8st to lose - disabled and can’t move much :(

[40somethingJBJ]

Hi all. I’m disgustingly large at the minute and really struggling to lose anything. I’m physically disabled, so my mobility isn’t great and limits what exercise I can do, plus I have an almost under active thyroid (I say almost as I’ve been on the cusp of it being classed as under active for a couple of years, but it’s not quite reached that magic number and my metabolism is screwed). The weight has absolutely piled on as a combination of this, plus medications, and I need to do something.

I’ve been an online WW member for a few months now and have been religiously sticking to my points, yet have lost absolutely nothing. I’ve ended up calorie counting this last few weeks, and it appears if I go over 1200 a day, I gain weight, which seems like it’s going to be a bit of a struggle to maintain long term.

I’ve never been “skinny”, but I used to eat a normal diet plus lots of walking, horse riding and an active job. I now can barely walk 50 yards :(

Any tips? I’m at my wits end right now.

Thank you.

How is your arm mobility?
could you get some weights and work on arm strength/upper body, just to get your metabolism kicked into gear from working out - or a sit down bike, something like the photo.

Would it be worth talking f to your GP about a dietician or physio to strike the right balance for your medical needs? I know they're stressed at the minute with COVID, but they will have a better understanding of your needs.

I wish you all the luck!

Could you try Chair Aerobics? youtube channel has a number of videos, from beginner to advanced, of aerobics that don't require you standing up. When pools reopen, could you see if they have any classes for people with limited mobility? If not, you could go during a quiet time and walk the length of the pool a few times. If you could do that daily, or every 2nd day, it would help. all the best x

What is your disability? Caused by excessive weight? Ie will you be able to exercise as weight drops

Hi, would a 8:16 or 10:14 fastening be something to try out? It means you can eat what you like, but ony for 8 (or 10) hours and fast the rest. If I manage to stick to it, then I loose weight steadily.

No it’s not caused by excess weight. I have a degenerative spine and also low mobility in my left side after a brain haemorrhage a few years ago.

Swimming is great for me if I can find a pool with graduated steps to get in. Unfortunately, the council run local one is a kind of ladder in and out which I just can’t manage. I know they have a hoist, but I’m just not mentally ready to be hoisted in and out of a swimming pool just yet! I’m going to have a look around some of the private pools once they’re open and see if I can afford to join somewhere.

My arms aren’t too bad, some weakness in my left but no pain as such, so I’ll have a look at those little exercisers, thank you :)

First of all ask for a review of your meds, I have a friend with thyroid issues and like you she was gaining weight on a 1400 calorie diet.

I’m no longer on any meds. I’ve tried various painkillers/antidepressants etc over the last couple of years, which really haven’t helped with weight gain, but I can manage the pain better without the side effects of the meds, so I’m drug free now. GP won’t prescribe anything for my thyroid until I’m at whatever magic number the NHS use to define an under active thyroid and, unfortunately, I’ve been hovering very close for a while now.

You sound a lot like my mum. She tried WW but didnt like it snd joined SW instead. It worked very well for her. She also had a spine condition so would walk - every day. At first it was just to the end of the street. Then a few steps further every day rain or shine. She also did some water based stuff in the pool and the doctor gave her some excercises to do in the shower as the warm water made it easier( make sure its safe though- she had an adapted chair and wet room). She lost 11 stone in 16 months and wach pound that dropped the excercise got easier. Please keep going. Little and often is the trick. Good luck

My other advice is to look at the fast800 diet by Micheal Mosley there are support threads on here. With your low calorie needs it would still take time to lose weight this way, but the reduced carb intake helps lower your appetite and they have lots of tasty recipes so you can eat some nice food.

I’ve actually just ordered the Fast 800 book so I’ll have a go at that when it comes :)