with the co-worker, but I'll damned if he's going to make me eat this.  What I eat I have control over and I won't give him the power to change that.  If you get angry/resolved enough, you may march off angrily to a walk outside and come back pleased with yourself because  you won.  Of course, he has no idea of the little drama you've just enacted, but you'll still feel superior. 

On bad co workers:  Good luck -- my sister had a terrible time with a co worker who was mentally ill and paranoid and picked her as his nemesis.  She was starting tests for ovarian cancer because of the health issues she had from stress.  Once he was escorted from the building, her health problems miraculously resolved themselves.  Stress can be a killer.  I'm glad to hear things are getting resolved -- I think women accept stuff they shouldn't for too long at work.  If a co worker's behavior is interferring with your ability to work effectively, then you get to talk to your boss without feeling guilty for doing so -- you have a legitimate complaint.  If the boss doesn't fix it, tell HR.  Alot of times the troublemaker is annoying the boss too, or HR has had other complaints and your complaint is the one that opens the door to "Jim, we've had complaints about your behavior...".  It gives the boss an opening.  Bosses are only human too, and they sometimes need a crutch to tackle a problem.

Thank you so much to everyone who replied. I had hoped to find that same support here and I am so glad I came back on.

hmmfood: I would love to know where you got the mood enhancer from. I have not heard of that one. st. johns never did much for me.

silver: Yes, this guy made it miserable for months going to work. The thing is, I love my job and have not had one minute of real problems except for him and his hateful, know it all attitude. You are right, in going to the food I let him get the best of me and he knew it since he even made comments about my weight. i was not as aware of it as he was and I kick myself for that now. Anyway, I am on the road to bettering my life once again and I thank you for replying.