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Morbidly obese help

31 replies

Brainfogmcfogface · 04/08/2020 12:47

In a nutshell, my car has died, I’m a single mum on benefits, no savings, I cannot afford a new one (not even a cheap run around, I have pennies to my name) My daughters school is a 45-50 minute walk away, there isn’t a direct bus from where I live, and I’d have to get 2, maybe 3 busses and even if the timings did tally up we’d be late every day. I’m morbidly obese, in constant pain due to my weight, but I have no choice but to walk there and back twice a day, toddler in tow in September. Help! How can I get fit enough, right now I’m trying to walk a bit every day but a 20 min walk literally has my knees and hips aching and causing me so much pain, I’m considering home school as I just can’t see how I’ll cope. Any advice on upping my fitness?
Thanks in advance.

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Ineedflour · 06/08/2020 21:19

I found a shiatsu mat really helpful for relaxing my tired muscles when I started exercising. They are the sort of thing many people buy and then don't use. Maybe you could find one on freecycle or from a friend?

BelleSausage · 05/08/2020 14:01

I would also recommend Fast 800.

I lost 2 stone last year and am now on it again because I’ve put on weight over lockdown. It is hard to begin with but eventually your cravings change and your body no longer craves carbs.

notapizzaeater · 05/08/2020 13:53

There's a group on the weighloss Chat who are wanting to loose 9 stone plus - come and join us.

BadDucks · 05/08/2020 13:39

It’s very hard to lose weight through just exercise so really in order to improve your fitness and decrease the stress on your joints through walking you will need to reduce your calories. Walking is great exercise though so keep working at it everyday to build up how far you can go. Walking is the only exercise I do but it has kept the weight loss off over the last 3 years.
I’m an old fashioned calorie counter when it comes to weight loss alongside sticking to fish, fruit and vegetables and whole grain foods. Cut out as much processed foods as you can as it really does does help.

MrsSpookyM · 05/08/2020 13:30

Download MFP or the Fitbit app. Calculate every single calorie you eat, and make sure you stay under 1500 calories.

It's honestly the only foolproof way. If you're obese you should be able to lose at least 10lb a month doing that.

BloddersMum · 05/08/2020 13:26

Someone on mn at the start of lockdown recommended the Leslie Sansone walk at home videos on YouTube (thank you whoever you wereSmile) . Each 15 minute video is a fat burning 1 mile. There are no fancy moves (which is essential as my mum has no coordination) and it gets you a little out of breath but not excessive.
My mum was a size 22 and I have done it with her every day on a video call. We started 15 minutes each day and now she is up to 2 miles most days and three miles at least twice a week!
Good luck!

Cloudburstagain · 05/08/2020 13:25

Sorry should have said, pushing a pushchair I found helpful when I was less fit and good for carrying the school bags!

Hazelnutlatteplease · 05/08/2020 13:16

Yy to better shoes.

Also try knee and ankle supports.

Yes to calorie restricting.

Also vitamin D supplements

Cloudburstagain · 05/08/2020 13:16

How far is it? Is it the nearest school for your dd? Is moving her to one nearer an option or is it that long to walk due to weight and toddler?

With a toddler in a pushchair to lean on that should help. Plus with regular exercise it should help weight loss and with a healthy diet and the exercise hopefully the walk will be quicker.

MrsJamin · 05/08/2020 13:12

You say the walk is 45-50 minute walk, do you know how many miles or km that actually is? I think you could probably reduce the time to walk there so it won't take so long in the future. Some good advice above, build up your walking times every day for the next month and really try to create a calorie deficit so you don't eat as much. It's doable and the need to walk will help you do it! It's really good for children to walk to school and they honestly like the time with you. Make sure you have sturdy shoes and a good raincoat so you're ready for all weathers, including a buggy raincover. We believe in you Flowers

dementedpixie · 04/08/2020 17:54

Why us your daughters school so far away? Is there not a school bus or the option of changing the school to a closer one?

Padamae · 04/08/2020 17:49

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Pangur2 · 04/08/2020 16:49

Low carb or keto is absolutely brilliant for shedding weight. You see results really quickly which makes it easier to stick to as well. I lost 3 stone almost without trying. That and building up the walking every day will work wonders.
Check the keto board on Reddit; some of the weight loss pictures on there are amazing. People losing 100lb, 200lb, sometimes in less than a year. If you filter by top of all time there are some really inspirational stories, including one person who managed to lose 345lb and another who dropped from 500lb to the 200s.

