Most, if not all of these replies, are missing the fact that you're on steroids and other medications.
You haven't said what other meds you're on but steroids can be hell. Would you mind sharing how long you've been on them and an approximate dose (high or low)?
Steroids (and other meds) can cause weight gain through a variety of means that can make weight management difficult.
- weight can just stick - even if restricting calories
- they increases appetite in a way that's difficult to manage
- they screw with your head and emotions
How is your mood @Somuchweighttolose? You sound really low tbh. Do you find your mood affected by the meds you're on?
Given your medication regime, I think you need to consult with your gp in the first instance. Are you under consultant care too? They may also be able to help.
You can request referral to a dietatician through either gp or consultant and ask for help with coming up with an appropriate dietary plan to manage your weight.
Given the meds you're on (or have been on) and the fact that you must have underlying health conditions, you absolutely need clinical support and guidance.
It's also clear from your thread that you're being very self critical - stop beating yourself up. You can be gentle and understanding with yourself while still taking charge, but failing to appreciate how hard things are (and have been) for you will only make you feel worse if you struggle to achieve the high expectations you're placing on yourself.
I think seeking therapy support will also be helpful for you, probably in the form of cbt and I would discuss this with your gp or self refer (many health authorities allow this). You'll need support in preventing unhelpful thought patterns and destructive cycles - especially if you're still taking steroids.
Your doctors should absolutely take your concerns about your weight and the impact its having on your mood and self esteem seriously. If they don't, see a different gp / kick up a fuss. Is there someone close to you who you'd be happy to have along to advocate for you in these circumstances? Even a nurse you connect with.
Losing weight successfully needs to be addressed from several angles. Even for most people, its not as simple as cutting back on portion sizes or swapping chocolate for fruit. Its genuinely difficult when you're dealing with physical and emotional health issues and the prescribed treatments so please stop beating yourself up!
What matters is your mindset. Do you feel that your sense of control over your life has gone out the window in recent times? I wouldn't be surprised. Its another reason why you need proper support to achieve the results you desire.
Now, I've been emphasising that it is very hard for people in situations such as yours and you shouldn't be self critical, which is all true. But that doesn't mean you can't do it - you absolutely can!
You may need reframe your expectations in line with your current health though - it might take longer right now than it would were you not on the medications you are. That's OK- it's still absolutely achievable, it just means you shouldn't beat yourself up.
It's also OK to fall off the wagon. Consistency is key; as long as you pick yourself up and dust yourself off then you'll get there.
You've said you're overwhelmed with the amount you have to lose...That's OK, just focus on one step at a time. Look to lose the first half a stone. Then the next bit. Celebrate each small win as well as the big ones. This is really important.
You can do it, op, definitely - but if you're on meds that cause weight gain and/or mess with your head then you need a multi-pronged approach with the support of your clinical team. Don't be afraid to seek it 