Morbidly Obese - help?!

[OneMoreStepAlongTheRoadIGo]

I'd really love some support from anyone who has been here or who has knowledge in this area.

I am very overweight and really need to get a handle on it.

I would really like to try to avoid surgery although I suspect I would qualify.

Is there any help I can access?

Or what has helped people? its so different tryong to lose10 stone to 2! I am so ashamed its got this bad but I want to change.

Peridot hope you having a fantastic time!
I love one of the loving foods kimchi hut opened a different jar and not so keen. I find it super sour/vinegars so better when chilli's etc to hide that!

The book sounds interesting. I was going to say "I can't walk anywhere!" So it's not relevant but then saw the story at the end so yes may well be relevant. I used to love rambling before I got ME 😔.

I had a couple of biscuits at work today. Yesterday was pretty good but I ate a couple of the kids chicken nuggets. So very much a worknin progress.

Ive had kimchi, kefir and kombucha every day (not sure if sugary supermarket one counts but doing it anyway as I quite like it and it's kind of mindful having these things I do.) Also had chia and flax on morning porridge. So definitely increasing what goes in! I haven't done nuts everyday as that's the one I'm forgetting but probably more than half.

I've eaten mackerel sourdough and half an avocado for lunch with some kefir which is different to the previous wolfing down of crisps.

I've lurked on some zoe things online and the actual programme sounds quite intense. But I may well be keen in a few months if I can stick to this (and try amd get off mirtazapine!)

Mumsnet is advertising this free event with Chris Van T and taking about gut health etc!!!

I've registered but I am teaching when this is in and can't see if it's recorded.

But if anyone is free Thursday morning let me know if it's good.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/goodwood-health-summit-presented-by-randox-join-the-online-audience-tickets-700236033827

You can make the sauerkraut less sour by mixing it with chopped dried fruit, or grated fresh fruit and chopped nuts or seeds to make a side salad.

I tend to use 15g of chopped dried fruit (apricots/cranberries/mixed peel/morello cherries/barberries) or a grated pear, and 10g of nuts or seeds (pecan/walnut/sunflower/pumpkin) to about 50g of sauerkraut. Mix it together and let it sit for half an hour before eating.

You sound like you have a good plan. I did keto about 5 years ago I think. I lost 5 stone. Went from size 20/22 to size 14.

I transitioned slowly into and out of keto and did it for almost a year. I still have a low ish carb diet, but nothing is off limits now. I have a tight fitting watch, so I don't really weight myself now, but if the watch hurts or leaves dents it's time to reign it in a little again.

The odds aren't easy to beat, and my weight will always be a central part of my life.

My only exercise at the start was swimming, because it's low risk on your joints.

Good luck, you've got this.

So physio was ever so nice but so unhelpful.

I'm less mobile cos I'm fat. No shit sherlock. But no help on getting more mobile other than to maybe get a treadmill at home (I live in a shoebox) or sign up for some classes ( I can't stand more than 5 mins so not going to manage that.

I want to cry. He weighed me and I've put on 2 stone in the last 2 years since mirtazapine too. (But have been steadily gaining the last 11 years so might not be that)

I need to lose more than half my weight. I want to cry.

Presumably you are discussing this with your GP? You sound like exactly the person that the new weight loss treatments available on the NHS are aimed at.

Lots of people are jumping straight to surgery but it may be far safer for you to use the new treatments for the two year period to get your weight down before surgery. It will affect the outcome and recovery etc period.

very best of luck, whatever you decide.

I have my GP phone call on Friday. But its the least sympathetic gp. Receptionist says she's "tell it like it is."

Well I know I'm morbidly Obese and I know it's risky health wise. I want help .

OneMoreStepAlongTheRoadIGo · Today 16:29
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I have my GP phone call on Friday. But its the least sympathetic gp. Receptionist says she's "tell it like it is."
**
Well I know I'm morbidly Obese and I know it's risky health wise. I want help”

Good, because “like it is” atm is that there is a big drive to help obese people and you could be ideal for the newly available appetite suppressant treatments.

I’ve no idea of your circumstances or strengths but know it can be very difficult. Try to read up about them online, print off some Information and take it with you if you can. Tell your GP that you are aware of them and want to know if you qualify. You’re entitled to take someone in with you if you want to, a friend or relative (or an advocate provided by the practice if not).

If this GP is unhelpful, you can ask for a second opinion/to change practice. So, you’re obese? You have the same rights as everyone else.

Persistence and determination is sometimes the only way these days, unfortunately.

Thankyou. I know our area isn't yet doing weight loss injections (I rang the tier 3 pathway answering machine by mistake when I was trying to see if I could privately access support) . The answer machine said they aren't approved for our area yet.

I don't even know what I want. The man today suggested the discounted gym sessions but I don't think I'm even at that stage (I can't stand for 10minutes and I'd be exhausted just getting to/from the gym after work.) And last time I did that 6 years ago I just had a 17 year old boy tell me how to use the equipment and weigh me 3 months later. I really don't think this is the answer.

