Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

Original poster

Morbidly obese and Chronic illness - how to start?

112 replies

Valerrie · 07/12/2017 12:17

Hi, I'm looking for some advice please.

I'm morbidly obese with a BMI of about 46. I'm 5ft1 and I weigh 17.5 stone. I struggle with my weight due to eating crap, comfort eating, convenience eating due to disabilities and no exercise.

I have fibromyalgia and a spinal injury, osteoarthritis all over, cervical spondylosis, Peri-menopausal, celiac and ibs. I'm 35 Sad

I know I need to change my diet. Due to the fact that I'm in bed most of the time, I find it too hard to go downstairs, stand and make food. This means I'm eating sugary cereal for breakfast, a sandwich my husband leaves me with crisps and chocolate, a couple of pieces of food and then a takeaway or something that can be oven cooked quickly for tea like gf nuggets and chips, steak and mash, ready meals etc. My husband is ill himself and works full time so can't spend much time cooking.

I'm now finding it difficult to just move the minimal amount. If I go downstairs and walk back up I'm incredibly breathless and my heart races and pounds. Even walking to the bathroom leaves me breathless.

I really want to tackle my problems but I don't know how. I have severe health anxiety so can't see a GP because I can't leave the house. My blood pressure is fine. If I start moving around and I feel my pulse elevate I have panic attacks. I'm limited to what I can do because of neck and spine pain and knee pain.

I'm so, so miserable and scared. I can't seem to get a grip and make healthy food choices but then we never have healthy food here. My husband does the shopping and he's underweight so buys junk. DD eats healthily but is starting to notice my poor choices.

What can I do? I've spent the morning in a state of extreme panic because I walked up the stairs and I thought my heart was coming out of my chest.

OP posts:
Original poster
Valerrie · 07/12/2017 12:28

I'm definitely addicted to sugar. Recently if I don't eat straight away, I seem to be getting crashes where I'm shaky, cold and feel very ill until I eat again. This makes me panic so I keep shoving sugar in so it doesn't happen.

My husband also does enable me to overeat. He buys me massive bars of chocolate and puts them in my bedroom drawer etc. I've sobbed and asked him not to and he knows how overweight I am and how bad it is but he still does it. I know I don't have to eat it but when it's there and I can't move to get something else I mindlessly shove it in.

My GP won't do a house call. I've pleaded and cried on the phone.

OP posts:
GlitterGlue · 07/12/2017 12:26

Most weight loss is down to diet, not exercise, so you can do this. Can you book a telephone appointment or Home visit to get the ball rolling?

Is there a self referral scheme for weight loss/healthy living in your area?

juneau · 07/12/2017 12:26

Please ring your GP and beg them for a home visit. Given you myriad issues I sincerely hope you will be granted one, as you clearly need to see a doctor.

And yes, do online shopping. Get it delivered at a time when your DH or DD can open the door to receive it, if you are bed-bound.

You do have choices and you can make changes, even from your bed. You're only 35. You have so much of your life ahead of you. Please get the help you need.

Original poster
Valerrie · 07/12/2017 12:25

Sorry I should explain I have been to the GP about the anxiety. I was referred to psychological services after a few breakdowns and I'm waiting for CBT, there's nothing more they can do for me at the moment. I didn't want to drip feed, my post was so long.

It is an excuse I know. We tend not to online shop because I've had to stop teaching and I'm on Pip now. We are really struggling with money so rarely have enough for a big shop at once. DH buys bits every day which works out cheaper for us, less waste and it means we can shop as various bits get paid in, his wages, child tax credits etc.

OP posts:
MyBrilliantDisguise · 07/12/2017 12:25

It's the sugar that's causing the problem, OP. If you could get rid of that in your diet, you'd have some tough days at first but would feel so much better.

Could you do an online shop to arrive in the evening rather than rely on your husband buying food? Could your doctor make a house call if your husband explained the situation?

Have a look at a book by Jason Vale. I've read this and I swear he's hypnotised me! He compares sugar and unhealthy eating to smoking and taking other drugs. However, you do have to go cold turkey. It sounds as though you know that something has to change - now is the time to do it while you're having those thoughts!

When you think about it, what is so scary about only being able to eat food that is healthy? His book is all about how sugar etc in food makes us addicted to junk food and fear healthy food. I was reading it and agreeing with him but now I've found myself avoiding rubbish food without thinking about it.

Make a start today - you're in the right frame of mind to make a change to your life.

paap1975 · 07/12/2017 12:25

You can do weight watchers online if you find it hard to get about. I lots 3 stone with them. Your husband is going to have to support you though, at the moment he appears to be helping you overeat

QuiteLikely5 · 07/12/2017 12:24

Call the gp you are entitled to a home visit under these circumstances

RunningOutOfCharge · 07/12/2017 12:24

It actually sounds like you are sugar addicted..... you can break that

Have a look at slimming world online?

Look up 'debbiedoesslimmingworld' on YouTube..... she's flipping amazing and has spent the last year losing over 12 stone!!

LoveYouTimMinchin · 07/12/2017 12:22

You can do an online shop for healthy food, as you know! Don't make excuses about that.

RunningOutOfCharge · 07/12/2017 12:22

You have internet so as you are home you could make shopping lists and do an online food shop

Fruit bowl nearby for snacking

Look up some YouTube videos of weightloss success stories

There's lots you can do to start off.... good luck!

LoveYouTimMinchin · 07/12/2017 12:21

I'm so sorry - but you really do need to see a GP. Your health anxiety is your biggest problem just now. Can you phone the practice manager and tell them about your agoraphobia and near bed bound status? You might even qualify for gastric surgery, your situation sounds severe enough. Ask your husband to sit with you and encourage you while you make the call? Best of luck Flowers.

Original poster
Valerrie · 07/12/2017 12:20

Also I've begged and pleaded with my husband to not buy junk and to help me and he does for a few days but he said it's just too stressful how miserable I get without junk snacks.

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread