About relapsing

This blog is neglected much like my motivation.  I fully admit to being in tatters.  However, my recent reading of The Incredible Shrinking Critic: 75 Pounds and Counting: My Excellent Adventure in Weight Loss has bolstered my faltering belief that I can stop this free-fall and regain my footing.  The author started her weight loss journey at 230 pounds (similar to my own starting point).  She lost 60 pounds . . . then has a chapter called "Relapse" where she recounts gaining 10 pounds . . . or more.  She says she was afraid to check and that she had to go up a size.

And then, after that, she lost more weight.  She overcame her relapse--IT IS POSSIBLE--and was successful.

I also found it interesting that so many of us start our weight loss journeys with an arbitrary number in mind.  The "Incredible Shrinking Critic" wanted to lose 100 pounds.  That was her publicly stated goal.  She lost 75 pounds and decided that was more realistic.  Jennette Fulda (aka PastaQueen of "Half of Me" blog fame--link over there on my blogroll) intended to reach 160 pounds.  She got to 180 and decided that was enough.  She told me it was a weight that was realistic for her to maintain while enjoying a splurge from time to time.

So many of you told me that perhaps 170 pounds was where my body wanted to stay, that perhaps my stated goal of 150 was unrealistic for this time of my life, for my age, for whatever reason.  I refused to accept that idea.  I wanted to weigh 150 pounds. 

Now, after having a relapse, after struggling for these past five months, I just want to weigh 170 pounds again.  I promise I'd never complain again! 

(Well, maybe.)

Anyway, the beauty of reading blogs and weight-loss memoirs is that you find you are really not alone in the struggle. I really liked this memoir.  (I have a stack I'm working my way through.)  So does Kristin.  She recommended it to me long ago. 

Comments

[Sandy McCann]

Relapsing? Sheesh I hate that word...

One thought I have is to keep the physical elements of the situation (schedule, body changes, etc) seperate from the mental/emotional aspects of this situation. I suppose you are thinking that way, just when I read what you wrote I feel I see you letting the two aspects of weigh-in issues and the faltering that happens at the thinking level get kind of mixed.

I have come to know that sometimes no matter how much I try my body will sometimes mess it up for me. The physical "cravings" I will no longer deny, but why does my body do that? It still thinks it needs to build reserves to be prepared for famine during pregnancy. I do not expect to experience EITHER one of those...but just mentally knowing that does not stop my body from "thinking" (and reacting)that way.

Now the MENTAL (and emotionally) driven cravings, as well as my reaction to the signals from my body of authentic hunger...those are the things I need to learn more about and focus on learning to understand, predict, and "control."

Anyway...I am starting to sound like I know what I am doing...but really I am still seeking, experimenting...just this past week I read about the various choices in sugar substitutes and decided to give the natural (zero GI) herb Stevia a chance. I also learned that for many sacharine causes the least "problems" and is least likely to set off an insulin reaction.

Anyway, I am trying to use my mind to beat the things I can and let the rest go...yet not let their influence beat me.

[Jenna]

I once thought that I needed to be back at 150 lbs., but have since decided that I'll be happy to take anything between 140-175. Big range, eh? lol I've put aside desires of beauty and "skinny jeans", and now I just want to be healthier. Since anything in that range is much healthier than where I'm at now, I'll take it. :)

[mrs darling]

Mel, I am on the last chapter of the same book and was ready to post about that book myself. Its an amazing book! I havent had a relapse but with losing a pound a week for the first three weeks of May and then gaining three pounds on Memorial day weekend it gave me a net loss of zero for May. Our Weigh Ins are on Thursday over at my blog and since Thursday Ive lost 2 of those three pounds gained, but my word, for a few days there that really threw me into a firestorm of self doubt. I began furiously looking for a book about all this and stumbled upon Jamie Bernards book, The Incredible Shrinking Critic. It got me right back on track! It looks like its having the same positve effect on you! This is a good thing, as Martha Stewart would say.

[Val]

It's been 22 months of Fitday for me and I think I am in diet fatigue. I'm struggling with trying to not regain five lbs that seem to be trying to stay. It seems to be clearly a result of not paying as close attention (counting calories works for me) and less walking due to life getting in the way and being less motivated.

My goal had been 145-150 and the lowest I'd gotten to (last August) was about 155. I was dissatisfied with that, but like you, I would be quite thrilled to see it again.

Let's keep trying. I appreciate your honesty and openness. It's not an easy journey and it's good to have company.

[Kristin]

Thanks for mentioning me! :) Here's another book to put on your reading list - Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster. It's a completely different tone than the inspirational weight loss memoirs, but you will get a lot of cardio benefit from all the laughing!

[Beverlydru]

I'm new to your site. Appreciate the encouragement that I am not alone in this life-long journey to be at my "happy weight". (I'm not there)