Weight loss for those with a 40+ BMI

[TrinityWaves]

Anyone else at the start of their weight loss journey with a BMI over 40?

I thought starting this thread might make me more accountable.

I'm 5ft 5, weigh 265lbs, I'm in my early 30's.

I'd love to chat to others in a similar position, almost all my friends and extended family are slim! (My DH is also trying to loose weight, lower BMI than me though.)

I love cheese. I think the only reason I'm losing weight is that the all you can eat cheese buffet at a local cheese factory is closed. I could easily eat all my calories for a year in one sitting there.

Hi OP, so glad to see a post like yours on here, as there are often different ones that would make me feel like not bothering to write.
I am not far off the same weight, lost some many years ago, well quite a bit when I was on Metformin(linked because of PCOS) tried just juggling things around in diet, was still pigging out (not good) and enjoying the things I liked, but weight came off nicely. Crept up again in last job, on top of just calories I think too many carbs. Then was pregnant with my DS and didn't put on loads so that's good, but wasn't looked upon as very good of course, by all professionals involved. Stomach looked great after pregnancy, you lose water weight etc in due course. Piled more on in the last year and a bit, been through a lot and my eating just forms part of my problems. I am the same, say I will start doing this or that, doesn't happen. I eat terribly a few weeks a month, periods connected to that, might have a few better days. Drank too much alcohol in the last year or so, not helped, not a problem in that way, just mean over indulged/adds to calories. Since I had my DS staying up once he has gone to sleep and eating has been a big problem it's a habit, not always hungry. And the last few months now have been very stressful because of problems with exP. So tried to take it easy on myself but that doesn't make me feel better. Have been looking in to Noom that you might of seen online, considering taking it up, but then I hear there is reading to do etc, and think when will I get it done with a DC at home 🤦‍♀️
I find it hard to get my head around how I can eat/make meals without having to count etc, and then think because I don't do that, is that adding to it.
I was thinking about seeing my GP again but doubt they will do much, previously was referral to dietician, who gives you the diet sheet to follow, granted it doesn't include all the junk I eat, so it must be a plus, but it's standard diet for all, from others experience too, they agree it doesn't work.
I feel self conscious going out/people looking, and taking my son to parks etc, especially if I have to start running after him etc. But then I figure if I don't do something it's going to get worse!
So happy to read any advice or info others might be following or can offer!

@TrinityWaves

Welcome Eliards, my BMI is 44 also (43.5)

I've been for an hours cycle, DC and the trailer weigh 25kg combined so I'm sure I'm burning lots of calories.

I've had breakfast which was 1 slice of toast with butter and juice and my unhealthy snack which is 2 rows of chocolate and a can of pepsi. I'm not cutting out the junk food altogether as I can't sustain it, just cutting it right down. At my worst I was probably consuming 1000 kcal in snacks and several sugary drinks. I'm not very hungry this time of day, it kicks in about 4pm.

With you on cals consumed from chocolate/other etc. I could easily start off okay, then go and eat a bar etc. I think just hearing what you had this morning until was it early afternoon, and saying it kicks in around 4pm, maybe have more to eat in the morning/afternoon time, as otherwise it's common for many of us to then over do it later on in the day.

@TrinityWaves

FlatEarthling - unfortunately I can't stand the taste of diet coke or pepsi. I've lost weight in the past where I had 1 can a day of the original, I know it's not healthy but I actually snack more if I don't have it, I just have to count it into my calories!

What about fruit flavoured zero drinks, I like Aldi's orange crush zero I think it's called.

Also does OP or anyone else posting on the thread have advice for what to do when trying to eat a certain way and for dinners especially really, when they tell you DC need to eat more carbs etc, I mean he would be happy with a few dishes if I actually ever make them. As mostly we eat pasta only once a week though if that, meat with veg and usually rice or oven chips etc. Sounds healthy right 🤪 as if, it's the rest of what I eat that is probably the biggest problem.

Hi @Redruby2020 and welcome! evening eating is one of my downfalls after ds in bed too - starting fasting (16/8)has helped with this as the later I eat till the later I have to wait to eat the next day!

Doesn’t always help but at least if do have something naughty in evening I feel like I’m balancing the scales a bit by fasting!
My ds is 3 we eat mostly low carb at meals but he eats same meals we just give him carbs and we have alternate so for pasta dishes we have pea or beetroot pasta or soy bean pasta or courgetti, and he’ll have some of that mixed in with regular pasta. Rice dishes we’ll have cauliflower rice and he has some of that mixed in with his rice too (sneaky veg extra!!) he doesn’t see us eat much bread (now anyway!) But hasn’t stopped him enjoying his toast!
I don’t fast for as long at weekend so we can have a family breakfast but try and keep to fruit and yoghurt plus oats or oaty banana pancakes etc which he enjoys then he has toast or crumpet etc if needed.
Hardest thing is having things like bread in the house tbh when those moments of temptation hit hard!!!

