So, here'a my story. My highest recorded weight in 2012 was 276 lbs at 5'2. my BMI was over 50. Went to WW and lost 27lbs down to 249. Bounced around between 249-262 all the way up to pre-op diet. I was sleeved on 11/25/13 at 253. Weight loss has been slow from the beginning. I started grad school in January which has been stressful enough but then I lost my mother unexpectedly to a heart attack on April 1st. I didn't really start exercising until 3 months out and just when I got into a routine, my mom passed. Since then, I have only lost about 15-17 lbs. Granted, I have been stressed and grieving and maybe not eating the best. On top of it, this is the hardest semester of my graduate program (nurse practitioner) and I am so overwhelmed. I have, however, been pretty consistent with exercise for the last month or two and I seem to be losing even more slowly. I am currently 188, which is still over 50lbs away from a normal BMI. I have a fitbit and at a minimum I try to get my 10000 steps in by walking. But most days, I do a combo of Zumba, 30 day shred, C25K, and walking. I also try to eat between 800-1000 calories. Some days I am more successful than others at staying in that range. I am meeting with a wellness coach on Monday because I want to begin a heavy lifting program called Stronglifts 5x5.

I know you guys don't know me, but I appreciate any advice or wisdom that you can share. I am so overwhelmed with life. Losing a mother, a weight loss journey, full-time grad school, caring for two little boys, working a job, supporting my husband who is also a full-time student, financial strain... anyone of these things is stressful on its own, but the combination is almost unbearable. This is a support group, right?

Wow...that is a lot on one plate. I haven't been where you are as I'm just starting my WLS journey and I can only share what has worked for me when I have been overwhelmed. Pick one thing. It sounds like you are trying to do everything at once and that may not be doable given that full plate you are balancing. Maybe this week focus on nutrition and don't worry about exercise, and next week focus on exercise...just my two cents. I know you can figure out what works for you...being in a master's program and all

You do have a lot on your plate. I'm sorry about your Mom. I've lost mine too. Just remember the goods things about her. Also, take one day at a time & remember the good things that will come when you & your husband graduate & life will be a lot smoother. Good luck with school & with your weight loss journey.

Lyn i TOTALLY get it. i'm also a nurse and in grad school. i have little advice to offer you because i know how brisk the pace of grad school is. i decided to take a few semesters off due to having my surgery and dealing with the after-effects etc. i'm so glad i did.

i'm sure that your cortisol levels are not helping the whole scenario with the stress that you are sure to be encountering. i would probably say maybe trade up some of your walk time for a little tai chi or yoga just for stress relief.

your goal will come. you obviously have multiple goals on the table at one time. a person only has so much give in them and i admire your drive. hang in there!

Oh sweetheart you're going through a lot .....graduate school is it's own nightmare if you will .....but compound that by trying to support a family and having a spouse it's also in school that's a lot to tackle all at once..... and trying to tackle your health.....***** Lynn**** really should be your number one priority .....from what you described though, it sounds like when you chose to do the surgery you still had not prioritized yourself as number one.....

You had the surgery and then immediately went back to graduate school with a spouse that's already in graduate school...... that is a lot to contend with .....and to try and support yourself your new learning and his or her new learning .......and then be faced with an unexpected tragedy of such a monumental nature .......

please don't beat yourself up ......you are not a failure....... these events are not your fault and these are problems you did not cause ......you have to prioritize what's most important in your life right now .....you do need to take out time to grieve for your mother ......your mother was your mother was clearly a very important part of your life.....

maybe try putting yourself first and if that means finishing up grad school and not taking another semester and maybe that's what you should do ....especially with the spouse that's also in graduate school... ****Lynn**** has to be number one ......your health has to be the primary .....focus on your education will always be available to you but you have to take time out for you so that you can cleanse and repair your body mind and soul ...

and read initiate your weight-loss by putting first making better food choices and monitoring what you are eating .....getting your Protein in and cutting back on carbohydrates and trying to remember why you started this journey .....please remember that you are worth it .....your valued and you are loved incredibly by your family......

you can do this Lynn, and you are making your mother very very very proud... good luck honey.

Shel