HELP

[jay47aka7]

Hi, this is all new to me, talking to someone I mean. I have quite a feel health issues, too long to list without you all going to sleep. I need to lose at least 4 stone 😣 To help my joints I'm waiting for knee replacements. I can't move very well. I'm not on steroids at the moment, had to come off them to have breast reconstruction 2 months ago. The steroids are for my knees and joints and PMR. I have to stay off them or no knee op. I don't eat enough to keep a bird alive. Any suggestions? Confused, fed up and in pain.

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello jay47aka7 and welcome to the weight loss forum 😊 I'm sorry you are feeling so down, chronic pain is very debilitating 😕 You have a lot on your plate health wise but are to be congratulated for taking the first step towards a healthier you. I was in a very similar place 19 months ago, but have lost almost 3 stone and feel like a different person. If I can do it, so can you 😊

Here are a few suggestions for getting the most out of the forum. (Please note some of these suggestions are not available if you are using the HU App so I suggest you use the full website.)

The first place to look is at the Pinned posts section to the right of your screen (bottom if you're using a mobile), read the Welcome Newbie thread first and move through to the challenges, where we hope you'll find at least one that will appeal to you 😊

Move down to the Topics, to find a variety of threads, collated into specific topics for ease of access and we ask that you also 'file' your own threads, so that others won't miss your important news 😊

Have a look at the NHS 12 week plan, as many people have had success with it. Also use the BMI checker to find your target calories. This is particularly important for you as you say you don't feel as if you over eat. Accurate calorie counting and keeping a food diary are also important. 😊

Don't forget to take your starting measurements and a 'before' picture, as they can be very motivating on days that the scales refuse to co-operate 😊

The forum also have group weigh-ins every day if you wish to take part. The posts can always be found in the Events section on the 'home' page 😊

You'll notice a grey box next to people's names, these are achievement badges, and as a new member you may have a 'Newbie' badge. If you have any questions or would like a Newbie badge please just ask 😊

We've found that to get the best out of this community, we need to be active on the forum, as it's where we exchange information, get motivation and inspiration and make friends. We hope that you'll join us here, regularly, too 😊

Best wishes

Anna

[jay47aka7 in reply to IndigoBlue61]

Thank you for the warm welcome 😇 Well done you !!! I hope I can as strong as you, I am a very stubborn person normally, but these last 7 years have taken a lot out of me. I am on quite a bit of medication for thyroid, SVT's, PMR depression and my autoimmune system as seen better days. I have to do something we have two teenage grandsons living with us, so I have the keep going somehow. I only joined a few hours ago and everyone has been so kind I feel the fight coming back already. That is all down to a lot of very special people who have been so kind and helpful, I don't feel so lone now so thank you all. 😘😊xxx

[WildlyPrecious]

Hi there, well done you for taking the first steps! It's not easy when you are in pain and struggling with health issues and you feel that the only way out is to 'eat less, exercise more'. Especially as it sounds like you are hardly eating enough as it is! Instead of restricting yourself or punishing yourself, just relax and try to focus instead on eating really healthy, whole foods (ie fresh fruits and veg, fresh protein, nuts, seeds, legumes - beware of anything in a packet!). REAL food will rebalance your hunger hormones and nourish you in a way that anything processed will not (too many reasons to go into here). I know it is easier said then done but if you focus on changing one tiny habit at a time, you will be less likely to feel overwhelmed. I know that you can do this!

I would also recommend that you find ways to deeply relax - stress is terrible for keeping us overweight. And eat slowly and mindfully, taking the time to smell and taste everything to the full. This engages the whole 'head brain, gut brain' communication and we digest food much better when we are in a relaxed state - (and are therefore less likely to store fat). And that also means get more sleep! Deep sleep heals.

I know it's hard to move if you have painful knees - the best form of exercise in this case is in water because is takes the pressure off the joints. I know you will probably baulk at the idea of going to the swimming pool, but maybe during the quieter times of the day, just wear a t-shirt if you feel self conscious, thats usually ok - or dare I say this...wild swimming is AMAZING for you on all sorts of levels (but take a friend with you). Otherwise, a great way to start to move more is to change our mindset about movement. Think of motion linked to emotion - children bounce with excitement, happy people move more. Upbeat music makes you tap your feet. Think of moving as a way to feel happier rather than a massive stressful chore. Move as much as can, even while sitting down. Fidgeters lose more weight!

And lastly, ask yourself, what is it that you really, REALLY want in life? Have you ever felt that you have used food filled a gap? What could you do to meet those needs - or work towards a bigger, new, exciting goal, that has nothing to do with food?

Best of luck - sending you positive vibes!

[Tiggerr in reply to WildlyPrecious]

Great response wildlyprecious.

[WildlyPrecious in reply to Tiggerr]

Thank you Tiggerr, don't you think the emphasis is often too much on 'restriction' (leading to that binge - guilt - restriction cycle) and not enough on getting to the bottom of the reasons we have got to where we are in the first place. Total mindset and lifestyle change are definately the only way to go for long term results!

[Tiggerr in reply to WildlyPrecious]

Definitely. Up until now I've always tried to lose weight and failed quickly and miserably each time.

This time, from day 1, I have called it a lifestyle change and only done things that I'd be happy doing 10 years from now.

I found your post very much in sync with how I've been dealing with things. Cheers!

[WildlyPrecious in reply to Tiggerr]

Fantastic - well done you. You will definitely get there!

[IndigoBlue61 in reply to WildlyPrecious]

Brilliant response WildlyPrecious 😊 Thank you

[WildlyPrecious in reply to IndigoBlue61]

ahh thanks

[IndigoBlue61 in reply to WildlyPrecious]

Hello and welcome btw 😊

[jay47aka7 in reply to WildlyPrecious]

Thanks great to hear I'm not on my own, feel much better just talking to someone. Immobility leaves you feeling very isolated, even with a house full of people. Thank you so much. 😉

[HubbysMissMouse]

Make sure you check your bmi on the NHS bmi calculator, as you said you don't eat much it sounds like you could be also making a similar mistake to what I used to make. After joining here I was told to check my bmi which I did, but still found myself eating lower than the varied amounts that it states. At the beginning I wasn't losing any weight. Someone asked if I was eating enough and I said I was eating lower everyday. They told me that I shouldn't do this because my body tells itself that I am trying to starve it instead and turns what I do eat into body fat. This weighs more than your calories would so this is why I was not losing any weight. I had always eaten lower and was fatter than any family members I have but was always trying to lose weight. Now, I eat more every day and am finally losing weight. I had never realised this was why before. You may not be doing this, but if you are think of this whilst trying to lose weight as it should make a difference for you.

[jay47aka7]

Thanks for your advice, your probably right, I'll try it and let you know how it goes. It's good to hear I'm not on my own. Cheers 👍

[Dave1961 25kg]

Hi Jay great to see a new face here

I can't really add much except that calorie counting at the start is crucial so you can figure whats happening with your body.

The Myfitnesspal app will ask you some simple questions about your activity level and what you want achieve and then suggest a calorie range you should aim for.

Why not try it out if you have a smart phone and start mapping your calories?

Its easy, free and really simple to use.

Get ready to be supported - these guys are amazing!

[jay47aka7]

Thanks Dave it's great to know I'm not alone. Your advice sounds good I'll give it a go and see what happens. I didn't realise there were so many nice people out there. I've had so many replies with lots of help and hope!!

Many thanks to you all. 😘👍🙃xx

[suige]

Maybe you could look at what you are eating. If you are eating enough of the proper nutrient like fruit and veg .carbs fresh fish they could help maybe you could get to see a nutritionist to give you advice