Apolloanddaphne · 04/08/2020 15:55

Keep going a little bit further every day. Look in this as a chance to get fitter and lose weight. If you walk one way can you get a bus some of the way back when time is less of an issue?

Time40 · 04/08/2020 13:46

Would it help if you used walking sticks or hiking poles?

Good luck, OP. Maybe this is the push you needed to get healthier and fitter.

AuntieStella · 04/08/2020 13:30

Tackling the excess weight is really important, and that's all about what you eat. Have a browse in the weight loss chat section

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/weight_loss_chat

and see if you can find things there that help you make a plan. I found joining a general chat thread in there really helpful, as it was nice to connect with people who were also seeking dealing with the ups and downs of weight loss.

In terms of coping with the walk, then yes I think starting daily walks now will help. It needn't be for long, just getting into the habit of going out and walking is brilliant. So well done on making a start! I suggest swooping 1x 20mins for 2x 10 mins, and increasing by no more than 10% every 5 days or so.

Getting good trainers or walking shoes will help. For trainers, get a size up from what you usually wear, and if your feet are wide then consider men's (they are made on a wider last). Cushioned soles wouid be good, and for walking it doesn't really matter if you have neutral or supportive sole (unless you need orthotics, in which case go for neutral)

Then it's just a case of sticking with it. You don't have to enjoy it - see it as a necessary task. You might also want to see if you can find any beginners workout classes you can do at home. Try your council's parks and recreation department, as their health/well being section might have Get Out Get Active type videos, which are likely to be suitable.

unicornparty · 04/08/2020 13:26

Are you able to cycle? It's low impact, would get you to school quicker and you could put the toddler in a seat on your bike.

WhatWouldYouDoWhatWouldJesusDo · 04/08/2020 13:24

Look at what trainers you're wearing, I'm very, very overweight, probably in the same category as you but can walk miles with no bother. I do at least 5 miles most days and most of this is possible because of a pair of £30 trainers that offer good support. ((Adidas Haiwee)) they're so good I've ordered 4 more pairs. I can't imagine wearing anything else. Blush

Whatever you do don't get sketchers go walk, yes they're comfy but don't offer much for extra strain on joints.

LordOfTheOnionRings · 04/08/2020 13:22

Yoeure already doing it by trying. Don't homeschool, little and often. Go on a calorie restrictive diet and get some weight off quick.

RedCatBlueCat · 04/08/2020 13:20

Can you start by getting one bus, and walking the rest?
You are talking about walking for 3 hrs a day, in just a months time. 20 mins is a good start. Can you try and increase it by 10 mins a week?

BalloonSlayer · 04/08/2020 13:17

Would the toddler go in a pushchair? You may find having something to lean on is helpful.

As your muscles get stronger your joints will feel the strain less.

Think of it as a fitness program you will be starting in September. And unlike the rest of us, you won't be able to say "oh I don't think I'll bother today."

CodenameVillanelle · 04/08/2020 13:16

Walk, daily, a lot, but also lose weight. You need to shift some weight to take the pressure off your joints. You can do this! What a great motivation.

RunningFromInsanity · 04/08/2020 13:16

Your joints are hurting because they aren’t use to it. Keep it up, and the pain will subside.
Pair this with a healthier diet and you should see an improvement.

You may see the car breaking down and being forced to walk as the starting point!

Comfy shoes, a pac-a-mac and some healthy snacks for the walk home (fruit/nuts etc).

NoraEphronsneck · 04/08/2020 13:15

I second low carb. I've just lost 25lb in nine weeks so it can be done.

I think exercise plays a lesser art than diet but obviously is important.

Can you get some supplements as suggested by PP and try to walk twice a day for 20 minutes to get into the routine?

Yes It will be painful and tiring initially but each day it will get a tiny bit easier.

pinkbalconyrailing · 04/08/2020 13:15

take it slowly.
you have some weeks to build up.
do 10min a few times a day.
then 12
then 15
you get the gist.

agree with diet. but again, take it slowly. one change at a time like
week one: no sugar in tea & no soft drinks
week two: no snacks
week 3: portion size & up veg portions

good luck!
you can do it Smile

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