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1168192 tn?1263303245

Morbidly obese couple new here

We have a number of lifestyle improvements we want to make over the next year, but this one is about the biggest. The long and the short of it is, we realize we can't do this alone, or even just with each other. We're hoping to find support here, and contribute as we work towards our goals.

We've both considered the lap band surgery, and even signed up for a program at a nearby hospital.  But it soon became evident that the six-month medically supervised weight loss program our insurance requires before the surgery was supposed to fail - and it did.  We feel that the program is designed specifically to fail patients on the 6-month program in order to funnel business to the surgeons. Now, if it turns out that we simply cannot lose weight and maintain it without the surgery, then okay, but we both want to give it a REAL go before we sign on to fail another medically supervised trial.

He's 6', in his early 40s, and 400#. I'm 5'10", late 40s, and 330#. Tips and tricks for staying on course, and separating the good information from the dreck are MOST welcome. And as I do most of the cooking, I am very interested in what works in terms of preparing healthy food and have it be tasty.

Good to be here, and hope we all reach our goals in a healthy way!
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649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
Welcome to our community.  We're happy that you decided to give us a try.  

Can you give us some ideas of things that you might already be doing as part of your weight loss journey?  Do you both keep a food diary to keep track of what you eat/drink every day?  

Have you started an exercise program?  Walking is always an excellent way to start.  I see that you live in the northern part of the country, so walking outside may not be feasible right now, but maybe there is a mall or something that you could walk inside?  Another great way to begin is water aerobics.  It's low impact because the water supports your weight, but is great for the muscles.  If there's a "Y" near you or some gyms offer water aerobics.  Some insurance companies may help cover, but I don't think a "Y" membership is all that much.  

Again, welcome........we will give you all the support we can.  



Helpful - 0
621085 tn?1614300231
Welcome! Have you thought of going to Weight Watchers Meeting together? Some insurance will partial pay for some of these things if you can't pay for it on your own. A program like that wouldn't be interested in you failing (if you know what I mean) but succeeding. What about counseling, together or separate? Could that get to the bottom of things and help you deal better? I'm glad your going to give it another try before you go back and this is a good place to get support.

Tips and tricks for staying the course, well, there are a lot and you have to try them all to see what will work best for you and your husband. I'm always prepared for when I go out so I'm not caught hungry. If I go out hungry or stay out late without a plan I'm destined to end up at a fast food restaurant or overeating when I get home. If I know I'll be gone for a while I eat before I leave. If I know I'll be back late I cook my dinner before I leave so I can eat right away when I get home. You and your husband also need to stay on the same page and back up each others good decisions and not the bad ones. Me and my hubby had a bit of a problem when we started this. He wasn't very big so I often had to say no. It's hard to be the one to stand up to things (especially when I have such a hard time) I would love to do but shouldn't. Once he realized how serious I was, he hasn't really done it since. I told him what I needed from him and he complied. I shop for a week at a time and buy little extras mostly only for the kids. Don't keep anything in the house you can't have, it's torture. Lots of water, chewing gum, hot tea to sip are all helpful. Exercise and water are an absolute must. There is no room for negotiating on this one.

As for cooking healthy, it took me a while to really enjoy healthy food but let me tell you, once you get all the junk out of the house and toxins out of your system you'll see good, healthy food in a new light. I use lots of garlic and Spanish onion. The Spanish onion makes all the difference in your soups, sauteed veggies and even raw. I use good kosher salt and grind my pepper fresh. It really makes a difference. Also presentation is everything. It really matters that it looks good and that you take the time to enjoy it. I see food in a different way now. I watch cooking shows and think "I would love that" just because I'm really liking good food. I really don't know what else to tell you I could go on and on.

You guys can do this! Let us know what you need. We can help answer your questions and support you. Good luck!
Helpful - 0
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