Going back to LL after a break . . .

Hi everyone. This is my first post and I'm really pleased to find this forum. I hope you are male-friendly!

I lost 3 stone in eight weeks just before I took a two week holiday in Spain. I returned and found that I hadn't put any weight on while I was away (although I hadn't lost any either).

I wanted to lose a couple more stone but have found it incredibly hard to return to abstinence. I've tried to do a form of management, but I've basically been giving myself the weekends off (drinking wine, eating take away etc) whilst being good during the week.

But that hasn't worked and I haven't really been good during the week either. I know I've gained some of the weight back and even made excuses to my Lighter Life manager this week for not going to the weekly weight in.

I know I sound a bit wet, but I just wanted to say that I am really struggling second time around and if anyone can give me some good tips on getting back on the programme I'd be really grateful.

Cheers, Paul

I must admit, I found it pretty straight forward first time around. I didn't have any of the food-withdrawal symptoms some people seemed to suffer.

Weekends were tough, but being at work during the week I found the weekdays quite simple. That's why I'm so surprised its proving so difficult second time around.

Hi Paul

I really sympathise with your situation as I have been there!

I went on a 3 week holiday during foundation and didn't lose any weight but didn't gain. I tried to get back on track but I've found it so much harder. The problem is that once you have let the chatterbox win, it gets louder and more insistent.

The only thing I can suggest is 1 day at a time. Can you find a motivational tool to keep you staying abstinent?

I've just had a weekend away where I lapsed big time and since then (a week) I have not had a 100% day - but I am getting closer...

I have found the weeks since my holiday extremely difficult, my holiday fell right in the middle of foundation. I broke abstinence during the 2 weeks we were away and then have not been 100 % since. I have continued to lose weight and at the end of foundation last week I had lost 52lbs. I have been finding it harder and harder as each week has passed and this weekend has been particularly difficult. I need to focus on staying abstinent this week and I guess each day as it comes is the way to go. Although I still have a way to go I am starting RtM this week because I am not dealing with the 100% abstinent thing. Hope to continue losing weight even if it is at a much slower rate.

Good Luck Paul with getting back to it, and for anyone thinking of breaking abstinence DON'T DO IT!!!!

Thank you for your messages - I'm really glad I am not the only one.

I had a good day yesterday (although not 100% abstinence) and I've picked up a few tips from some of the recipe pages here about how to make the food a bit more interesting.

I think I will have a good week as I feel very different this morning, and hopefully it won't fade as the day progresses!