Ok, I've lost lots of weight before and gained it back but that's the past and I no longer care about it - my issues are different now.

Over the last couple of years I've been struggling to deal with a chronic autoimmune disease. It is not caused by being overweight, my blood sugar is stable at 90, my blood pressure is always low, my cholesterol numbers are so good my doc said, "Whatever you're doing, keep doing it."

Ok, so the normal weight-related health problems don't seem to apply, but I've run into a problem. I'm well over 100 lbs overweight, the heaviest I've ever been in my life right now, and suddenly yesterday, for no apparent reason, my left knee decided to buckle.

Now, this is probably due to the autoimmune thing, that does attack the joints, and I've had both my ankles go out on me before and have continuing issues with my right knee. One of the docs told me I'd be in a wheelchair in 2 years - that was about 4 years ago, so I've outlasted that prediction, but I sure would like to continue walking on my own legs for as long as possible. The doc said if I could get my weight down, that would lessen the pressure on the joints and might make them last longer.

So...here I go again. I'll be counting my calories, trying to exercise when I can, and attempting to find ways to deal with my emotional, stress, and boredom eating. I also eat to stay awake when I get too fatigued.

Any suggestions for ways to stay awake at work when you're so tired you are disoriented and falling over on the desk would be most welcome.

I know nothing of what you're suffering from and would be hesitant to offer any real advice... but I like to talk so...

I'm not sure if it would help or not but for a week or two I'd keep a very detailed food diary - and include how you're feeling when you eat it and right after - to see if some foods cause you to be more tired than other foods..