3 and a half years gained 30 pounds what now

 Im 3 and a half years out and have gained 30 pounds in the last year. I know for sure that I'm a emotional eater. Mostly started to gain weight when i was on bed rest for female surgery,then husband got laid off,after that father had diagnose with rare brain cancer. Before anyone ask I do at least a hour on the eliptical, at least 4 times a week. I have people that look up to me for help, but I cant help myself how can I help them. I just want to be healthy again!! Please HELP!!

I gained 15 pounds from  October(TT and hernia repair) until April. I was still running at least 12 miles a week and doing aerobics (zumba) 2-3 hours a week. The weight gain was from processed foods and eating before bed. I have the 15 off plus a few more! I have gone from outgrowing my 14's into a 12 for the first time in my adult life.I picked one thing to cut out; eating before bed. Then I cut way back on white stuff. Then I started packing my lunch again. This month we have concentrated on meal planning.I also journal my food on the dailyplate.
Bottom line pick one thing to work on; it is like eating an elephant one bite at a time!
Good Luck!
Mary

 Thanks for the reply I do know that I started eating at night I have been in a 12 but need to really put on a 14 I'm so stressed about that. But don't want to buy a bigger size just hoping that i can get some wisdom and will power. 

Morgansmommy is so right....it's the processed stuff, the white carby stuff. For me it's the late night carby eating trying to cause a 'sugar coma' so that I can sleep due to sleep disorder. I'm planning to get a Rx for Ambien or something else in order to keep from doing that if I can't get it under control soon...realization of the problem is the first stage, so I'm going to give it a bit more time.

I'm a wannabe...in the preliminary stages of this surgery (VSG) so I'm no expert. I just know what works for me. I've had a year very similar to yours with all the stressors, health,job losses, legal issues, etc etc....we'll get past this! Best wishes....you've done so well, get back on track and don't beat yourself up. We'll both get to that healthy stage!

my advice, continue with the exercise but start focusing on what, how much, and when you are eating.  start journaling today if you aren't already.  and track everything that goes into your mouth.  if you find it hard to journal or find you are skipping days/meals/snacks, then you know you are off track with your nutrition.  best of luck!

You're not beyond helping yourself at this point.  I routinely gain weight at the end of the school year when I eat a little more and exercise a lot less (mornings are my best time for both studying and exercise).  When school gets out I make a concerted effort to eat much better and get back to the training plan.

I agree with what the others said.  I rarely journal my food, but when I have to write it down, I'm much less likely to put it in my mouth.  That in itself saves me about 200 calories a day.

Now that we've had surgery, losing weight happens the way it does for most people who are just a little overweight - by watching the diet and exercising.  You might consider changing up your exercise a little bit if possible, but just making a conscious effort helps more than you know.

I'm 6.5 years post-op, and this is how it still works for me.

Linn 

You have had it tough no doubt, but 30 pounds is not that big a deal at this point. You can get than off in a few months with just some minor changes.  As you know, weight loss isn't rocket science.  Expend more than you take in and the weight will come off.

 As you said you have people looking to you for help.  My advice make YOUR health a priority for now.  You will feel much better and in turn be able to help those that you love.

Good luck and let us know how you are doing on your journey back to great health!