Mum of 7 from Manchester on a mission!

[bluecathy1978]

Hello everyone

My name is Catherine and I am 38 years old. I am here as many of us are to begin a daunting journey on the path to a new lease of life.

I currently have a BMI of 45 which means that I am severely obese. After have=ing 7 children my weight has crept up and up. I think in my case it is a lack of exercise as I do tend to eat the right foods and maybe also cutting down portions.

Had a totally snotty letter from my GP suregery today as I have been refused surgery to remove my gallbladder so this is a factor in kicking my weight loss off. Plus my father suffered a heart attack last week and this also mademe realise that life is short and now is my chance to make some changes for the good!

Will be nice to get to know you all and maybe meet up with some local likeminded souls for inspiration and encouragement xx

[YellowRose55]

Hi bluecathy1978

Welcome to the weight loss forum.

Take a look at the Welcome Newbie post in the Pinned post section at the right hand side or at the bottom if on a mobile. Have a look at the nhs 12 week plan, many members have had success with this plan. Use the BMI checker to work out your daily calorie allowance.

Below the Pinned posts are the Topics where members share a range of weight related subjects.

Take your measurements at the start along with a photo so you can see the changes and you will find it motivating on the days when the scales don't move.

We have daily weigh-ins so feel free to come and join us. You can find the weigh-ins posted in the Events section on the Home page on the right hand side. Just click on the post and state your starting weight, your aim for the week and any loss/gain/maintain for the week.

To get the best from the forum be active. Share ideas, stories and tips. Read through the post in the Topic section, they are inspiring and motivating.

Have a good first week.

Rose

[EllaMidlands]

Hi, welcome. You have a very slim face! You can do this. Portion size is crucial if you are eating stuff with lots of calories in like sugar. Personally I eat lots of low carb food and protein. Good luck

[bluecathy1978 in reply to EllaMidlands]

I had gestational diabetes with my last 3 pregnancies and followed a low carb diet which was very sucessful as I lost nearly 3 stone last time. I think I put it all back on just because I was comfort eating as I cannot have any more children and coming to terms with that after being pregnant for 6 years was very hard for me. People think I am bonkers but I think I would have carried on having children!!

Anyway, just had some pasta tuna bake with a side salad and am now off for a hike up to the shop I am starting off with walking 2/3 times a week and then swimming twice a week too. More exercise than I have done in ages!

[EllaMidlands in reply to bluecathy1978]

So low carb works. At least you know what works. Good luck!

[bluecathy1978 in reply to EllaMidlands]

It doesnt seem to be as effective when I am not pregnant plus I don't have the added incentive of being responsible for a little person inside of me to spur me on

[bluecathy1978]

Ooohh yes, the slim face My face is quite slim but I have a tummy and bum the size of asda car park lol xx

[Hidden]

So you are going to do some exercise and already you have a healthy food regime sorted out?

[bluecathy1978 in reply to Hidden]

Yes, lack of physical activity has been my major downfall. I went for a long walk on Monday night, I have swimming tonight and tomorrow and planning on a good walk at the weekend too

[Hidden in reply to bluecathy1978]

You are on the right track then ☺

[bluecathy1978 in reply to Hidden]

You would think having 7 children that I am always on the go but with my spare time I am an avid crafter which means I am pretty still I make hand made cards which I sell and I am alos looking into different projects. It is important for me to still do these as I have no time for a job at the moment so it gives me a little pocket money to treat the kids. We have also just bought a cheap little touring caravan which we plan on siting so that will also give us lots of outdoor time as a family to be active. Roll on March!!

[Hidden in reply to bluecathy1978]

Fantastic, I am a bit of an artist too I try to do a bit of drawing, I have a friend who makes cards like you do, excellent. I love creative people they are so interesting ☺

The caravan sounds great!

[Crimson85j]

Hi, I know this story all too well. My father had a quadruple bypass after his heart attack and me and my brother both carry the hereditary cholesterol marker for heart problems. I do not have 7 kids mind, wow that's gotta be like 10 full time jobs right there so hats off to you. I too am on the bigger side of big but chipping away at it slowly. You're in the right place here. Everyone supports one another and it's a fantastic tool. I think the very first step is to get your head in the right place. Learn to love your body even if you want to change it! It's miraculous and beautiful and you deserve to reach your goals! You can do it. Good luck x