How to sort the weight out: there must be some experts around with the thousands of tons & tonnes shed each year..........

[Wullie2009]

Not such a great start to the year with a couple of exacerbations, flare-ups call them what you will, the worst of which is now settling.

One of the major contributions to breathlessness and my health generally is that I am seriously overweight and have been for a few years. Used to be fairly active and would walk off that extra weight; the breathlessness makes that difficult now.

The Pulmonary Rehab has been a great contributor in that respect so as my health improves with regards to flare-ups I should get more on the move with conscientious effort on my part. So we get to the sticking point; DIET

This is a serious and major issue on my part any any constructive guidance would be appreciated. So does anybody have ideas about a particularly good plan in reducing my weight by 5 stone? That's a whopping 70lbs or alternatively 32Kg.

Not something that arrived overnight, mind you the way I handled giving up smoking surely didn't help. So the weight has taken a good amount of time to build up so not looking at an overnight loss or anything daft like that.

Any particularly successful methods other folks have found? An initial boost would be handy followed by the remainder over time. I fully respect that it is both a major project and will take time and effort. Probably not helped by the fact that it seems to be more a multi-million pound money making opportunity rather than a multi-million pound weight loss need.

Do we have some particularly clever advice? And yess of course I will need to discuss with my own doctor & Dietician but those clever thoughts of yours out there will be greatly appreciated.

Good health and appropriate weight to all fellow travellers!

[mrsmummy]

A diet is always easier to stick to if you don't feel deprived so I would change your diet rather than just cutting lots of things out, replacing unhealthy food with healthy alternatives. Don't ban any foods that you particularly like, just limit them and keep them as occasional treats. Don't have unhealthy food in the house. It is easier to resist temptation if you have to go looking for it rather than just opening the 'fridge or a cupboard! There are exercises you can still do. Check out the DVD that the BLF will provide. shop.blf.org.uk/products/ex...

There are also some good tips here:

nhs.uk/Livewell/weight-loss...

[Wullie2009 in reply to mrsmummy]

a great start mrsmummy, many thanks

I must have been mindreading yesterday afternoon whilst out in the shops as I said to myself, don't get those if they're in the house you'll only eat them or drink them

ongoing that will be a permanent part of my thinking and just makes so much practical sense: my STEP 1 is, leave on Supermarket shelf

the mobility and breathing did rather slow down the ability to hunt the not such beneficial stuff down; now I am more on the move if I don't bring it to the house we are winning with step 1

I will now delve into your links and find out some of your helpful angles within. I am sure there will be some great advice to help me on my journey.

Whilst reading through mrsmummy's listings I would appreciate any other guidance/advice that others have found to be particularly helpful in the loss of weight.

In the meantime, I will avoid any naughty things that are already in the house

[Magpuss]

Several years ago when I needed to lose 2st my doc pointed out that if I lost 1lb each week I'd hit my target in six and half months without really noticing. He didn't advocate 'a diet' as such, said they put too much pressure on people and made them think constantly about food - (in terms of what they can and can't eat) and that only wetted their appetite. Smaller portions was his advice plus - the use of smaller plates (so you still have a plateful) drink more - preferably water but any unsweetened (non alcoholic) drink, also - cut down on, but don't eliminate treats and if, or when necessary, snack on nuts, fruit or a stick of celery. If you feel you need some moral support I believe Slimming World and Weight Watchers get some good results but if you have the determination I reckon you can do it and - step one is an excellent place to start.

[Wullie2009 in reply to Magpuss]

that's some more good practical advice there Magpuss and isn't so much of life about what goes on in the mind; the good old catchphrases being the best "inch by inch life's a cinch"

I just knew there would be some helpful considerate souls who could help me on my way, so here I am only with tentative steps but a great grounding from you Magpuss and mrsmummy.

Keeping temptation out of the house, smaller portions and nice small positive steps. I am certainly on my way.

It has been said, and certainly a marketing strategy advocated by the the likes of Slimming World & weight Watchers, losing weight is easier whilst working in a group rather than trying it on our own. Like you suggest Bagpuss, it is much more a matter of finding that method more suited to us as individuals. I'm not so sure that I am particularly good in groups, probably better for me with a relationship with a Dietician or Hypnotherapist, Trainer sort of person. How do any others of you feel about working with a guide or mentor, has it worked for you.

Quite clearly Bagpuss your doctor was helpful, particularly in guiding you along the small and steady steps.

I may be digging a bit but as I said originally it is to be a journey, rather than a quick visit so I'm more than interested in any additional thoughts and methods that can help.

In the meantime, it's a lovely looking day out there in North Oxfordshire, albeit a touch cool and windy. it's the sunshine that makes it for me, so here's for of it and as relaxed and enjoyable weekend as can be mustered. shame really that the COPD and breathing disorders aren't able to take the weekend off as well.

do have fun all of you though in whatever way floats your boat