I'm just so fat, how and where do I start? Overwhelmed.

[Fantasisa]

I'm 18stones, it has crept on over the last five years. I was previously a fit an active person.

I just do not know where to start, my size is starting to limit my activities. I can't wear any of my nice clothes, my wedding ring doesn't fit anymore etc. But I am utterly overwhelmed and don't know where to start.

I want something sustainable - I don't like things like SW/WW as the meetings make me cringe and I don't find them motivational. But I need to change and I need to change now.

I have a very, very busy life working FT and caring for small DC (when the weight piled on) and an elderly relative. I could exercise before work but I'm just so damn tired all the time. I don't even know where to buy jogging bottoms that fit, my tummy is now an overhang which is uncomfortable.

Help please! Advice or motivational stories most welcome.

[Cagliostro]

Sleep is a major problem for me because toddler. I really need to night wean her but I’m in that “too tired to fight it” stage.

I’m off to aqua fit again in a moment. It’s so fun! And perfect for me because low impact. I’m also going to be trying “gentle yoga” in a couple of weeks. Those two classes plus gym and normal swimming will be plenty for now. I don’t have a set weekly routine or anything as there is a lot of choice with classes, I just go when I get the chance to escape aforementioned toddler. I’m lucky I can do that a lot while DH is off work (trying to see the silver lining as obviously it’s scary and stressful financially etc)

Eating wise I’m still doing crap so trying to see the bright side that I’m getting more exercise which is good for me mentally too, and if nothing else the time it takes to get to/from the leisure centre and do the activity is time I’m not sitting around doing fuck all and eating crap.

[Novae]

Well, the main things for healthy lifestyle and losing the weight are well-balanced diet, regular physical activity and enough of sleeping every day.
Try to avoid junk food and snack in your daily menu (it's ok to eat them sometimes but not almost every day!), eat more vegetables and
fruits, also drink more fresh water, at least a full glass a day will be good enough for cleansing you body. Hot water with soda is also very
helpful in this case too but firstly read carefully recommendations
about this method, it's effective only if you use it in a right way.
Physical exercises are another important thing in this case. I don't mean that you need to go to gym 5 days per week, you can choose a certain type which you like but the main idea is to practise it regurarly. It can be simple running, yoga, dancing, sport games etc. Usually it's enough for an average woman, however if you have problems with weight, it's better to consult with a good fitness coach about your own effective schedule if physical trainings.
In some cases when a person is too overweighted doctors recommend procedures for body modifications like liposuction and coolsculpting mediluxe.ca/en/ but they're effective only in addition to other methods, in other case your problem will return again very fast.
And sleeping is a very important thing too. Usually problems with it happen because of uneffective time-management and too much stress during the day. It's also one of the main reasons for gaining weight or having the problems with losing it thesleepdoctor.com/2018/04/10/sleep-deprivation/ .
For preventing this you need to organize your daily schedule well, stop eating before sleeping and use various relaxing techniqies like special meditations, in complex all of that will be helpful for improving quality of your night relax.

[Handsoffmysweets]

easilyflattered welcome! Firstly, you can do this! Once the numbers start going down on the scale the weigh loss is addictive. Tips from me would be -

1. Intermittent fasting over WW etc any day of the week
   
2. Mindset - if this isn’t right then you won’t achieve your goals
   
3. Write those goals down. Be it ‘10lbs by x party’ or whatever. It really helps to keep you on track.
   
4. Personally I weigh daily. This also helps to keep me on track. Weighing weekly means it’s too easy to think ‘ah sod it I’ll eat crap until Friday and then try and restrict to make up for it’. It doesn’t work.
   
5. Don’t let one bad meal turn into a bad day.
   

With regards to the diabetes, are the family members also overweight? Is there a history of obesity in your family?

[Handsoffmysweets]

Hi everyone, another 2lb loss here for today taking me to 10 stone dead on. Hoping to be 9.13 mid week as my first mini goal. Well done fantasisa on making better choices. It’s so worth it and all adds up in the long run.

[IM0GEN]

Tiny progress is still progress 😀

[Fantasisa]

Ok, so I had a lovely weekend for me but a terrible weekend calorie consumption wise.

However, I did eat more consciously and still made more conscious choices. And I didn't stuff myself in the evening in front of the television so I'm still chalking it up as progress.

I weighed myself this morning again to keep me focused and I will continue to try to make better choices.

[IM0GEN]

Total revelation though - the other day I was in a seriously shit mood. I actually got into bed and was about to sleep the day away. And then I decided to go to the gym instead as DH was home with the kids. Honestly felt SO much better after

💡💡💡💡💡💡💡

[wizzler]

I found the first week or so the hardest challenge... once the weight starts to come off you will be motivated.
So for the first couple of weeks I went overboard on interesting fruit! I know that faved with a choice of an apple or a cake I would take the cake.. but if I had mango, or raspberries I would take the healthy option

[Cagliostro]

Well done on that 2lb!

I am really struggling myself but I’ve decided to start tracking my blood sugar. I had GD in my pregnancy in 2017 and lost loads of weight that year due to low carb high fat. It was so much easier to keep motivated when it was for the baby though, and sleep deprivation/constant feeding left me so worn out I was back on the sugar in no time. But I think just testing my fasting level each morning would be good (my hbA1c was sort of “pre-prediabetic” level and I’ve been diagnosed with PCOS which includes insulin resistance).

I’m just trying to make each decision individually and not be too “all or nothing” about it (I’m autistic and really struggle with this). Just little decisions like having half the amount of pasta and more of the sauce, it all has to add up.

