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| Thu, 03-31-2005 - 9:38am |
Hi All,
I'm trying to find my place on these boards. I have 65 pounds to lose, which is a considerable challenge for me, since illness and injury (injuries somewhat healed, pain persists) keep me from exercising, except very minimally, and because above inflammatory illness means I'm treated with corticosteroids. I'm 39 (well, in 4 months) and mother of 3 daughters--one has a disability--and caregiver for an elderly relative of my husband. I work from a home business, and my husband's job keeps him in the travel mode most of the time.
Sixty-five pounds seems like a tremendous challenge, and I'm just under 5'4", small-framed, so it is a lot of excess!
I know I use food for comfort, anxiety relief, and cheering myself. During my (fairly rare) breaks during the day, I tend to curl up with a couple candy bars. This is usually late-morning, but sometimes mid-afternoon. I need lots of advice. My situation is such that I must reduce calories enormously--otherwise, with the inability to exercise, I don't see any change on the scale.
I'm trying to get some creative thinking going regarding how to take different approaches, not only to what and when I eat, but--well--a couple months ago, I'd never have posted to a diet-related board. So I think it's a first step.
I do have a goal--just the first of, I hope and plan--many goals. I want to start my challenge tomorrow, and in mid-July my parents are having a huge 40th wedding anniversary party. (Their 40th was last year, but my father was very ill, and they decided to do the official celebration this summer.) In any case, family will be there, as well as friends, I haven't seen in years. I want to be feeling better about myself. Fifteen pounds fewer to lug around would be great.
Please tell me if you think I'd do better on another board. I've seen some great posters here, and I feel as if I have a lot in common with you.
April 1st is MY DAY--and I'm not fooling!
Colly

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Rhonda
Spring is Here
<Hi Colly!
I read all the posts so far and wanted to add 2 things.
First - a food/exercise diary or journal (when I do this I lose, but I sure hate to admit it LOL) - pick something pretty you dont mind seeing. You can 'pencil in' meal ideas and make changes if you need to along the way. I am sure your doctor gave you an idea of how many calories he/she wants you to eat a day (if not ask- weight loss may help with your pain)
Second- When I first started to exercise again I REALLY REALLY hurt myself. I was so ashamed. I asked the doctor what I should do -- for me he suggested using non-weight bearing exercise -- his examples were 1- stationary bicycle riding and 2- aquasize or walking in water at least waist deep. Perhaps you could check with your doctor for suggestions. Count any movement you add to your day as exercise (1 trip across the room and back for no reason)
Good Luck to you! We are all in this together and I have been lurking here awhile they have GREAT ideas and recipes to share. (Yummy!)
Valerie 320/320/140
Sharla,
I liked your hot tea idea...is it solely for relaxation purposes, or does it actually help curb an appetite?
Hi Sharla and thanks!
I'm putting the Weight Watchers dinners on the shopping list for sure!
We have healthy food in the house, virtually all the time. My problem is when times are especially difficult, and I almost don't care. That's when those candy bars start shouting to me in the store.
Yes, I agree, with you that tea is terrific--and so many different varieties.
Thanks again.
Colly
Rhonda, lovely family!
Yes, I've been given great suggestions here and, yes again, they're already benefiting me. I'm happy to have found this board.
I'll explain in a little more detail about my physical limitations. After the car accident and initial surgeries on my knees and legs (also ankle), I was in a wheelchair for a year, followed by crutches. I still need one crutch, except for a few steps around the house. The range of motion in my knees is very limited, and my right ankle is weak. Everything is pretty painful, even without moving--so it hasn't been easy for any of my doctors/therapists.
I will keep seeking more opinions and help though.
Thanks so much!
Colly
Valerie,
Nice to meet you and thanks!
I have to admit that I haven't tried a separate food/eating journal and I should. I have a book of appointments, meetings, calls, and the usual thousand "to do's" (you know!) that travels with me, and I do jot in things related to menus, food intake, etc. there--but those jottings can get lost. I will start a food journal.
Exercise is a huge problem, because of the after-effects of a car accident and surgeries that did put my knees/legs, etc., back together but left a lot to be done. I graduated from a wheelchair to crutches, and don't think I'll be able to give up the one crutch until further surgeries are done, but the surgeon will not do these surgeries until I've lost considerable weight. :( Water exercises would be perfect, if it weren't for my inflammatory illness, which affects my skin. Pool chemicals cause extreme stinging and redness.
My doctor (internist) doesn't seem to know much about calorie intake--especially specifically for me, given my circumstances!
I, too, feel that we're all in this together and though I haven't done a lot of reading here, I feel inspired. I'm going to keep seeking different approaches and suggestions.
Thank you!
Colly
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