Aa
Help me please?
I am a 48yr old female, who has gained a considerable amount of weight over the last couple years. From last Sept to Dec I lost a total of 29lbs by going on the South Beach Diet. I went on vacation and during the holidays it all started coming back. I have gained 20 of it back. I don't have to worry about giving up potatoes, breads or pastas because I don't eat them very often anyways. I need a little more motivation and someone to coach me along the way... anyone willing to help me here?
Thank you! I think I have it all set up. I have a feeling that this weeks weight loss for me may be a little off balance. I found out this morning that part of my excess water retention.may be an effect from taking way too much ibuprophen (800-1600mg daily for the last few months) Was given orders to stop taking it.
The link that skydivediva posted is to the weekly challange which is to lose0.4lbs a week, you are more than welcome to join in,
Also each sunday Barb135 post a weekly weigh in were you can also record your weight and the highs and lows of the weight loss journey,
Also each sunday Barb135 post a weekly weigh in were you can also record your weight and the highs and lows of the weight loss journey,
Hi Kim,
Glad you were able to set up your weight tracker.
There were a couple of different threads where the weekly challenge was being recorded and some folks (me) were getting confused about which thread was the current one. To minimize the confusion, Elaine set up a new thread which can be located at: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Weight-Loss--Dieting/Weekly-Challenge/show/1289032
MaryAnn (skydivediva)
Glad you were able to set up your weight tracker.
There were a couple of different threads where the weekly challenge was being recorded and some folks (me) were getting confused about which thread was the current one. To minimize the confusion, Elaine set up a new thread which can be located at: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Weight-Loss--Dieting/Weekly-Challenge/show/1289032
MaryAnn (skydivediva)
Hi Kim! I read your post and you are definately not alone. My story is similar to yours. I've gained weight over the past three years and then lost with South Beach for a short period of time. However, it's all back again. I know my weight gain is due to stress eating and peri-menpause and frankly, I don't like to exercise. I like walking, but I can't seem to get motivated. I've been tested to determine if there is an underlying cause, but everything came back normal. Just getting older, with lower metabolism, and eating things I know I shouldn't. Nevertheless, I decided I need to do something, but I can't do it alone, so I'm using this site to keep me on track and hopefully motivated. With luck I can keep it up, I'm not good with diets, so I'm just trying to go the sensible route. Good Luck!
I am so use to having this medical condition that I am fully aware of the dos and don'ts. My cardiologists and I have discussed, in depth of my limitations. I have learned lessons from the beginning through tria and error!LOL.
I am feel comfortable with the walking(as a matter of fact, hubby and I are going tonight). I do have the Wii Fit and Wii fit Plus that has Yoga included, in which I have all intentions of bringing it back out!
I now only need a clarification on this Sunday "Weigh-in" Where do I log this in? I also set up the weight tracker.
Thanks again!
I am feel comfortable with the walking(as a matter of fact, hubby and I are going tonight). I do have the Wii Fit and Wii fit Plus that has Yoga included, in which I have all intentions of bringing it back out!
I now only need a clarification on this Sunday "Weigh-in" Where do I log this in? I also set up the weight tracker.
Thanks again!
Hi Kim62!
The ladies have already said everything I would've said, so I'll just say "Welcome!"
Like you, chronic illness and pain make it difficult for me to exercise and I know that is a "missing link" for me right now. Are you able to walk 30 minutes a day? No pushing, no jogging uphill, no marathon---just a brisk but comfortable 30 minutes around the neighborhood. If so, I'LL commit to do a 30 minute walk 3 times this week if YOU do a 30 minute walk. How 'bout it? (If you live in a hot area where a neighborhood walk would be too strenuous, you can always do "laps" along the concourse of a nearby mall. Just leave your money at home so you can save up to buy a present for yourself after you lose your first 10 pounds!)
If your cardiac condition makes even the 30 minute walk impossible for you at the moment, talk to your doctor to see if your medical condition (and insurance) would qualify you to join a cardiac rehab class at your local hospital. That way you can exercised inside (climate controlled) with a nurse/exercise tech monitoring you.
Do join in with the Sunday weigh-in, too. I've slipped up on my diet a bit this week and have gained 1.4 lbs so I have to rededicate myself to sticking with my program in order to reach my goals. Having the friendly competition and frequent encouragement of the "Sunday Weigh-in Gang" helps.
The ladies have already said everything I would've said, so I'll just say "Welcome!"
