How do I motivate myself again?

I never lost a lot of weight and I kinda gave up on my band. I am around 279 lbs my highes was 335.  But I was down to 254 then slowly went up.  I know I eat not because I'm hungry but because I'm stressed.  I hate exercise because I'm afraid I will hurt myself and I still have to go to work.  I just don't have any will power and I don't know what to do.

I really don't know what to do.  I was looking for some profiles that might give me some hope that i can really do this but I couldn't find any off hand.

I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks for reading.

I know what you are feeling.  I finally got out my old pictures to show me I have still kept a lot off.  I got out some of the material that I got from our weight group and started going over what I did at the first.  I have gained about 10 pounds back from  70 and that was because I got started on Thanksgiving and Christmas goodies.  I have made up my mind to keep those things out of the house.  I can't say I got the stuff for my husband, as he doesn't care for sweets..and have the grand kids over 1 day a week..so I can't say I got it for them...but at the time I thought that sounded good.  I don't want to start getting those bigger shirts and pants, so I just need to start thinking what I want more...those 10 pounds off or the chocolate candy...I  have decided to go after those 10 pounds.  I also don't like to exercise, but know that I do better when I go for a walk, or take care of our grand kids.  They keep me up and down and food out of my hand!
So I hope that you have good luck and remember the band is just tool..the rest is up to us.
Good luck!
Kay

Hi Jenny,
I know motivation is a tough one oftentimes.  I started at 333, similar to your weight.  I find I do my best when I start my day journaling about what I plan on accomplishing for the day.  I  know myself, and when I start thinking about how much weight I need to lose overall, it becomes very overwhelming.

When you're stressed, can you have some healthy snacks ready to go?  

As for the exercise, I don't know if I'll ever love it.  But I do know that it's key in my success, and I do always feel better afterward.  If you're afraid of injuring yourself, take it slowly at first - walk for 10 minutes in the beginning, and increase a small amount each day.  Is there a friend at work who will walk around the block with you during lunchtime?  

The bottom line is, I make a commitment each day to do the best I can.  None of us are perfect, but I do know we're all on this journey.  Stay focused on what you really want, and make small goals.

Hope this helped.  Either way, we're all here for you...
~ Barbara 

Jenny,
I'm sorry that you have not had the success that you would have liked.  I understand the lack of motivation.  I have recently started seeing a counselor in an attempt to get control of my emotional eating and the issues that have contributed to my weight gain and lack of weight loss.  I'm not sure how you feel about counseling, but if that is not an option, have you thought of attending support groups?  Accountability and support will go a long way in helping us stick to our plans.  I'm not saying that I have all of the answers, cause honestly, I could have written your post with a few minor changes.  I would suggest that you start setting small goals.  The confidence boost that meeting those goals may help you to stay motivated.  Keep a food journal, attend a support group, perhaps find another activity that can help you de-stress.  I visit this forum everyday, even if I don't post so that I can see how everyone else is doing on their journey.  
I hope this helps,
Jamie 

Hi, you can do this!  Write down some small,  short term goals.  Not weight related goals, but behavior goals.

The exercise challenge that this board does helps me to exercise.  We have 3 more weeks? and then I'm guessing someone will start a new one.  Set a realistic goal.

The first year for exercise all I did was walk, and that's when I lost most of my weight.  You can walk, start out slow and for a few minutes.  Each day add a little more time or speed.  Exercise helps with stress. 

You deserve to get healthier.  You will feel so much better if you add exercise to your life.

Believe in yourself!  You can do this!  Give it a try!
Kristi

Hi
Thanks so much for sharing about your lack of motivation. I'm where you are and I need it too. I don't know where the positive thinking went, but I want it again. I didn't go through a surgery just for fun. I want to be healthier and be able to play with my forthcoming grandbaby and I agree that walking makes me feel better, but it takes a lot of arguing with myself to get out and just do it. I also like the idea of small goals and doing the best I can do for that day. If I looked at the whole picture it would overwhelm me too. A good support system is good to and just finding others to share with is very helpful. I need to be accountable to someone other than myself. Gayle