Hi, I'm new here…. I need to lose weight to help my fibromyalgia and stay sane!!

[Curls_1]

I know the basic principles of how to lose weight - having done it several times, and put all of the weight back on! I was in a car accident at the end of last year, and it caused a terrible flare-up of my fibro, and because I was so unfit at the time, my recovery - only from whiplash - it's not like I lost a limb, is taking AGES! Don't have the money to spend on the usual suspects for weight loss, so saw this and thought I would give it a go. Hoping that with some friends and support I can do this - and never get back to this place!!

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello Curls_1 and welcome to the Weight Loss Forum

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, as well as a new Daily Diary, if you wish to take part. The posts can always be found in the Events section on the 'home' page. And if you just want to chat, to say hello or share any news or struggles then look out for What's Happening Today thread.

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

Best wishes

Anna

[Curls_1 in reply to IndigoBlue61]

Thanks so much for the reply.... I did weight watchers online once and waited ages for someone to talk to me... #shy! Shall read your advice thoroughly tomorrow, and I have already printed out the 12 week plan.... I've tried journaling just recently, but it's a lonely place in my journal lol!

[IndigoBlue61 in reply to Curls_1]

We have a Daily Diary where you can share all you meal,and exercise plans, and a What's Happening Today for general day to day chat 😊 I know I'm biased but this forum is fab 😊

[Curls_1 in reply to IndigoBlue61]

Great, I look forward to exploring, and also getting to know you better. Thank you for making me feel welcome 😊

[IndigoBlue61 in reply to Curls_1]

You're welcome 😊 We are a very friendly forum

[Beth_19 7lbs Restart June 2024]

Hi Curls_1 welcome to the forums. Its a great place with people can emphasie with you.

Losing weight with fibro even during recover of a flare up is definitely possible. As long as you know your limitations and when you can push them without causing yourself to relapse, exercise can be a part of your routine too but diet and the amount you eat certainly has a large impact.

I've lost 21lbs and do minimal exercise (basically stairs at work when I can and 1hr pilates class a week).

I highly recommend the daily dairy as its a fantastic place to share and swap recipe ideas.

[Curls_1 in reply to Beth_19]

Hi! Thanks for your message... funny you should say about knowing your limitations... had a flare up today so guess I have over done it!! I've gone years and years with no symptoms because I exercised regularly etc, but stopped going to the gym when we moved, and I firmly believe that that is the reason I'm suffering so much now. Hopefully finding this community will help get me back to where I want to be.

Well done losing 21lbs! How long did that take if u don't mind me asking? I'm conscious that I want to lose 3 stone but while I want to lose it quick as poss I don't want to lose too quickly- not getting any younger and need the skin to shrink with me lol!

[IndigoBlue61 in reply to Curls_1]

The guidelines suggest 1-2lbs a week is the safest way to lose Curls_1 any faster and it's not fat but fluid or muscle. In 6 months you could be well on your way, what a lovely Christmas present ! 😊

[Curls_1 in reply to IndigoBlue61]

Yes, I would be more than happy with 1-2lbs a week - I have a coat my husband bought me when we first got together 2.5 yrs ago, and I would like to be able to wear that this winter......😊

[Beth_19 7lbs Restart June 2024 in reply to Curls_1]

Flare ups after years symptom free tend to be absolutely horrid ones, which might be why you are struggling so with this on. Things I've found helpful over the years are; start small and build yourself back up, accept you probably won't be able to get back to exactly how you were, don't beat yourself up over it and accept that bad days will happen but good ones will too. Easier said then done but its true.

I started around the 21st April. I've lost consistently 1-2 lbs (apart from one week where I stayed the same). You don't want to lose too quickly or you are likely to put back on. 1 to 2lbs is a nice sustainable rate

[Curls_1]

Wise words Beth_19.... my physio said the same thing to me the other week. I would just like to say the NHS department here have been amazing offering support to me! As you say, easier said than done when you are naturally hard on yourself, but if you don't pace yourself you overdo it and get know where - which I did last week. I think I need to print that out and put it on the fridge....!