Help

[Andrea_75]

Hi everyone, I really need some help with losing weight... I have osteoarthritis and struggle with mobility... I have been through chemo and finished the end of September last year and because of the chemo I lost 20 kg.. I still struggle an appetite but my arthritis doctor wants me down to 65kg and I'm 80kg right now... I would greatly appreciate any tips anyone has... Thank you

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello Andrea_75 and welcome to the Weight Loss Forum 😊

You have had a hard time of things but I'm glad the chemo is all behind you now. Arthritis is difficult to live with, chronic pain is very wearing 😕 But losing weight is the next step,on your journey to good health and fitness, well done on taking the first step 😊

Here are a few suggestions on how to get the most out of the forum. Please note if you are using the new HU App many of these features are not available so I suggest you use the full website version.

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, it's important to eat enough. This was a major turning point for me, realising I could eat anything I wanted as long as the calories are accounted for 😊

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

[Julie910]

Hi Andrea. Welcome to the forum, and I hope you find it as supportive as I have done over the past few weeks! It sounds like you've had a rough time - my best tip is to see this 'diet' not as a restrictive thing to stop you being a particular weight / shape / whatever, but as a means of giving your body some much-needed TLC by nourishing it with all the best quality foods. Linger over the fresh fruit and veg, and investigate veggies you've never tried before, checking out interesting recipes, and laughing over any spectacular failures! Maybe consider buying smaller cuts of more expensive meat, or spending a bit longer preparing your food so it looks interesting and appetising - try new marinades or cut up lots of fresh veg to dip into reduced-fat houmous... Treat yourself, is the gist! Do it because you're special and deserve the best. And let us know how you're getting on!

[Lakeswimmer]

Welcome! My tips are first of all to read other people's posts and replies so you can borrow the ideas that work for others. Secondly, is there a bad habit you've fallen into that you'd like to see the back of first? Small steps work best for me. Good luck.

[Loseweightnow]

Hi Andrew sounds like you've had a lot to deal with , you've def come to the right place to get extra support.. this forum is full of kind, thoughtful inspirational people who also want to focus on living a healthier , fitter life. Regardless of the health challenges we all face it's important to accept our health issues but not be defined them .. We are our strongest advocates, so important to keep trying to make positive changes .. Checkout blogarthritis.co.uk some very useful info, not all may be right for you. My husband was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis a few years ago , one the most important things he remembers is his GP 's comments about his weight .. He said imagine carrying a heavy rucksack on your back all day long how tiring that would be, think about the impact on your back, knees & ankles , legs overall. Now consider that heavy weight is all of your excess fat, especially around the middle . May sound harsh but as my Hubbie said its so true.. That was it he started the 5:2 , in the following months he lost 4 & half stone.. walked as much as possible , then got back on a bike , really focused on what triggered his arthritis for him red meat & too many sweets things, cakes, puddings had a big impact . Now never touches red meat , still has the odd pudding but never goes back for 2nds. has the odd flare up in ankles & knees if he is tempted with a few indulgences or a stressful work situation. But overall he has found the right balance. He Substitutes puds for Greek yoghurt with blueberries, bananas, strawberries with a little honey . Swapped milk for coconut milk in porridge adds a little sweetness in the form of honey. On his 2 days he has large bowl of porridge then eve meal chicken/salmon omega 3 fatty oils meant to he good for joints with tons of veggies His drink of choice is hot water, fresh ginger & lemon, no tea anymore but still has a good quality coffee. He does take a medication called sulfasaladine which he was not happy with initially , but has accepted that needs must . Although it's the combo or meds & diet, exercise which has contributed to him finding a balance.. Other recommended natural products we both take are turmeric (natural anti inflammatory properties) in warm water with apple cider vinegar, just a small mixture morning or night . Others have recommend half a squeeze lemon with a teaspoon of bicard soda . Or just hot water & lemon detox properties... Lots of different things to consider all natural so shouldn't do any harm if you give a go but don't feel the benefits. Good luck most importantly be kind to yourself & patient give your body time to recover from chemo. gently introduce exercise & changes to your diet. One last thing I've recently been introduced to a vitamin K2 supplement , Google info very interesting how it works , why it's missing from the western diet & how it could benefit those of us with ongoing health conditions . & protect us from potential health risks . Good luck 👍

[Loseweightnow]

Sorry typo Dear Andrea not Andrew .. 😳😃

[Loseweightnow]

Pps. Forgot to mention swimming is a good option if mobility is a problem . Takes pressure off joints .

[Andy58]

I have osteoarthritis to with dengerate disc disease to, I started aqua aerobics which helped a little as the water supports you, the only things that ache for me was my arm afterwards but the more I went that ease off, also I have a treadmill which I use on a preprogrammed routine everyone had comment on how much weight I have lost and I have dropped down a dress size, I haven't had chemo but I did have radiotherapy but take one day at a time so if your having a bad day take a day off and start again the next day take it easy on yourself. Take care