I'm not sure what is though
I'd love to check in with someone who is knowledgeable about diet/mental stuff around obesity.)

I think I've become "deconditioned" through illness and life and weight and wanted support to get moving again but he just said to get a treadmill . No actual support which I think I need. I can try and do it at home maybe but I lose hope so quickly.

This thread has been amazing for the nutrition support so maybe I can do it woth mumsnet support I just hoped there was some sort of physical rehab thing.

I know I'm morbidly Obese and I know it's risky health wise. I want help

If you think the GP is likely to be unsympathetic, I'd pre-empt her and lead with that. Might cut off the lecture opportunity.

And sorry you had such an unhelpful physio. Are there any private ones (or personal trainers) in your area who specialise? You shouldn't have to pay, but it might be worth it if they can actually tell you something useful. You definitely can do useful exercise at any weight, but if you're struggling to stand then 'try a treadmill' is not just unhelpful but positively dangerous advice.

Different thing, but same principle - my dad was referred for NHS physio after a long hospital stay. He had Parkinsons, and between that and a month in bed he was unable to even sit up or lift a spoon. The NHS physio gave him a sheet of exercises he couldn't do, and never saw him again except to sign him off the service - 6 weeks later and completely unchanged - with a 'nothing more we can do'. We got a private one who specialised in Parkinsons and elderly patients, who took him through carefully graded steps and worked wonders.

Gosh your poor dad. We don't have a lot of money so will have to think about what to prioritise, but may be an option.

I'll look at the book above about the lady that just gradually increased her walking too (after I've read upp) but I'd really like someone to check in and encourage me if I'm doing that.

I'll see what the Dr says tomorrow. I know they have health coaches as I've done that before but ideally I want someone with the whole package who "gets" morbid obesity ....

@OneMoreStepAlongTheRoadIGo - in the book I mentioned- Walk yourself Happy - the case study of that lady is literally just a page. I just mentioned it as it made me think of you and @rataverse who are both struggling in the same way with mobility. And with useless physios now too it seems. I’m not sure there is much help out there - certainly on the NHS. I’ll try to photograph that section tomorrow and send it to you.

Thanks Peridot. Are you back from Greece? Hope you had a lovely time :) .

My emotions swing so much. It feels like there's so little support and so much judgement for people in my position.

I dont really mind paying for it if I knew what "it" was but yes it does seem very much were on our own. I had so hoped I'd get some sort of support on the NHS.

I'm really appreciating all the mumsnet support thankyou. I've just asked my husband if maybe in the new year we could sign up for zoe (although I guess so will lots of others then 🙄) . I'm not ready for their full on diet scoring thing but would be interested in the glucose monitoring once my diet is a bit more stable.

Today has been super stressful but I've realised I've eaten dinner and am not craving more food/snacks. Which I really was doing. So I think the reduction of upf is helping already (I say reduction as its still currently there) and actively having kimchi with dinner etc is focusing me.

I kind of want weight watchers without it being weight watchers!

Hello

Thanks so much for your patience here!
We can confirm that this will be recorded, so if you sign up, it will be available at a later date.

Really sorry that your physio was so useless. I would ignore the daft idea that you should get a treadmill, because you need to be able to walk for more than a few steps before a treadmill will be of any use. Aqua aerobics would be a lot safer and more fun, if you could manage to get in and out of a pool. Or using resistance bands to strengthen muscles while sitting on a chair or lying in bed.

Try not to get hung up on help from outside sources, the GP and physios who are willing and able to offer help and support are rare as gold dust, so instead of pinning your hopes on external help you will probably just have to get on with it by yourself.

Don't think about how much weight you want to loose, or how long it will take. Just start making the changes that will improve your health, starting with improving your gut microbiome and reducing chronic inflammation.

You don't need to do the Zoe project to get a glucose monitor. The glucose monitor was part of some separate research they were doing and when you sign up for the Zoe project you are asked if you want to take part in that glucose research project. The glucose monitor is not included in the basic Zoe Project that you pay for.

You don't need a prescription to get a glucose monitor, they are expensive, but a lot cheaper than doing Zoe. A monitor that lasts 14 days costs around £60.

If you go to https://www.freestyle.abbott/uk-en/getting-started/sampling.html they currently have an offer where they'll send you one free to try it out before you decide if it is worth paying for.

Before wearing the monitor you might want to make a list of all the different foods you want to check, and make sure you have them at home. So you make the best of your 14 days. If you play your cards right it's possible to glean enough information in 14 days to make paying for another monitor unnecessary. If you decide to buy another I think you can order them from Abbot.

@LilyMumsnet I take it you mean the radox/goodwood talk advertised I asked about?

I've mostly been hearing the afternoon Q and A which is fab!

I was working this morning and really want to hear those talks so will be looking forwards to hearing how tonaccess them!

