New but old starter

[Alemapybrif]

Hi I’m 67 and new here. I am due to get my second hip replacement tomorrow- I would just so love to get some weight off to optimise the new joints function and increase their useful life I really don’t want to have to have revisions done in 10 years due to all the weight they have to carry. I have dieted all my life and know what to do but not how to get that motivation to start and keep going and then maintain a healthy weight.

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone]

Hello and welcome, Alemapybrif 😊

I can see a contradiction in what you say: you've dieted all your life so you know what to do. If you knew what to do, then you wouldn't have had to diet all your life

I'd say instead of blaming yourself, put the blame on the various diets you've tried and aim for an all round healthy lifestyle - fresh food, home cooked, nothing labelled diet or light or low fat as they're all heavily processed. Veg, dairy, eggs, fish and meat if you eat them; good, satisfying food.

Here are a couple of things to read that could give you a new angle on this and a different, very enjoyable and effective approach. I'm around your age and it certainly makes sense to me. I'll be interested in what you think of them.

psychologytoday.com/us/blog...

phcuk.org/wp-content/upload...

You will have been sent a welcome message with a link to our Pinned Posts. Have a look at them, particularly the Welcome Newbies post which will help you find your way around. I recommend joining a weekly weigh in on the day of your choice, and using the Daily Diary, where members log their meal plans and get useful feedback.

Please also read the information about security/privacy, especially as you have left your post unlocked.

To make the most of the forum, join in with activities, read and reply to posts, ask questions and encourage others – it will all pay off for you 😊

Best wishes for your surgery tomorrow. Do some browsing around the forum and get back to us as soon as you're planning your own meals, rather than being dependant on hospital grub

[Alemapybrif in reply to BridgeGirl]

Many thanks for your reply -you’re right diets don’t work - I have in the past had some success with eating less of what I want but not cutting anything out and eating much slower and trying to cut out the refined carbs.

I will start after my op tomorrow -should be out the following day

Your links were very informative- thanks

[Lzlycraft in reply to BridgeGirl]

I felt your first paragraph was harsh. I am 61 years and can relate to this ladies post. Lots of people overweight are Very knowledgeable about the tyronny of the shoulds and how to follow a healthy diet and excercise regime, most of us could write the book!! . However, as I know, the much more challenging aspect of reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is the psychological aspect, the challenges life throws at you and changes in the way your body metabalises food as you get older, particularly ladies. This lady has clearly had health concerns spanning years effecting her mobility. She is on the cusp of a new phase in her life story, this is going to require help with her motivation, goal setting and system of rewards.

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone in reply to Lzlycraft]

I didn't mean to be harsh, in fact quite the opposite. I meant to make the point that a lifetime of dieting does not make us knowledgeable about healthy eating, in fact quite the opposite, and that a fresh approach is needed. Not self criticism for 'failing' to diet but recognising that it's the diets that have failed.

When I arrived here, around the same age as Alemapybrif, I too was confident that I knew what to do and that it was just a matter of 'willpower' or 'commitment'. It was my fault I was obese, because I was weak. I knew nothing of the role of insulin and leptin in weight gain and loss, and the disastrous effects of a low fat, carbohydrate-heavy diet eaten over decades - an approach widely recommended as the way to go.

I lost my initial weight by calorie counting and restricting but I wouldn't have been able to continue to a healthy BMI without developing a much greater understanding of what a truly healthy diet is and ditching the cereals, low fat yoghurts and spreads, sandwiches, jacket potatoes and pasta that were staples for me. Learning that dietary fat doesn't make you fat was the biggest revelation to me and has made my meals so much more enjoyable.

This is a wonderful forum for information and support and some of the greatest support I've had is that which has challenged my assumptions and beliefs about what constitutes a healthy diet. Without that, I would be clinging precariously to my initial loss or, more likely, would have regained as I hadn't changed my way of eating, I had just reduced calories.

[Cat33 Restart Dec 2023]

Good luck for tomorrow I'm 8 weeks on from my second hip replacement and I feel great x

[Alemapybrif in reply to Cat33]

Thanks I recovered quickly after my first one I’m hoping the second one goes as well- then start my new regime

[Cat33 Restart Dec 2023 in reply to Alemapybrif]

Yes I did too and it's wonderful isn't it

A new lease of life

[Hidden]

Good luck for tomorrow Alemapybrif . As BridgeGirl says previous diets have obviously not worked but don’t blame yourself. You have been ‘conned’ by the diet industry and even health professionals. Luckily people are starting to fight back. Have a read of the links you’ve been sent and as you feel better, over the next week or so, try to embark on a new way of eating. Do not go on a ‘diet’ 😊

[Alemapybrif in reply to Hidden]

Thanks - I will try a new regime rather than diet

[over61andstilltrying Maintainer 7lbs]

Welcome Alemapybrif! I wonder if you have had time to read around the site a little. There is a lot to find out about!

I really like belonging to one of the weigh in groups. There is one every day, so you can pick the day that best suits you to record your weight each week. I'm part of Monday Mass Movers as I would love to move a little more mass from around my middle.So I weigh in on Mondays and 'chat' to the folk in my group. I often also read the replies on the weigh ins each day as it is so very inspiring to hear of folks weight loss journeys.

All the very best for your weight loss journey. Have you a particular plan in mind?

[Alemapybrif in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Hi thanks I would be interested in a weigh in group your MMM one sounds good I’ll try and work out how to join

[over61andstilltrying Maintainer 7lbs]

Here, I hope is a link:

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

I don't think it will open for replies until , perhaps, 7am and it closes at 9pm. Hope to spot you there tomorrow! Actually all the weigh ins are fairly similar and the members support one another, so folk chose the day that best suits them to weigh-in.

Happy weight loss journey to you! 😊🌸

[PippiRuns 6kg Restart Nov 2023]

Good luck with your operation. I hope everything goes according to plan. I will need hip replacement at one point (severe OA in both hips, but only 48 years old).

I’m sure you’ll find a way to lose the weight, you have a strong “why”. I have followed/found inspiration in the NHS 12 week plan but tweaked it to my own preferences. Good luck!

[Annekelly58]

Oh goodness you've got a lot on. Good luck with the op and with the weight loss.

[Hidden]

Good luck with your OP and finding a new healthy lifestyle! Looking forward to hearing how you're getting on 💐

[Walkmore 7lbs]

Wishing you well with your hip op and your weight loss. It’s a great bunch here and very supportive. Take care 😊

[Alemapybrif]

What a lovely surprise to have so many positive comments and support - I’ve had the op all is well just waiting for the sensation in my legs to return - Thankyou xx