Like you, chronic illness and pain make it difficult for me to exercise and I know that is a "missing link" for me right now. Are you able to walk 30 minutes a day? No pushing, no jogging uphill, no marathon---just a brisk but comfortable 30 minutes around the neighborhood. If so, I'LL commit to do a 30 minute walk 3 times this week if YOU do a 30 minute walk. How 'bout it? (If you live in a hot area where a neighborhood walk would be too strenuous, you can always do "laps" along the concourse of a nearby mall. Just leave your money at home so you can save up to buy a present for yourself after you lose your first 10 pounds!)
If your cardiac condition makes even the 30 minute walk impossible for you at the moment, talk to your doctor to see if your medical condition (and insurance) would qualify you to join a cardiac rehab class at your local hospital. That way you can exercised inside (climate controlled) with a nurse/exercise tech monitoring you.
Do join in with the Sunday weigh-in, too. I've slipped up on my diet a bit this week and have gained 1.4 lbs so I have to rededicate myself to sticking with my program in order to reach my goals. Having the friendly competition and frequent encouragement of the "Sunday Weigh-in Gang" helps.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Okay, first things first -- do not be "ashamed" to say what your weight is. You recognize and readily admit that you have a problem, so we will just let it go at that, and do our best to help you move forward. No guilt allowed on this forum!!
Second, is your known medical condition. I strongly suggest that you talk with your doctor about what you can and can't do. A lot of doctors have specific exercises that patients can do for certain issues. I know a while back, I had an issue with my lower back; my doctor gave me a sheet with exercises that are known to help relieve the pain. It worked!! So you should first start there, as you must make sure you don't get into something you shouldn't.
Skipping meals is an absolute no-no (yes, I do it sometimes too.....lol). Skipping a meal only makes you that much hungrier, so you are more likely to overeat at the next meal. If you really HAVE to skip a meal, make it dinner, rather than breakfast or lunch. Breakfast really IS the most important meal of the day and I find that if I make lunch my main/largest meal of the day, I work off most of it before the day is over.
Having a desk job is a draw back, but there are things you can do at your desk and no one would even know you are exercising!!
Does a bit of exercise help at all with the water retention? I know, I tend to retain fluid as well, but often if I get up and move around, it will lessen somewhat. Of course, with yours being medication induced, that's maybe a different case.
Okay, so we know you can walk a bit for exercise - that's good. It's recommended that 30 minutes/day should be the length of the walk. In your case, it's unlikely, at this point, that you would be able to sustain a full 30 minutes; therefore, you could split it into 3 sessions of 10 minutes each (10 minutes in the morning, 10 during your lunch break (you're gonna skip lunch anyway, right?..lol), then 10 minutes in the evening. There's no need to "push" yourself to start with. You take baby steps, always.
If you walk daily, you will most likely feel yourself getting stronger, and as you build strength, your stamina will increase and you should start seeing some weight come off.
One thing I would strongly suggest that you look into is yoga - provided that your doctor has no objection. Yoga is a wonderful form of exercise in that it centers on breathing, balance, stretching, strength and relaxation. I love it. Of course, when I bought my first yoga dvd and watched it, I just "knew" there was no way I would EVER be able to do those poses; and of course, when I first started out, I couldn't even come close. Compared to the "trainer" in the video, I looked like a total klutz; yep, had to laugh at myself. But as I did the poses over a period of time, I got lots better at it and now, I can hold my own, so long as I do it on a regular basis, which I haven't been, so now my muscles are stiff again. Since most yoga is done at a much slower pace than a lot of other exercises, you do what you can, such as the stretching -- you stretch only as far as it's comfortable, no more.
It's good that you drink lots of water and don't eat fast or junk food.
You said "I think the other issue is that my metabolism is just screwed up!". That takes me back to what I said in my previous post about getting your thyroid levels tested, since your thyroid is what controls your metabolism!! You need to get tested for TSH, Free T3 and Free T4; make sure you get a copy of the lab report for your records; don't just accept a "normal" result because results can be in normal ranges and still not be right for you.
Additionally, insulin resistance will affect your metabolism as well. Insulin helps your body use the food you eat for energy. If your cells are resistant to insulin, they won't be using the food for energy, you will be storing it as fat instead.
These 2 conditions can make it very difficult, if not almost impossible to lose weight, so I can't stress enough, the importance of ruling them out.
Second, is your known medical condition. I strongly suggest that you talk with your doctor about what you can and can't do. A lot of doctors have specific exercises that patients can do for certain issues. I know a while back, I had an issue with my lower back; my doctor gave me a sheet with exercises that are known to help relieve the pain. It worked!! So you should first start there, as you must make sure you don't get into something you shouldn't.
