Getting Frustrated (with myself)

[diekoi 43]

My surgey date was 12/27/12, I am down 58 lbs. the past few weeks I keep hovering between 205-209. I am guessing some of the is Water weight. My job has recently become even more stressful/demanding the normal. I have been traveling every week since end of Feb. When not traveling its been non stop conference calls - usually between 7am and 10pm. I know this is not an excuse, but I haven't been exercising- I am so physically and mentally drained. It's all I can do to get a decent amount of sleep. So, between the WL stall and the lack of exercise I find I am getting frustrated with myself. I know I have done good for almost 4 months- but I know I could be doing better. It just seems like the exhaustion is overbearing. Perhaps it's just laziness... Anyone have any tips for managing such a demanding career and weight loss?

[sueob1968 3]

You could set break time, and take 10 minute walks, 3 or so times a day. Do stairs as much as possible. Every bit of effort will help and as you feel better, you will continue to make the effort. You need to put yourself first. A few minutes won't put you that far behind. Maybe get an ear piece for conf. calls and lift hand weights? you have to think "outside the box". Good luck-you can do it!

[MichiganChic 3,262]

Man, that's tough, I've been there. Makes me wonder if you work in healthcare IT, lol? Anyway, before my surgery, I had a job just like that, I gained 70 pounds over 5 years, and I had no time for myself. I was filled with self loathing because I couldn't seem to lose weight, no matter what I did. I changed jobs last summer, and decided to do this surgery. I have much bettter work/life balance, I make myself a priority (my old job didn't allow for that) and I avoid work related stress....and I'm willing to bet if I had that same stress and handled it the same way, I STILL wouldn't be losing weight even after surgery.

So, your question is a good one. If you can't change your job, you might think of ways to schedule time for yourself. I have colleagues who are fit as a fiddle. They travel all the time, and they capitalize on the time away from home by getting to hotel gyms early in the day, they block time out for their exercise, and make sure to choose healthy foods. I used to think that when people said exercise was a stress reliever that was BS, but I'm finding it's actually TRUE, lol!! While my current position is much less demanding than the old one, I think that because I force myself to exercise, I tolerate the stress better. Therefore, I think it's less stressful than it actually is.

That was a really long winded response for a simple suggestion - make yourself the priority! Work is going to be there, but your health may not be.

[maharet111 544]

I have about the same schedule and travel two weeks a month.

I build in workout breaks into my schedule and they are sacrosanct. Meaning it better bloody well be the end of life as we know it for someone to schedule time there.

I also put sticky notes around my computer saying things like Keep Drinking, get up and move , etc. just reminders to not get caught up on work.

When I travel I take Protein Bars and powders with me. And then do like 4oz of salmon for dinner.

You have to make it a priority. Actually by going through my calendar I was amazed at how many bullshit meetings I go to. This surgery helped me clear some of that clutter up!