I have joined the gym mainly in order to get some time to myself from two older kids with SN and the boob monster baby. I honestly never thought I would enjoy going but so far I do. Some of my friends joined too so things like swimming/aqua fit classes with them are great fun. Main thing is though, it helps my mood. I’m not even focusing on the weight at the moment I just want to get fitter (I have chronic health conditions so have to go slowly and carefully).

Total revelation though - the other day I was in a seriously shit mood. I actually got into bed and was about to sleep the day away. And then I decided to go to the gym instead as DH was home with the kids. Honestly felt SO much better after.

[Easilyflattered]

I've been lurking.

Hello all, I'm size 18 and 15.8 st, but feel rubbish with it. I've tried ww and SW before but only lose about 11lbs and then it all goes back on again.

I wanted to ask if any of you had asked your GP for help, and whether they were helpful. I have a strong family history of type two diabetes and I'm wondering if insulin resistance might be part of the reason.

[Introvertedbuthappy]

I truly think you have to be in the right mindset. For me it’s becaise I’m emigrating this summer. I can’t face introducing myself and feeling like Ten Ton Tessie, not to mention the fact that at 20 stone I looked like a shapeless sack with a giant moon face bursting out of my size 22s.
Currently I’m a size 18 and lost over 12 inches from my waist with the exercise and diet changes. I know I’ll look better in another couple of stone (which I hope to lose before we leave).
I’ve tried and failed many times but this time I’m determined and I will get there.

[FuckASilverLining]

Introverted I've felt that pain for 10 years and not managed to lose it :(

Many embarrassing moments that should have been that defining moment that changes me life... But instead I binge eat.

I feel I will always be like this.

I've started so many diets. So many gym inductions. So much money. I just never do it

[Introvertedbuthappy]

We change when the pain of staying the same is worse than than the pain of change.
The weight didn’t go on overnight and won’t come off overnight.
I started this year at 20 stone exactly. I now weigh 17 stone 10 and can run for 2.5k without stopping. I work out minimum 5 days a week, work full time and have 2 kids. I initially was upset at the idea of no down time until I realised gym time IS my down time. I run for 20 minutes on the treadmill then get on the bike and stick Netflix on (real game changer) for 40 mins followed by 20 mins strength training. I’m lucky that my gym is 24 hours and my husband will happily watch the boys at the weekend to accommodate me.
It’s not easy but the only person who stuffed herself to this size was me. It’s me who has to work hard to make the change back.

[Knitclubchatter]

a friend was prescribed the saxenda and she says it does suppress her appetite and is loosing weight steadily.
but i agree the official write up doesn't look fabulous; low numbers for starters.

[Fantasisa]

Well today hasn’t been a good day - did well until I accidentally missed lunch (disorganisation again) and then had a Danish pastry on the go. Then had dinner out with extended family and then rounded off my evening with tea and biscuits. Meal out was mediocre so wasn’t even worth it which was a shame. Well done to the PP who went running! I can’t run but I might start throwing in some walks soon.

[FuckASilverLining]

Saxenda seems a total farce. 56 weeks of daily injections with diet and exercise showed an 8% weightloss.

And it says side effects include thyroid tumours and cancer.

[Knitclubchatter]

By prescription only Saxenda is a daily injection that suppresses appetite.
You actually have to make sure you eat enough. It’s new.

[IM0GEN]

My brother was prescribed Orlistat and didn’t like it at all, because of the bloating and runny stools you get from eating fatty foods like biscuits, chocolate, cakes and take aways.

So he ate lots of sweets like starburst, haribos and fruit pastilles and drank large bottles of diet drinks instead - surprisingly enough he didn’t lose weight. And he developed type 2 diabetes ( which was probably on the cards anyway ).

Now he tells people that he tried dieting but it didn’t work .

I’m blaming his stupidly not the drug BTW. It obviously works for some people.

[vickibee]

@chalkyc2
I can not jog, do brisk walking instead. Unfortunately have athritis in my left knee after a serious injury and it limits what I can do
I love poached eggs on toast for brekky

[chalkyc2]

As a direct result of this thread (and Friday being my day off work!) I have been for a 2K jog and had eggs for breakfast!!

[vickibee]

it is a pill that reduces the body's absorption of fat, 3 pills per day taken with your meals. Some side effects like increases wind and runny stools if you eat the wrong foor. I think it kind of encourages you to stay away from foods high in fat to avoid embarrassing moments LOL.
I have tried food swaps so sweet potato wedges instead of chips, cauliflower rice etc. Snack on nuts instead of chocolate, Cut out biscuits crisps etc completely although I did have a mini magnum yesterday :(
Even joined a gym on a 3 month trial period

[Fantina]

@vickibee, well done! What is orlistat?

@chalkyc2, stay and read and post! I'm trying not to worry too much about what I eat for my main meals (my rule seems to be to make the best choice I can cope with) but what I'm trying to do is break the cycle of my snacking as that is where the vast majority of my excess calories comes from.

Then if and when I feel like I have tackled that then I can start to look more closely at the meals I have and how I can improve them. This way feels less overwhelming to me. For example, last night I had weetabix when I got my mid evening snacking urges now I realise that might not be any better for me but it is much better step than scoffing a packet of bakewell slices!

[Handsoffmysweets]

That’s amazing vickibee well done!

[Alwayscheerful]

These are ordinary digital scales, they are cheap and accurate, with small increments,great reviews but not Bluetooth. I didn't want my weight bluetoothing to the wrong phone.
They have helped me loose 3 stone.

[vickibee]

I was nearly 19 stone mid February and thought I need to do something. I feel so ashamed also but I have lost weight gradually and now weight 17.6 . It is hard work and I feel like I am depriving myself somehow but I feel better already and am aiming for not looking like a beached whale on holiday in August. My GP has prescribed Orlistat don't know if they have made a difference or not.
Keep the faith and try and tackle each day as it comes. If you had a bad day forget it and move on