@rataverse thankyou so much for your post. I think you're so right. I'd started this thread hoping to get access to "tier 3 " help and wondering how and I just don't think the help is there. They proudly boast dieticians and psychologists but no chance of actually seeing one. 😕.

So had the Dr's today. All of 7 minutes with a Dr who doesn't know me from Adam on the phone.

*weight "have to do 2 years tier 2 to get access any tier 3. Funnily enough had the tier 2 callback this afternoon. Lovely lady and lovely chat about upf and turns out they can only offer slimming world or second nature. ( has anyone tried second nature?? I think if I do one it would be zoe but this is free)

• mirtazapine. She just told me it was fine to withdraw without any conversation about my mental health or any check up put in... and I know it can be a difficult drug to come off! She also said every other day and I'm pretty sure genrral wisdom is to half the dose not every other day. Went and queued for advice from the pharmacist who wouldn't say anything just ask your Dr...

So emotionally all over the place as the reason I started the thread was to access nhs support and it doesn't seem I can (although this thread and your support has been the best support ever!)

Also thinking mirtazapine isn't great but worried about lack of sleep. My original Dr said that good sleep and less stress would help with eating and outweighs the anti depressant munchies. But I'm not.sure.

I AM worried about managing withdrawal as I'm not in a job where I cna take a back seat.

@OneMoreStepAlongTheRoadIGo - I am now back from a lovely week away. And I’ve gained 2.5 pounds! Even though I’m on Ozempic and didn’t think I ate a lot and went for lots of walks. I need to decide whether to continue with Ozempic/Wegovy. The prices are now ridiculous. I really can’t justify it.

I’m sorry the doctor and physio weren’t more helpful. Especially the physio with suggesting you buy a treadmill! Bonkers suggestion. As @rataverse says the help just isn’t there so at the moment you are going to have to just go it alone with help from here.

I don’t think Slimming World would be a good idea but I don’t know much about Second Nature. Not sure if it would be worth looking into it and maybe accepting the offer so you are doing something they recommend on the tier two pathway and can maybe then access the tier three pathway later.

Although I do think you are doing the right thing at the moment with changing what you eat. I think I would just continue on with that for a few months and see how that goes.

With regard to mobility and exercise everything you can do will help. If you can only walk ten steps do it. Do it as often as you can. Build up slowly. Don’t try to over complicate it at this stage by worrying about anything else. Just concentrate on increasing the steps you do. When my Dad was trying to get his strength and mobility back after being sick he used to get up in every ad break on TV and walk from the back door to the front door. Walk on the spot or around the kitchen while you are waiting for the kettle to boil. Etc.

Here is a picture of the section in the Walk Yourself Happy book I mentioned.

Hope you can read it!

Wow thanks Peridot yes that is encouraging. I hate the thought that that's me but accepting this is where I am now it will be good to just try and build it up. I have ME/cfs so it's a difficult balancing act as if I "overdo it" one day j can be in bed the next.

Well done your dad 😊.

Holiday weight - from my past dieting days surely part of its water retention and body adjusting to different location and food - it will hopefully just come off as you go back to your normal diet.

I had a greggs Belgium bun yesterday at work. The amazing team lead bought them for us all as a celebration and I wanted it so much. I am hoping as I go on it will be occasional celebration when at home I'm a bit better.

Part of my issues is I don't have the energy to cook so.although I buy food online I'm reliant on my husband to cook. Which he does and is amazing, but it's not always how I'd do it. I hope if I get better at standing and find work less overwhelming I'll be better placed to do more.

I toon the 7.5 of mirtazapine (half dose) last night and will do that for a couple of weeks before cutting down again.

From what I read it causes havoc when you finally drop even though that's then a small dose.

I am feeling like the problems here might be too big. And the urge to stay in bed and do nothing is so strong.

Yes I’m hoping my Greek weight gain disappears quickly! French fries with lunch every day is not a great idea! But so good and I never really have them much otherwise.

Don’t stress about the Belgian Bun. It’s life. We all have occasions when we have something like that and it’s unavoidable really.

It’s great your husband cooks. Mine does too but as you say not always how I’d do it. Mine will follow recipes so from Tuesday we are going to concentrate on some things from Pinch of Nom books or Hairy Dieters books. With added kimchi for me! I find the some of the Hairy Dieters and Pinch of Nom recipes quite tasty and it’s cooking from scratch so no UPFs.

Try not to think this is all too big of a problem. I know it’s hard but you are doing really well. It will all take time.

@OneMoreStepAlongTheRoadIGo I listened to this 20 minute Zoe podcast about exercise yesterday and thought of you. The message I took from it is that anything is better than nothing. Every kind of movement can count as exercise, and even very gentle movement has big health benefits. Something like chair yoga (lots of short videos on YouTube) could give you some real health benefits.
I know I keep linking to Zoe 🤣, feel free to ignore if it's not for you.
https://spotify.link/XmN8TbRXxDb