Skipping meals is an absolute no-no (yes, I do it sometimes too.....lol). Skipping a meal only makes you that much hungrier, so you are more likely to overeat at the next meal. If you really HAVE to skip a meal, make it dinner, rather than breakfast or lunch. Breakfast really IS the most important meal of the day and I find that if I make lunch my main/largest meal of the day, I work off most of it before the day is over.
Having a desk job is a draw back, but there are things you can do at your desk and no one would even know you are exercising!!
Does a bit of exercise help at all with the water retention? I know, I tend to retain fluid as well, but often if I get up and move around, it will lessen somewhat. Of course, with yours being medication induced, that's maybe a different case.
Okay, so we know you can walk a bit for exercise - that's good. It's recommended that 30 minutes/day should be the length of the walk. In your case, it's unlikely, at this point, that you would be able to sustain a full 30 minutes; therefore, you could split it into 3 sessions of 10 minutes each (10 minutes in the morning, 10 during your lunch break (you're gonna skip lunch anyway, right?..lol), then 10 minutes in the evening. There's no need to "push" yourself to start with. You take baby steps, always.
If you walk daily, you will most likely feel yourself getting stronger, and as you build strength, your stamina will increase and you should start seeing some weight come off.
One thing I would strongly suggest that you look into is yoga - provided that your doctor has no objection. Yoga is a wonderful form of exercise in that it centers on breathing, balance, stretching, strength and relaxation. I love it. Of course, when I bought my first yoga dvd and watched it, I just "knew" there was no way I would EVER be able to do those poses; and of course, when I first started out, I couldn't even come close. Compared to the "trainer" in the video, I looked like a total klutz; yep, had to laugh at myself. But as I did the poses over a period of time, I got lots better at it and now, I can hold my own, so long as I do it on a regular basis, which I haven't been, so now my muscles are stiff again. Since most yoga is done at a much slower pace than a lot of other exercises, you do what you can, such as the stretching -- you stretch only as far as it's comfortable, no more.
It's good that you drink lots of water and don't eat fast or junk food.
You said "I think the other issue is that my metabolism is just screwed up!". That takes me back to what I said in my previous post about getting your thyroid levels tested, since your thyroid is what controls your metabolism!! You need to get tested for TSH, Free T3 and Free T4; make sure you get a copy of the lab report for your records; don't just accept a "normal" result because results can be in normal ranges and still not be right for you.
Additionally, insulin resistance will affect your metabolism as well. Insulin helps your body use the food you eat for energy. If your cells are resistant to insulin, they won't be using the food for energy, you will be storing it as fat instead.
These 2 conditions can make it very difficult, if not almost impossible to lose weight, so I can't stress enough, the importance of ruling them out.
WOW...this sounds encouraging to see this much support already. But I do have a few more things to add...and I don't want this to sound like excuses. First of all, I take mega doses of anti-arrhythmic meds to help control a complex ventricular tachycardia issue(in which I also have an implanted defibrillator)..that makes it harder to lose weight.and causes an additional problem with water retention. I can go for walks but have to be careful on pushing myself. Like I said, I don't use my condition as a crutch and would love to get back in shape. I am 5' 5" and a few years ago before all this started, I weighed 140 and now I am ashamed to say that I am at 223. It also doesn't help that I have a desk job.
One of my biggest downfalls is that I tend to skip meals... mainly lunch. I do drink plenty of water and don't eat fast food or junk food very often. I think the other issue is that my metabolism is just screwed up!
Once again, thanks and I am looking forward to this!
One of my biggest downfalls is that I tend to skip meals... mainly lunch. I do drink plenty of water and don't eat fast food or junk food very often. I think the other issue is that my metabolism is just screwed up!
Once again, thanks and I am looking forward to this!
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi there and welcome. I second everything the previous posters have said and will add just a bit more.
There are a lot of good diets that will help you lose weight. The problem with them is that once you go off that particular diet, most likely you will gain back everything you lost, and often even more. As Elaine said: develop a healthy life style that you can maintain for the long term.
The first thing we generally recommend giving up is refined sugar, so that cuts out a huge amount of potential fat right there; however, for the rest of the foods, it's not really necessary to "cut out" anything. Making some healthy switches is often all it takes.
Since you already don't eat bread, potatoes or pasta, you pretty much have the simple carbs under control. So then I'd say concentrate on lean proteins, low/no fat dairy, whole grains and let's not forget those "good for you" fats.
I agree with gokuangel that portion control seems to make the most difference; along with exercise.