Starting weight 252lbs

05/2/21. 243 lbs
12/2/21. 240 lbs
19/2/21. 240 lbs
26/2/21. 238 lbs
03/3/21. 238 lbs
12/3/21. 234 lbs
19/3/21. 232 lbs

I'm still going, which is a miracle. Nearly 2 months.
I'm just about back to pre lockdown weight so I'm not thinking about that as it's depressing.
Mini goal is 9lbs which will take me into the next stone bracket and mean I'm loosing weight from my 'normal' I've hovered around 16 stones for years.

Well done @FlatEarthling :)

26/1/21 251lb/114.2kg BMI 43
05/2/21 244.4lb/111.1kg BMI 41.8
12/2/21 243.8lb/110.8kg BMI 41.7
05/3/21 245.5lb/111.6kg BMI 42
12/3/21 244.5lb/111.2kg BMI 41.8
19/3/21 244lb/110.9kg BMI 41.7

Miniscule loss for me this week, my head hasn't really been on it and I had a couple of bad days after the vaccine, but I’m keeping on going with tracking. We have flights booked in 11 weeks - fingers crossed

Good luck everyone :)

Thanks @HostessTrolley

You could lose one stone before your flight! And even a one and a half if you can lose 2lbs a week.

I've had to work hard for my 2lbs. My legs are knackered even for low impact exercise at the moment. I'm hoping more weight loss will improve things. I think I've aggravated an old injury by trying some You Tube workouts.

I asked on the exercise board for rowing machine recommendations but drew a blank as my budget is small.

@FlatEarthling I’m actually feeling more motivated today - maybe its because the sun is shining. I’m going to aim for about a kilo a week - i know that’s achievable at my size, I’ve pulled out knitting needles and wool, and also found some photoshop tutorials to work through, to keep my hands busy in the evenings as thats my worst time. It would feel amazing to be under 100kg for my holiday - even if we don’t get abroad we could book a few days in the uk as we’ve got the time off work booked and it might be feasible to stay somewhere by then - and it’s in term time too.

I have a gym membership and although I don’t do weights I like a swim and a bit of pilates, hopefully they’ll be open in a month. I get out and walk every day, which is a lot nicer when its not miserable weather.

SW: 147KG CW: 113.2KG Height: 178cm Age: 34 Health: PCOS

Only 800 gram loss this week, not surprised as I had three work events during the week, so more carb/fatty foods plus booze and less exercise.

Still need to find a way to manage being taken out for work dinners/drinks. Especially when it's straight from work.

Hi everyone that week went quick! No loss for me this week which is frustrating but no gain either which is a plus! eating wise I’ve been ok but the exercise dropped right off! Also due on so I’m going to blame that!! the good thing for me is that I’m definitely feeling a switch to a longer term this is what I do now rather than start again on Monday mentality which I was really stuck in!! It’s only been 3 weeks but that’s lasted double any other time I’ve made a change over the last 18 months!! My goal this week is to get to my first half stone off (2lb to go) . Good luck everyone!

@Neonlightning I'm working from home so have constant access to all the food. It's not good. Every little thing that stresses me ( and there are multiple daily) leads me to rummage for something.
It's not a good state to be in and all the little 'it's only 100 calories' etc mount up.

@Donteatpurplebroccoli If you can think, my diet starts right now, rather than in the mood that's a massive mindset change! Long May it last.

I think that's the mindset I'm in. I'm always on the diet, even though I might have strayed a bit from what I planned I'm not giving up.

I've been reading the thread and it's so motivating! Can I please join? :)

I've had 3 children in the last few years, eldest is 5 and youngest has recently turned 1. I've piled on about 2 stone with each pregnancy and already had a couple to lose before I got pregnant

I did really well last March, but had a pretty dramatic and emotional winter which took it's tole, and I gained back most (but not all) of the weight I lost over the spring/summer. I've recently started again though and have already lost a few pounds - it's like as soon as the sun comes out I gain motivation quite naturally! I've gained so many good and different habits over the last year that I have never had at my disposal before, so hoping this time I can really make it stick.

