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Need advice

I would really like some advice concerning a need for drastic self-improvement.  I am a 51 yo wf with a history of smoking for over 30 years, currently obese, with high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, and COPD.  I want to lose weight and quit smoking, but am concerned about taking on too much at one time.  I am unable to pay much for help, as we live on a fixed income, and my condition is so poor I have had to apply for disability.  Family history includes heart disease and lung cancer, so this is really a matter concern that I feel I must stop neglecting.  I do believe this is more of a challenge than I will be able to face alone.  Any thoughts?  Thank you.
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579258 tn?1250649343
First, you are more than welcome.  Skailark is indeed a powerhouse but is a "he" .. :]  

We all have to get to the point about being able to accept the person ... ourself ... in the mirror.  You are wise to know this and courageous to be facing it.  Here is a poem that is special to me ...

Queen for a Day

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you queen for a day
Then go the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that girl has to say

For it isn’t your husband, brother or mother
Whose judgment upon you must pass
The person whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the girl looking back from the glass

She’s the person to trust, nevermind all the rest
For she’s with you clear up to the end
And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the girl in the glass is your friend

Take special care of you ... you are worth it!!!

Ranae
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks so much.  I sensed that Skailark might be a powerhouse around here from the speed and enthusiasm of her welcome, and I appreciate your input as well.  I will take all the help I can get.  But I do have to confess something.  After making that bathing suit statement I realized that it would be nice to like the looks of the woman in the mirror again, even though it really isn't a priority.  I have always believed in being honest with myself, and if this is gonna work I think I have to be honest about that.  And why not?  I will make it a secondary goal.  

I have been working on a calorie count and nutritional guidelines for today's intake and it has certainly been revealing.  I am getting ready to post it in my journal.  I would appreciate it if you would take a look at your convenience and let me know if you think I am off in any of my calculations, goals, etc.  I really am jumping off in the dark here, so I do need help.

Thanks again

notgranny
Helpful - 0
579258 tn?1250649343
We are thrilled you are here and soooo look forward to allowing us to share in your journey.  

Just to let you know, I began my journey at a BMI of 53.3 and weighed 330 lbs.  It has been 27 months and I have lost 152 lbs.  My current BMI is 28.7 and I weigh 178 pounds.  I still have 24 pounds remaining to be in the healthy "normal" range.

Your reasons for losing weight are the right ones ... to improve your health, strength and endurance.  The good thing is YOU CAN DO THIS!!!  You have expressed your desire, you possess a "CAN DO" attitude and you are willing to re-examine and consider changing your thinking patterns.  These are HUGE STEPS to take and will lead to your success.  

Food journals always seem to be dreaded, but they do help.  You even get good at doing them in fairly short order.  Here's an article on Journaling for Weight Loss Success ... I hope you find it helpful ... http://www.ranaesheart.com/2008/07/journaling-for-weight-loss-success.html  

Very much looking forward to having you in the community and the challenge.  Skailark is a wonderful friend and helped me along my journey.

Sunshine wishes .. Ranae
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for the words of encouragement and excellent suggestions.  I have already checked my BMI and it is BAD.  To be classified in the "normal" range, I need to lose 70 pounds, but I would be happy with a loss of 50 pounds.  My goal is not to look good in a bathing suit, but to improve my health, increase my strength and endurance, and perhaps be able to work again someday.  As for your other suggestions, I will take them to heart.  I like the idea of the weight loss challenge, and although I dread keeping track of my food intake, I will do it if it will help.  I have always wondered about the emotional eating theory.  I suppose there could be a correlation, but I really think I just eat the way I do because I like what I like, and enjoy food.  I like to cook as well as eat.  At any rate, I will put any doubts I have on the shelf and take all your suggestions to heart and we will see what we see.  Thank you so much.  It means a lot to me that you took the time to answer.  Just knowing someone might be willing to offer guidance is a great encouragement.
Helpful - 0
616227 tn?1251076398
First of all let me welcome you to the group!

Its true! Life is always full of challenges and hurdles. That's what makes us want to fight back. I fully understand your condition and I am aware of the difficulties you face.
By joining this community you have taken a major step towards a healthy lifestyle.
You joining her, it tells me two things. You do want to change and you have the desire to change.

The best way to approach the weight loss deal is, take small steps at a time. Taking baby steps helps you not stumble and makes your journey easier.  May I suggest that you use the BMI calculator and then see how much weight you have to lose first? When you come back let me us know and we will teach you how to set a goal and how to approach your goal.

Let me say that you joining this community is perfect timing because we’re having a weight loss challenge on the 6th of October, that I believe will help you get started on your journey.

Meanwhile, here are a few things I suggest you do.

*Add the weight tracker to your profile and set your goal.
It is fairly self-explanatory, but there are also instructions posted in the Health Pages (http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Weight-Loss/How-to-Set-Up-Your-Weight-Tracker/show/459?cid=129).

*Aim to lose 3-5 pounds during the challenge.

*Start making journal entries every day listing the food you ate, calories consumed, your activity, etc.  Note your mood for that day and consider implementing the Mood Tracker as many times there is a correlation between our emotions and food.

*You can use CalorieKing.com to find out calories of food you are consuming or you can obtain this information from the package label.

Please do not be afraid to ask any questions.  We are here to help you!
Helpful - 0
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