Progressing again. It wasn't it a stall- I was m.i.a.

Well, I'm losing weight again although the tracker refuses to change (it's been over 24 hours since my update). I hadn't lost weight in 3-4 months, yet I wasn't stalled.

Yep. I said it.  I was not stalled. I never freaked out about stalling because I had not stalled. How could that be?  I don't call it a stall until I have done everything on my end and the scale doesn't move for over 2 weeks (maybe 3 weeks).  Again, why not call 3-4 months a stall?  I wasn't trying to lose weight during that time- period. I knew the truth so there was no need to panic.

For the last few months, my life has been in transition. In October of 2011 I had a surprise career opportunity during the busiest and craziest time with my previous job.  This resulted in crazy work and travel responsibilities.  Then on top of that I had to get my house ready (by myself) at the beginning of the year and sell it. It sold quickly, and then I had to move in with a friend. While all of this is going on, I am having gall bladder attacks (started in October).  So in late April, I had my gall bladder removed.  From October 2011 to May 2012, I continued to lose weight steadily.  I moved again  in May and started my new job in June and, finally, my weight loss stopped. 

I do not have immediate family. So moving half way across the country seemed simple, but I moved away from friends and my support system. My new job is much better, but I had insecurity and anxiety about the transition. Previously, I was the big fish in a small (very toxic, unethical, & discriminatory) pond. Can I hack it here? 

I started snacking all of the time- mostly on crackers, popcorn, and full-fat cheese.  I ate out a lot more.  My calories were much higher. So I managed to maintain my weight when in the past, I would have gained at least 50 pounds. Thanks sleeve!

I'm still not settled (looking for a house), but I feel a lot less anxiety. I'm doing great at my new job.  And last week, I decided to put in a real effort again with my eating. I never stopped exercising because I need it for stress relief and I hate getting out of shape and starting over. I decided that if I was going to snack on something, it was going to be a green leafy salad  (still getting my protein)- fewer calories and low in carbs. I also joined the world of tracking, which I always said I would do if I needed it to complete my weightloss.

So I wasn't stalled. I was just MIA. I'm slowly rebuilding a life. I have joined a running club. I have found health-conscious colleagues in an office full of unhealthy eaters.  I've gone from 368-209, and I look & feel great.  I want to get below 200 before I have skin removed next summer.  I'm back on board.

Glad to hear it. Sometimes, you just need a break and sometimes you need to take care of yourself first. You know what to do to get the rest off. You can do it.

I've taken a few 2 week breaks here and there because I start to go crazy otherwise. Do what you gotta do and get back on the train if you're ready. Good for you for tracking! xoxo

Welcome back!  Sounds like you made a great choice to focus on some other priorities and are now ready to rededicate yourself!   

Wow...lots of changes and you are back on track...that says alot about your commitment!!! Keep up the great job!

 
Sometimes life gets in the way.....

You sound in total control.....you don't lose that kind of weight without knowing what's up and how this thing works......

frisco

Welcome Back! And congrats on navigating so many transitions so well in the last few months.

 Congrats on working your way through LIFE! I have realized too that I will not be perfect, especially when life gets insane. But like you - there have been times when I ate more than I should or ate the wrong foods, sometimes for a few hrs and sometimes for a few weeks. But I have been able to maintain during those times and sometimes the break from the routine helped me to become more motivated in the long run. We all get off track, but I do feel like with the sleeve it is easier to get back on track. It would be nice if all the craziness in life would stop so we could focus all our energy on losing weight but it doesnt and your success is so motivating!!!

The sleeve does make it easer to get back on track. I couldn't slip back into my binge disorder.  Bingeing is why I was able to gain huge amounts of weight in very short periods of time in the past. Inappropriate snacking is something that I started this summer to deal with anxiety. It can undermind the benefits of the sleeve. That's why I use a green leafy salad at the office for when I get the urge to snack unnecessarily.

Thanks everybody.  When I said that normally I would have gained at least 50 pounds, I was grossly underestimating. The last 2 times that I moved, I gained 100 pounds. So when I am tempted to beat myself up with where I "should" be by now, I remind myself to be grateful about what I have accomplished thus far and the restriction that I still have without intense hunger.

I didn't set out to take a break. I just mentally took a break.  I didn't make a conscious decision to stop trying. It was about a month before I came to the realization and admission to myself that I wasn't trying. 

I lost over 150 pounds in about 10 months. So, my ego took a little hit this summer- again subconciously at first.  When I became aware of all of this, I gave myself permission to accept where I was and have faith in where I was going to go.  Being so focused and compliant early on was my saving grace. It changed me and showed me something about myself- that I could really change my lifestyle which helped me through this summer. Now, I'm confident and patient.  I'm not in a hurry. I am focused on my new lifestyle.