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Calorie-counting

Discuss calorie counting, including tips, challenges and real-life experiences. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Original poster

Feeling distressed about dieting

16 replies

SeaBreezeDream · 31/10/2023 09:36

I feel completely ridiculous.

I've been obese all my adult life except for 3 occasions when I lost a lot of weight but then put it back on again anyway. My weight has been stable at 18 stone for a few years now and I'm just not in a frame of mind to tackle it right now.

But I'm having my gallbladder removed and Dr has asked me to go on a very low calorie diet for 2 weeks to shrink my liver.

I know I can do it, it's just 2 weeks, but psychologically I'm really struggling. I feel complete panic about it and sort of out of control. I haven't started yet as I don't have a date and it's all I can think about. I'm literally crying and panicking and I feel like I'm going crazy.

I hadn't realised that my weight and eating were such emotional issues for me.

OP posts:
Moonlightsonatas · 31/10/2023 09:37

Weight can be a literal comfort blanket. I eat when I am sad, when I’m stressed, when I’m tired.

If it is a short term thing, can you go on complete meal replacement shakes/bars. Then you don’t have to count calories as such.

Flipdiddle · 03/11/2023 16:48

How’s first few days gone Op?

Original poster
SeaBreezeDream · 03/11/2023 19:54

@Flipdiddle
I've had to postpone my op until February so the diet is on hold for now.

It's a real shame because tbh it's totally hanging over me. I'm so angry with myself for getting into such a panic, I just hadn't appreciated how much my bad eating habits were an emotional issue.

OP posts:
bellac11 · 03/11/2023 19:56

The Liver reduction diet is doable as long as you eat very high protein and cut the carbs completely.

But obviously thats not the sole issue for you in terms of actual hunger so it will be hard.

Has it been difficult to eat with the gall bladder problems

Flipdiddle · 03/11/2023 20:11

SeaBreezeDream · 03/11/2023 19:54

@Flipdiddle
I've had to postpone my op until February so the diet is on hold for now.

It's a real shame because tbh it's totally hanging over me. I'm so angry with myself for getting into such a panic, I just hadn't appreciated how much my bad eating habits were an emotional issue.

Why did you postpone?

bellac11 · 03/11/2023 20:41

Wouldnt have thought it was OP, they cancel stuff like this all the time, gall bladders are not seen as priority half the time, theres quite a long thread about it

Starmoonsu · 03/11/2023 20:43

You’d be better off starting to make some small changes now to make yourself feel healthier like maybe upping the exercise / making some healthier choices without a focus on weight loss. Maybe do some things to make you feel good about yourself like a spa day / paint nails.

Original poster
SeaBreezeDream · 03/11/2023 20:48

Unfortunately I have had to postpone it as I have caring responsibilities and fitting in 2 weeks recovery now wasn't possible.

My diet at the moment isn't too bad, I've realised what some of my triggers are and have made my diet pretty bland accordingly, but it's not as restrictive as I know some people need to be. I haven't had an attack for almost 3 weeks so hopefully I can get through to January.

But emotionally this hasn't been so hard as I sti feel I have lots of choices, and I still feel in control of what I eat. I think it's the lack of control that scares me about the liver reduction diet.

OP posts:
bellac11 · 03/11/2023 20:48

Ive just noticed your new date for the op is Feb.

Last year, in October I changed forever, started a low carb, low cal diet, had 2 holidays and xmas and lost two and a half stone by Feb. I had weight loss surgery booked in for the Feb already and that gave me such a good start, when I had to do the liver reduction diet, I didnt actually lose that much because Id been losing already and it wasnt different to what I'd been eating since the October

bellac11 · 03/11/2023 20:51

SeaBreezeDream · 03/11/2023 20:48

Unfortunately I have had to postpone it as I have caring responsibilities and fitting in 2 weeks recovery now wasn't possible.

My diet at the moment isn't too bad, I've realised what some of my triggers are and have made my diet pretty bland accordingly, but it's not as restrictive as I know some people need to be. I haven't had an attack for almost 3 weeks so hopefully I can get through to January.

But emotionally this hasn't been so hard as I sti feel I have lots of choices, and I still feel in control of what I eat. I think it's the lack of control that scares me about the liver reduction diet.

Its very temporary OP, how long have you been asked to do it?

Mine was 2 weeks

Think of it like when you have a cold or flu and you dont eat properly for a few weeks, lots of soup and fluids

Original poster
SeaBreezeDream · 03/11/2023 20:51

From now until 31st January I have time to lose a lot of weight in theory but I'm just not ready to do it and don't even want to think about it.

The 2 weeks is going to be hard enough

OP posts:
Original poster
SeaBreezeDream · 03/11/2023 20:53

@bellac11
I suspect you are right, it will be fine, but the prospect is scaring me, it's so irrational ffs.

OP posts:
Flipdiddle · 03/11/2023 20:58

SeaBreezeDream · 03/11/2023 20:51

From now until 31st January I have time to lose a lot of weight in theory but I'm just not ready to do it and don't even want to think about it.

The 2 weeks is going to be hard enough

So you’re not prepared to even start making tiny baby steps?

LegendsBeyond · 03/11/2023 21:20

Sounds like you need therapy if you’re not “in the right mindset.” Surely you can start walking more, eating less crap. Small changes as PP says. This is about your health, so you don’t really have a choice.

Original poster
SeaBreezeDream · 03/11/2023 21:31

Good advice, thanks.

OP posts:
bellac11 · 03/11/2023 21:44

Just reflecting on what you said about choice OP and some of the panic is from not being in 'control'

Sounds as if you're not actually in control, your cravings are in control of you.

I know its not the same and its not that relevant to your situation per se but having had this sleeve, I now dont have the 'choice' to eat badly or too much.

The choice has been taken away from me, there is never going to be a 'day off'.

And thats actually a relief, rather than a worry, the burden of choice is removed from me.

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