Advise

[Carebear27]

I have just been to see my cardiology at the hospital last month and he mention that I need to go on the heart transplant list but need to lose weight it is playing on my mind what advise can any one give to help me pls

[Lowerfield_no_more]

My advice for anyone who wants to lose weight, which basically worked for me when I lost 13kg over a 3 or 4 month period, is don't snack i.e. only eat at mealtimes, cut out as far as possible sugary food and drink e.g. cakes, biscuits cola etc etc even sugar in tea and coffee, cut down on fatty foods, avoid take aways, and reduce portion size progressively but don't get hungry. Next take up some form of regular exercise as your body and time allow even if it only means walking round the block every day for 20 minutes. And set yourself a target weight loss say 1 or 2 kg per week initially, and if you haven't got any scales buy some and use them regularly. But don't become obsessive about it, just slowly slide into your new regime until it feels 'normal' and you can feel comfortable with it, and importantly stay with it. And if you have someone who you can share with as a buddy, and lose weight together, do that although I didn't find it necessary. Finally there are plenty of ideas for a heart healthy diet on the BHF site and home cooked is usually always better than pre -prepared bought from a supermarket because you know what has gone into it.

[RufusScamp]

When I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic, my surgery offered me a nine-month course with WeightWatchers. I had to do it on line because of lockdown, but I still felt it gave me support. It might be worth asking your GP if there is anything similar available for you.

[Thanksnhs]

Hi I had a heart transplant in July 2020 in the middle of the pandemic, after the initial recovery period which does take a while, I have never looked back, the skill of the surgeon and the care I still receive from my cardiac team is second to none. I live in Scotland and we only have one transplant hospital the Golden Jubilee a fantastic place. It has totally transformed my life. I'm sorry to hear that you have to lose weight, I was underweight and I had to watch that as well. My friends swear by weight watchers and say it really works and your hospital should have a dietician to help you as well. If you ever want to ask anything about pre and post transplant please pm me. Take care Char