Its been a while but I need support, so back I am

I have been away from this forum for a couple of years. I never reached my goal weight and was very discouraged. ? I am still almost 60 lbs from my personal gw at 6 years out. I went through a couple of years of abusive relationships and my self esteem has plumetted but I am committing to losing these last lbs and recovering my physical and mental health now. I am adding an old picture and a new one (if I can figure out how)

Kudos for recognizing that you need to take care of yourself.

I would suggest starting with some light exercise, such as slow walking. It may not be key to losing pounds, but for me it improved my health, mentally and physically and was a real commitment to me time.

Then change what you eat (you didn't say what you were eating, but let me make some suggestions. Be protein forward. Eat 80-100 g of dense protein a day. The dense protein rather than shakes will help to fill you up while giving your body what it needs. Ditch the carbs, not just some of the carbs, but ALL of the bread, rice, crackers, chips, and sweets. I suggest that until you get to goal that you also ditch the fruit because it can cause cravings for other carbs. You don't need the carbs, no matter what your nutritionist may say, and they are so often a trigger for eating the wrong thing. If you want, and if you need to help keep your bowels moving, you can eat a few non-starchy veg a day. Also I really found that unless I was drinking 100+oz of fluids a day that I couldn't lose. Sounds like alot, but it certainly is doable. Also NO drinking within 30 minutes of eating. That is really important to let your stomach digest the food.

Another really important thing is to measure and log what you put in your mouth. No guessing or estimating. You will always overshoot. The logging of food and exercise is really important for accountability. You can also join the menu thread and log in your food there for more accountability.

As far out as you are, if you haven't been taking your vitamins and eating right, you need a full set of bloodwork to see how you're doing. Then start taking your multivitamin, extra iron, calcium and B12. You may find that you need other things too to stay healthy.

You can do it if you make the commitment and stick with it. I won't say that it's easy, especially at first. Don't give in to diet schemes because there is lots of evidence here on OH that they don't work. Walk, eat protein, drink lots of fluids, take your vitamins and get your sleep. That will do the trick. Not necessarily fast, but it will work if you commit to it.

We're cheering for you!

Thank you so much for the advice. I haven't taken my vitamins in probably a year and I'm not sure if I get enough sleep, but I'm always tired.

If you haven't taken your vitamins in over a year, please run . . . don't walk to a doctor and have them run a full panel of bariatric labs. It should be in the range of 11 vials of blood at a minimum. The fact that you're always tired, combined with the fact that you no longer supplement could mean you are extremely iron deficient. Please go have your vitamin/mineral levels checked. It is extremely important.

I'm glad to see people return, as I hope I can if if go "astray". Welcome, and almost all of us have been there (and may be again). YOU ARE WORTH TAKING CARE OF!

I am 7 years out and this was me back in June.

Never quite made it to goal and every year I would find a few more pounds. Finally had my aha moment.

Dusted off my fitness pal account and started journaling my food.

Said good bye to my beloved pretzels! And refined carbs.

Have I been perfect, nope, but most days are on track and I have been able to lose 29 pounds so far. I think I might be able to make it goal, finally!

Reaching out for support is key. Also please get some labs done and get your supplements on track.

Welcome back!