Newbie needs suggestions

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-10-2006
Newbie needs suggestions
13
Sun, 12-10-2006 - 9:34am

Hello. I'm new to this board so I wanted to introduce myself. I'm 24, female and my highest weights was 310 lbs. I've lost 32 pounds so far. I want to lose another 140 (approx). I want to try to do this without weight loss drugs and absolutely refuse to have any type of surgery.

First, my history. It's a bit long, but all important to my present situation.

I'm having trouble losing primarily due to physical limitations. I have, in the past, injured both ankles (ripped ligaments) neither of which healed properly. The orthopedic surgeon I saw when the injuries occured said because I wasn't an athlete, my injuries wouldn't require surgery and should heal fine on their own. Well, they didn't. This happened back when I was in high school about 18 months apart. Even a short walk will leave my ankles looking like someone taped a baseball to the sides because they swell so much. It is very painful, but popping some ibuprofen prior seems to help me deal with the pain. I also have a bad knee, but that due to my weight and weak ankles, not injury.

More recently, I have been having dizzy spells, I was sent to a neurologist who said I have benign proxymal positional vertigo. Somewhere between my ears and eyes, somethings wrong that cause my brain to believe that either I or the room is moving when it's not. I saw him for some treatments and the "room is spinning" type of dizziness has all but disappeared.

I was still having dizzy,weak, about-to-pass-out spells, so a local hospital did some more testing and I was diagnosed with a neuro-cardial condition in which my heart and brain don't communicate properly which causes my blood pressure to drop suddenly for absolutely no reason. If I don't sit down or lie down immediately, I'll pass out. Thank goodness, I haven't completly passed out yet, but I believe that's because I have been severly limiting my activities to avoid situations where I could pass out. My poor dog hasn't been on a walk lasting more than 10 minutes in months. How am I supposed to lose weight if I can't be active? The weight I've lost so far has been primarily due to diet changes, but now I've hit a plateau and can't seem to drop another pound.

When the doctor's did some testing to diagnose this condition, they also told me that I don't eat nearly enough salt. My sodium levels are so low that even on a cellular level, my body can't function properly because my cells can't retain enough water.

On the up side, despite my weight, I am not diabetic (yet) I don't have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Does anyone have any suggestions for exercises I can do?

Thanks for any suggestions,

Dee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-13-2006
Wed, 12-13-2006 - 11:54pm
Hello I am new here also actually I just signed up
I am a 32 year old stay at home mom I am 5'7 and weigh 270 lbs alot of my weigh issues have sprung up in the last couple years of my life due to a major depression/anxiety problem I was having I finally got this under control and now I have to work on taking it off which is a very hard job/issue for me!
I need a very strong support system to get me motivated so maybe we can help each other along the road I have no advice for you yet for I am just beginning myself however I want you to know I am always here if you just need to talk or cry on my shoulders I can be a great motivator when needed to be also!

I can do anything I set out to do...


iVillage Member
Registered: 12-10-2006
Fri, 12-22-2006 - 5:32pm

Yes! It is so nice when you know that there are other people in the world who really understand what you're going through. Nice to meet you and best of luck!

Dee

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-10-2006
Fri, 12-22-2006 - 5:36pm

Thank you so much for your support. I really do appreciate it. I know that this will be a long road, but so worth it at the end. It's nice to have other people to walk the road with you. I too have had (and still do at times) some serious depression and anxiety issues. It seems we have a lot in common and I look forward to making this journey with you.

Dee

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