Hello !

[PandaBum]

Hi, my name is Helen. I'm 42yrs old, 5ft 7 and now weigh in at 13stone. It's the heaviest I have ever been. I am hoping to lose 3 stone and keep it off for good. I've had a difficult year - my Dad has had a life changing virus, I have had an abdominal hysterectomy and my young son has just had both knees operated on - suffice to say I haven't really looked after myself and I find myself in a state of self-loathing, which my lovely husband is trying his hardest to alleviate for me! My problem is that I do not stick to things for long enough - last summer I lost 1 stone, but then gave up. I really don't want to yo-yo diet for the rest of my life (like my mum has). I want to make a permanent change in the right way. I hope to start back at the gym soon, but am only 9 weeks post op. Sorry for the life story!!

[lucigret]

Hello and welcome Helen,

What a time you have had and what a lovely Husband you have. Please don't go rushing into the gym or any exercise until your Doctor says it is ok to - I am sure you wouldn't anyway, but we don't want you causing any damage

The best way forward is to stopping thinking 'diet' and think healthy life style that is sustainable for ever. You have come to the right place for lots of advice. I suggest you take it slowly, read all the information I am going to give you and then plan the changes you are going to make. For great support, I would also suggest that you join in with one of our weigh in days and get to know the people there. We find the people that engage in the forum and join in, stay with us the longest and get some great support along the way.

It can be overwhelming when you read other people's posts and see the different ways to go. Do what is right for you and be open minded to change along the way as and when you feel the need, we are all different, what works for one doesn't necessarily work for others

To make navigating the forum easier, we've put all the information you'll need in a newbie pack and here's the link

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

Please take the time to read it carefully, so that you're able to enjoy everything that we have on offer.

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Wishing you all the best

[Brightfeather Maintainer Healthy BMI]

Hi there Helen welcome! Wow you've been through the wars darlin. Great that you're here. Easy does it. How wonderful that you have a fab hubby. One day at a time is all I can manage. Wishing you well 😉

[Fridayschild 7lbs]

Welcome, this site is full of genuine people who motivate and give advice, I couldn't recommend them all enough, good luck and take it a day at a time x