I know I tend to sound like a broken record to some regulars here, but I have to suggest that you talk with your doctor and get tested for certain medical conditions that can cause rapid weight gain or inability to lose. Those include hypothyroidism, insulin resistance and PCOS. There are others, as well, but these seem to be the main ones. In 2007, I, personally, gained 30 pounds in about 3 months when my thyroid quit producing hormone, but my condition was not diagnosed for another whole year; I'm still struggling to get that weight off. I think I've lost and gained the same 5 pounds at least weekly, over the past 2 yrs..................lol Actually, at one point, I had lost almost 10 pounds but as soon as my thyroid levels went out of balance, it all came back.
Elaine mentioned the weekly weighin - titled Sunday Weighin - please feel free to join us in that; in addition, we recently started a challenge, in which we are all striving to lose 0.4 lbs/week. That's not a lot, but for some of us, it's a major challenge. At any rate, please feel free to sign up and join us in that as well. Just click on the link below and when you get to the thread, copy and paste the other names into a new thread, then add your name at the bottom. I'll be looking at it periodically to see if everyone's participating................lol
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Weight-Loss--Dieting/weekly--challange/show/1272380
Good luck and welcome aboard.
There are a lot of good diets that will help you lose weight. The problem with them is that once you go off that particular diet, most likely you will gain back everything you lost, and often even more. As Elaine said: develop a healthy life style that you can maintain for the long term.
The first thing we generally recommend giving up is refined sugar, so that cuts out a huge amount of potential fat right there; however, for the rest of the foods, it's not really necessary to "cut out" anything. Making some healthy switches is often all it takes.
Since you already don't eat bread, potatoes or pasta, you pretty much have the simple carbs under control. So then I'd say concentrate on lean proteins, low/no fat dairy, whole grains and let's not forget those "good for you" fats.
I agree with gokuangel that portion control seems to make the most difference; along with exercise.
I know I tend to sound like a broken record to some regulars here, but I have to suggest that you talk with your doctor and get tested for certain medical conditions that can cause rapid weight gain or inability to lose. Those include hypothyroidism, insulin resistance and PCOS. There are others, as well, but these seem to be the main ones. In 2007, I, personally, gained 30 pounds in about 3 months when my thyroid quit producing hormone, but my condition was not diagnosed for another whole year; I'm still struggling to get that weight off. I think I've lost and gained the same 5 pounds at least weekly, over the past 2 yrs..................lol Actually, at one point, I had lost almost 10 pounds but as soon as my thyroid levels went out of balance, it all came back.
Elaine mentioned the weekly weighin - titled Sunday Weighin - please feel free to join us in that; in addition, we recently started a challenge, in which we are all striving to lose 0.4 lbs/week. That's not a lot, but for some of us, it's a major challenge. At any rate, please feel free to sign up and join us in that as well. Just click on the link below and when you get to the thread, copy and paste the other names into a new thread, then add your name at the bottom. I'll be looking at it periodically to see if everyone's participating................lol
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Weight-Loss--Dieting/weekly--challange/show/1272380
Good luck and welcome aboard.
Hi welcome, you have come to the right place for help,
As gokuangel says dont diet, they only work for a short time,
The key is developing a healthy life style, something that you can maintain long term,
If your not already doing it use the food diary on here, it will record what you eat and how many calories you are having.
What exercises do you do?
there is no reason to give up any food, just eat in moderation,
We have lots of support here There is a weelkly weigh in were you can record your weight loss or gains, and any problems you may have,
Good luck on the journey, it wont be easy but it will be worth it,
As gokuangel says dont diet, they only work for a short time,
The key is developing a healthy life style, something that you can maintain long term,
If your not already doing it use the food diary on here, it will record what you eat and how many calories you are having.
What exercises do you do?
there is no reason to give up any food, just eat in moderation,
We have lots of support here There is a weelkly weigh in were you can record your weight loss or gains, and any problems you may have,
Good luck on the journey, it wont be easy but it will be worth it,
Thats awesome and you can do it again! Every1 here is VERY supportive so theres plenty if you need it! the biggest thing i can say is DONT DIET!! its doesnt work and you dont have to give things up eat sensible eat right but i truely belive portion control is what works! im a horrible eater but cutting bk and working out works for me! South beach is good though the first time i started its what saved me the food was good and i learned how to control my eating! i would buy the chicken wraps and the protein is amazing in those!
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Weight Loss and Fitness Community
14 super-healthy foods that are worth the hype
Small changes make a big impact with these easy ways to cut hundreds of calories a day.
Forget the fountain of youth – try flossing instead! Here are 11 surprising ways to live longer.
From STD tests to mammograms, find out which screening tests you need - and when to get them.
Tips and moves to ease backaches
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
