Struggling with Weight Re-Gain

[lunaxinian 1]

Hello everyone my name is Luna and this is my first time ever on this forum and website. I'll start by saying hello, and I hope all is well with everyone during these difficult times.

I am a night shift nurse tech in a hospital.

Almost 5 years ago I was 450 pounds. I had gastric bypass and I got down to 170 pounds, which was 20 pounds from my goal weight of 150. Three years post op I began working night shift and I have steadily, over the last three years, gained weight back until i was my highest weight since, of 244 pounds (Two weeks ago)

I have since then begun eating better and drinking Water and am now down to 234-235ish(it changes from day to day) but I am having such a hard time staying motivated and keeping myself from slipping back into the emotional and stress eating that working night shift and my job brings.

I have a short term weight loss goal of 10 more pounds which I have decided I am going to reward myself with a new piercing, and I would like to lose twenty more pounds total before my trip in October, and just be more fit in general, so that my back, feet and ankles dont hurt when i walk around disney as bad this year.

Long story short, im pretty depressed about my situation which really causes me to, ya know, stress/emotionally eat things i know I shouldnt, and begin to slip back into my bad ways. Looking for penpals, real life pals, online people I can become friends with to keep me motivated, as my support group is small right now due to the amount of hours i work. Feel free to reach out if this hits home. Maybe we can help each other!

[kristieshannon 1,545]

Oh man, I feel you. Night shift is so hard to keep on track. I’m a nurse and have worked many an overnight. I do best when I pack everything I’m going to eat at night and track every bite that goes in my mouth. I have even gone so far as to leave my wallet at home so hitting the coffee stand or vending machine isn’t an option. Try your best to keep up with hydration and sleep-I have fierce sweets cravings when I’m low on sleep. Meal prep on days off and pack healthy Snacks that are waiting plan. I also walk the halls on breaks to get steps in. Keep up the good work!

[lizonaplane 1,605]

Oh man, night shift is sooo hard on your mind and body. Is there any way to get a day shift? I assume you have a reason for doing night shift, either by choice or necessity, but if there's any way to switch, I would consider it. I agree with @kristieshannon that packing your meals and avoiding the vending machines and fast food at all costs is the way to go. Also, tracking your food. And aiming to get as much sleep as you can when you get home - get black out curtains and shut off your phone. The more tired you are, the more difficult it will be to stave off temptation (I am currently jetlagged and eating like crap!). Good luck.

[BDL58 86]

I am a night shift nursing supervisor. Job is crazy stressful! I had the DS 6/1/21 and took 6 weeks off work which worked out great for me. Returned to work 7/14 right into the start of a new covid surge! Ugh! I prepare/pack any food I’m going to eat during the shift. I’ll set an alarm to remind me to eat and/or drink as needed during the shift. It is difficult but doable. I round throughout the hospital every 2-3 hours, assign beds to patients, respond to any in-house emergencies, any codes in the ER or.in-house. Also meet with any patients or family members that have any issues or concerns and try to help them any way possible. So setting a reminder alarm really comes in handy so that I meet my hydration needs especially. Luckily, one of my coworkers had the DS about 6 years ago and she shared tips that really helped me out.

[IcanMakeit 1,318]

For me, the only defense against impulsive eating is knowing that every bite I put in my mouth will be logged on MyFitnessPal every day without exception. Logging keeps me honest and motivated.

I love the suggestions by others to pre-prepare and pack meals, Snacks and Water so that you have no need to visit the cafeteria or vending machines. I’m usually too disorganized to accomplish this but I need to incorporate this into my life.