Holiday ruined due to my weight.

[Emmas85]

I've got a trip of a lifetime booked to New York in January, been booked for a year in order to pay for it. I am so overweight, need to lose 7 stone to be a healthy bmi (size 18/20) I've tried every diet so many times and here I am still huge and I feel like I've ruined the trip for myself already. I am really unfit so am dreading the walking already, the plane seat, the plane tray not coming down and having to pretend I'm asleep so no one notices. I don't even know why I'm posting tbh but I feel a bit better having 'said' it out loud. Aibu to think it's ruined before it's even started.

Please dont let your weight make you feel you dont deserve to enjoy yourself - there are lots of posts here about taking breaks, comfy shoes (which, tbh anyone would need to do), but over and above that, dont get yourself into a shame spiral and look after yourself.

I really hope this trip kick starts the fitness kick I need and it's a wonderful trip. Thank you.

If you want to get fit, do it to get fit, not out of shame of being fat.

There's many ways to live, be happy in whatever way suits you

I'm very overweight and I find the worst thing about lots of walking is heal pain and stiffness. Do some stretches for your calves and heals now, the kind you'd do for planta fascitis. Will make a big difference.

From a mental point of view, I'd go with a big New York attitude and say screw you to the negative voice that says you don't deserve to enjoy this experience. Buy some of the clothes you had in mind for if you'd lost weight and wear them anyway!

Go and enjoy yourself OP. The flight will be fine, as others have said, and once there you really needn't worry about your size.

It will be cold so make sure you have a lovely hat, scarf and gloves set, some comfortable shoes and a warm coat. There are cafés everywhere so if you get tired of walking, have a break and just enjoy the buzz of the place. If you are lucky enough to have snow (not snow storm though, preferably) Central Park is gorgeous in snow and well worth a visit. The food is great so no dieting whilst there! I had the most delicious Eggs Benedicts there and mouth us watering at the memory...

You'll be wrapped up warm for most of the time but how about a nice new top/dress/lippy or something to wear to make you feel good for your trip?

At least it's not a beach holiday. You can dress well to hide your figure

Yeah, because you wouldn't want those judgy Americans seeing your body! 🤷🏼‍♀️

You’ll have a fantastic time!

NYC has a brilliant subway and plenty of yellow cabs if the walking gets too much.

Focus on enjoying yourself. You certainly won’t be the only overweight person having a ball in the city!

Tackle the weight when you get home.

New Yorker here. First, thank you so much for coming to see us! We love our UK tourists (seriously better than the French and don't get me started on the Germans!).

You will get around fine here. Most tube stations have escalators and it's easy to get a cab or an Uber. Just try to get some walking in before you come see us.

Have a lovely trip and feel free to ask me any questions you like.

just get cabs etc and save the walking for Central Park and the like.

I really hope this trip kick starts the fitness kick I need
You could have a plan in your mind for how you might achieve this when you return from your trip, eg "I will join Slimming World ( or whatever) on 22nd January."
Keep this body positive thought in mind, and have a wonderful time.

Our friend is XXXL in men’s sizes and frequently goes to NY (and enjoys it) have a great time!

Also though do think about a gradual weight loss plan - but you will enjoy NY

Definitely start walking now, and try to do a bit more every day.
I'm madly jealous, you'll have a great time.

@Emmas85 If you're a size 18-20, why do you need to lose seven stone?

You'll be fine, you WILL fit in the seat, and no-one in NYC will care how big or small you are.

Have fun. I have been to New York 3 times, and I LOVE it.

Try Cambridge diet- when you get home. You certainly aren't big by American standards. Have a lovely time!

One thing I would say is to buy the compression socks for the aeroplane to avoid swelling etc.

My mum is on holiday in America now. She's about a size 22 and it hasn't been an issue.

You have waited a long time for this holiday so enjoy it.

Mistycloud losing 7 stone would take me to the top end of a healthy bmi, although another poster said that maybe bmi isn't the best thing to aim.

Go along, forget your weight and have a great time! Then, book another holiday for a year's time and really set yourself the challenge to turn it around. I did that. Felt like a moose by the swimming pool. Rebooked. Lost 4stone and had the satisfaction of feeling better about myself by the pool. You can do it if you really set your heart on it, but you have to plan for the set backs too and how to get over them and back on track whenever you fall off.

What a lovely, kind, supportive thread 🤗

Aah I Like this thread.

@WombOfOnesOwn, your post was really beautiful; your mom sounds great.

@Emmas85
You are overweight you need to lose weight
use the opportunity of going the USA - obesity capital of the world - to see where you DO NOT want to go
BUT
Use the opportunity of going to New York - the city that never sleeps - to realise how walking 6 miles a day and having two small meals a day works well for millions of people

• DO NOT SNACK
• WALK EVERYWHERE
• SALAD with every meal
• enjoy the outdoors

and you'll come back from NYC fired up to make the rest of your life fitter
Have a fantastic time

Low carb, high fat. Try it. There'll be a bootcamp starting over in Low Carb the New Year I'd have thought.

You’ll be fine- the seatbelts in the modern planes that do the transatlantic run are big, ‘I’m 18/20 and still have plenty of room left on the belt. I’ve never had an issue with the trays either.
Could you go premium economy? You do get a bit more space.
Everything in NY is bigger, your size won’t be an issue and it is an amazing city. Wear comfy shoes and think of all the exercise you’ll get walking around all day. I’d recommend getting a city tour hop on hop off bus. You can get around really well on those ( I was with a friend that had mobility issues). We also went on one of the tour boats that go around Manhattan Island - another great way to see stuff without walking too much. And get the Staten Island ferry To go round the Statue of Liberty - it’s free, and you can sit...
You’re going to have a great time!

Please don't worry, even if you do end up needing a belt extender (unlikely at 18/20) no-one will care. New York is FULL of folk a lot bigger than you!

Build up between now and then on the walking, so that you're fit enough to get around without pain. Plan rest stops, get the subway. Honestly, you'll have a great time!

@WombOfOnesOwn, your post was really beautiful; your mom sounds great

Totally agree ^^