Hi. I've taken the first step and joined today. I have a big birthday next June and feel it is "sink or swim" time to lose weight once and for all - the birthday will give me a starting goal. Shocked to find my BMI is 38.3. I lost 3.5 stones with Slimming World but have put it all back on after 2 years. I do eat healthily but find my willpower lapsing of late. I am desperately trying to keep out of the pub though and think this is my major downfall. Yes, I know I have done it before and can do it again - but am struggling. I have Type 2 diabetes (10 years now), so steer clear of sugars, don't eat anything fried, no pastry, no cakes, no snacks, but still can't shift the weight. My exercise has dropped to more or less zilch for the last two years as I have back problems and also abdominal pain, awaiting results of CT scan and first orthopaedic appointment (15 Dec). Really struggling to find out how to start to tackle the weight - or should I just leave it on a back-burner until I find out health results? Feel as if I'm stuck in the middle at the mo. Any tips/advice etc most welcome.
Newbie seeking encouragement/advice. - Weight Loss Support
Newbie seeking encouragement/advice.
Hi and welcome to the community!
Hello and welcome. Glad you've joined us. I hit a milestone birthday in June this year the fattest I've ever been. Still had a good birthday though. I have lost a significant amount of weight before, but, like you put it back on again. Call me a wagon chaser !
Sorry about your back problems and abdominal pain. Does walking aggravate it ?
Hi and thanks for your message. I love walking and start out really well, but have to turn back defeated due to pain - not sure what's causing it at mo, so don't want to risk damage. Even thought it may be the weight at the front that's causing the back pain. I've had MRI scan, Ultrasound scan, CT scan, just waiting for my appointment with orthopaedics on 15th to see what exercise I can do to help.
Hello and welcome CiderSpider I would never offer medical advice, and if you have any doubts about changing your diet, you need to talk to your GP. If you have no problems though, I always think that it is better to start now, rather than keep putting it off and finding tomorrow never comes. 🙂
I'd like to invite you to join our Newbie Club, which we hope will be a good place for you to connect with members, who are also just starting out. If you just post a few words to introduce yourself and respond to others there, you'll soon break the ice. Here's the link
healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...
You'll find all the information you need to navigate the forum in the header, so please take the time to read it carefully.
Looking forward to hearing more from you soon. 🙂
Hi, CiderSpider and welcome! 
Have you tried looking at portion size? That's one that, even if you are eating fairly healthy, can creep up on you. Especially if you use large plates/bowls/etc.
Good luck.
Hi and thanks for your message. I always use a smaller, heart-shaped plate, and divide my carbs/proteins/veg or salad equally, I even use a child-sized knife/fork. I maybe could look at cutting the quantity of carbs/proteins but have Type 2 diabetes so need carbs to regulate blood sugar. Thanks though, I'll re-look at my plate. Only joined today, but loving the great response from people - it's fantastic to know I'm not alone x
Hi and thanks for your message. Yes, I do take meds for my diabetes, at the moment my diabetes nurse is ringing me weekly as my meds have just changed due to increased blood sugars. Think I'll ask her on Friday about carbs etc - thanks for bringing it to my attention, very useful.
Well done for joining.. Wishing you success going forwards 🎉🎉🎉
Newbie 
Newbie!
Weight loss help 
Struggling ..... encouragement please 
