Could do with a bit of advice - weight loss

[wombatsandaplant]

I’m very very overweight, I’m not talking 20 kg or even 50 kg, I’m talking like 80-85 kg over weight.

I was always fat, not gonna deny that. But it was manageable. I was walking 50-60 miles a week (I was a Postie). But then my mental health go bad (very very bad) and a medication made me put on 50kg in like 6-7 months and I didn’t even notice I was so ill.

I’ve been slowly easing in to losing weight over the last 6 months. I’ve had lots of therapy and I’m in a much better place eating wise. In the past two weeks I’ve started properly exercising 3 times a week and I’ve lost just over 2kg. Which is a good start I think.

I’m itching for the gym to reopen, just over 2 weeks. I am doing exercise with a personal training at the gym, but in the carpark. I struggle going for walks because of my mental health but I can go to the gym most days without much trouble.

Anyway, I’m just hoping I can do this by myself (I don’t mean alone but without surgery).

Anyone lost a significant amount of weight on your own, without the help of surgery?

Also any tips?

I’m just feeling a bit lack lustre without the gym.

I can do two more weeks of just exercising 3 times a week. Yes I can

I’m also autistic so have a limited diet.

You have a good attitude which is a big part of the battle.

Are you off the medication that piled the weight on? Really hard to lose it if not. If you do have to stay on it, I would recommend a keto or v low carb diet as those meds make you crave carbs. If you don't eat them, the craving doesn't get triggered.

Other ideas:
Increase weights. Weight lifting will tone you and burns more calories. If you have kettlebells or weights at home, work with them. If not, lift big bottle of water or tote bags of cans so you can increase the weight.

Leslie Sansome walking videos on You Tube. You can walk at home, doing these if you don't feel able to walk outside.

Drink plenty of water. You can flavour it with sliced fruit or herbs to infuse it or add sugar free cordials.

I drink lots of next to no calorie no sugar flavoured water and I also drink about 500ml of normal water a day too.

I’m not on the medication anymore, I’m on a pretty much weight neutral one luckily.

As for food, I don’t eat breakfast as I’m never awake that early. Due to meds I sleep for like 12 hours.

For lunch I have a small baguette with tuna and lettuce, and one bag of crisps.

For tea, I have either spaghetti bolognese, fajitas, sausages and spaghetti hoops, chicken tenders and peas or turkey, mini roasties and peas. Everything at a good portion size, I mean I’ll have 50g of pasta and a ladle of bolognese with vegetables in it, sort of idea.

I also have a snack in the evening of either toast, a banana or an apple.

Also on a Saturday I have 9 chicken nuggets and small fries from McDonald’s, yeah I know but it’s my weekly treat and it’s less than 700 calories.

I track everything accurately as I can. I always estimate slightly more rather than underestimating.

I don’t have the best diet, so I take multivitamins. But I eat as healthy as I can.

What stops you going walking? Would headphones and listening to music or a podcast help overcome whatever is stopping you?

I have psychosis, mainly seeing things whilst I’m outside, so I hate going outside for longer than like 5 minutes. It’s really frustrating. That’s why I like the gym because it’s inside. I try to go for walks with my dad but he’s not always free because of work but when he is free we do go for walks.

Would you be happy to try video? This is the beginners one and then they increase.

I've lost 47kg in 18 months, I've been doing slimming world as it works for me, but the most important thing is recognising that your own mental state is the most influential thing to impact your weight and general health. You absolutely can do this, if you keep your mindset positive. Try and focus on fruit and veg at every meal as these will fill you up without adding too many calories, and don't rely on exercise to lose the weight as it is only a small part of weight loss/gain, food is much more key.

Are you in a position to be able to afford a nutritionist? That way you can ensure you're eating the right amount and still getting all your required nutrients. That way, they can tailor advice and any plans towards your limited diet. There are so, so, so many opinions and 'advice' out there online towards nutrition and 'dieting'; it could really be worth seeking advice from a professional in that area.

That's in the same vein as using a personal trainer at the gym. In the mean time, before your gym opens, there are so many YouTube workouts.

Lots is in the mindset, and you seem like you're so determined! You can do it