Need motivation

Hello all.  I had RNY 3/3/04.  I was a slow loser from the beginning.  My total loss was 90 lbs and I was 35 pounds to goal.  But I stopped losing and started gaining.  I went through some bad depression for about 2 years and just couldn't get motivated to exercise and was snacking all the time.   I wasn't eating really bad stuff, and not eating a lot at meal time, just eating ALL the time.   I've never tolerated diet soda since GBS  but do use a LOT of  equal and splenda.   I now have gained a total of 50 lbs back  The bad depression is gone and I've felt pretty good mentally for the past year but I just can't get motivated.   Even the thought of trying to get back on track doesn't help, but I hate this gain!   

I have  many different flavors of protein shakes and high protein snacks but  it just seems too much of a chore.  What can I do to get motivated?

Hi Debbie,

I'm glad that you're feeling better now and that your depression has lifted. 

You're in the right place to get motivated and get back on track with all of us.  I can't really explain it yet myself but since our group stated a month ago tomorrow, it has taken off with fantastic members.  I have found so much motivation and support here with everyone.  I think this group with all of us having the common goal of getting/staying back on track and that makes a big difference.  In other words, hang out with us, post often and I think that will help you.

Depression is a hard thing to work through so now you're ready to get going.  When depressed, we need comfort so, of course, we tend to go back to what's worked in the past for us and that is food.  That is the past and this is today is moving forward. 

Sometimes the beginning of getting back on track is the hardest.  With each day you are on track, you create this momentum of doing it the next day and the next, etc. 

If it seems too much to get back on track and make a u-turn on some habits, take one.  If you're drinking with meals, grazing, not taking your vitamins or not exercising, pick one of those habits for, say, the month of January and then another for the month of February.  That way you don't become overwhelmed with making lots of changes but can master one at a time.

Welcome to BOTT.

Cathy

The good news is that today you don't have to stay motivated for the next 50 pounds - just the next minute - then the next minute - then ....... and on and on.  YOU CAN DO IT

 I second what Cathy has said above.  I don't know how we came together - we merry little band of BOTTers, but we have.  I have found the folks here to be the most caring, supportive, and encouraging folks anywhere.  the neat thing is that when one of us is down there are always others there who can and do reach out to lift us up.  There's no judgment - only acceptance of who we are at that minutes and a certainty that we can achieve whatever our goal is - whether we proceed at a gallop or a snail's pace    We never have to hide who we are

I'm so glad you joined us.  And so glad you aren't having to carry the heavy load of depression now   By taking this action you are miles down the road toward your goal! 

Have a very fine day - we are here for you