re: Any baw took drastic measures to lose that gut

I got a particularly nasty case of covid in 2021 that put me in the hospital. Very nearly died. Dropped from 190lbs down to around 170 in like a month or two. Dropped from a 36 to a 34. Kept that weight off.

Had a bad breakup last year. Largely stopped eating, had to stop drinking because I wasn’t able to stop once I had more than 2 drinks. I don’t think I cooked anything for 3 month (usually cook 80% of my meals myself). Didn’t exercise beyond walking a little. Dropped from around 170 down to under 160 lbs. Even my 32 pants were starting to get baggy.

Unfortunately, when I recovered emotionally, I started eating again, drinking with moderation, and the weight came back. Now, I’ve really started watching my portions, cut out snacking between meals, no longer buy junk food, etc. I’m a lot better about going to the gym and getting regular exercise.

I’m conflicted on what to do about the alcohol. I started drinking again more heavily around Mardi Gras and REALLY enjoyed it. I seem to be happy social drinking again instead of sad drinking. Yet, I feel like I’m playing with fire, and that the alcohol can’t help my attempts to get the weight down. Also, a couple of my favorite drinking buddies have largely gotten sober or switched to pot, something I can’t use due to my job.