I'm eating a high protein diet and am doing intermittent fasting; aiming for 18:6 but sometimes it ends up being 16:8. I eat 2 meals a day and it's the one thing I have found sooo sustainable and actually enjoyable! Exercise is currently only walking but it's good for my mental health too, and I plan to use some of my partner's weights soon as well with the aim to do weight training 3 days a week.

Hi everyone, slightly off topic but if you've had your Covid jab already did they use a longer needle due to increased BMI?

( www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/vaccinating-individuals-at-extremes-of-bodyweight/ )

@Redruby2020 - you're totally right and I often fail in the evening, I have a lot of habits I need to alter! Welcome to the thread I hope you can find it supportive, sorry to hear you've had a rough few months.

Welcome everyone new!!!

Some great results this week. Well done everyone, and well done for just sticking with it.

What a beautiful day today. I met a friend today and we went for a walk, we ended doing the Thames path from Tower Bridge to Greenwich, under the tunnel and then back on the other side. 12 miles in total!! I felt really good, I can definitely feel myself getting fitter. I'm sure I'll pay for it tomorrow though

Weigh in day for me tomorrow, I'm not expecting much this week as I've cheated pretty much everyday

@TrinityWaves

Hi everyone, slightly off topic but if you've had your Covid jab already did they use a longer needle due to increased BMI?

( www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/vaccinating-individuals-at-extremes-of-bodyweight/ )

Do they tell? Mine spotted I a scared K think so it was so swoft I had no chance to see the needle. Bless!

[quote TrinityWaves]@Redruby2020 - you're totally right and I often fail in the evening, I have a lot of habits I need to alter! Welcome to the thread I hope you can find it supportive, sorry to hear you've had a rough few months.

Welcome everyone new!!![/quote]
Have you tried timed snack?
At certain time you can have 1 small snack. You know it's coming so it helps not to graze and then I go in with "bitch, you JUST eat 🙄" until bed😂

@SilverDoe Welcome! Tell us more about your good habits!
Sounds like you are in the right frame of mind to diet which is more than half the battle in my opinion.

Have a good weekend everyone!

I went up by 0.2 kg today. Not too bothered as I spent yesterday in bed eating cake and biscuits due to post vaccination fatigue. I'm surprised it's not more.

@FatCatThinCat

I went up by 0.2 kg today. Not too bothered as I spent yesterday in bed eating cake and biscuits due to post vaccination fatigue. I'm surprised it's not more.

That will drop. It's probably just the cake sitting there still 🙈 iyswim

We all need cake sometimes

@FatCatThinCat hope you’re feeling better today!

@TrinityWaves no longer needle for me as far as I know! Definite muscle ache afterwards though so that’s got to be a good sign!!

@Thisseatisnotavailable very grey all day where I am and set to be the same today but I’m absorbing your spring vibes and we’re going to plant some veg seeds indoors today !

Hope everyone has good weekend

Hi everyone, can I join?
I have about 100lbs to lose to be at a “healthy” bmi but am aiming to go more on how I feel than the number on the scale.
I am an emotional eater, if I’m bored, upset, happy, I eat.
Before covid I had managed to lose 2 stone and kept it off for 2 years, I just couldn’t seem to get past the 2 stone loss and now I’ve gained it all back again.
I have been on team rh for the last 7 weeks but it hasn’t worked for me and, whilst I’ve been more active and more conscious of nutrition, my weight has increased by 7lbs.
I know slow and steady is the way to go for highest chance at keeping the weight off, I also know I can’t restrict my calories too much as then I’ll be more likely to binge.
My issue is, I don’t know how many calories to eat. Team rh had me on 2800 which was obviously way too much. Before being on team rh I was eating about 1800 but still wasn’t losing, that was more maintenance I think which suggests I need 1300 to be able to lose 1lb a week.
The thing is, 1300 leaves me feeling ravenous, weak, no energy.
As far as I’m aware I have no health issues other than being overweight- my thyroid function was checked last year and is apparently ok. I’m on the mini pill and don’t have periods because of it but that’s the only medication.
I don’t want to do sw or ww as I’ve tried them in the past and it worked for a short time but then I gained all the weight back.
I’m 38 and have been overweight my whole adult life, I was “curvy” once I went through puberty and immediately started dieting because I looked different to my friends- looking back they hadn’t gone through puberty yet so of course I looked different.
I want to be healthy, strong and a good example to my kids. I’m none of those right now

Hi @QuestionableDanceMoves I saw Team RH but I find the ranting and swearing utterly repulsive.

I think if you have an idea of roughly what calories you need to lose weight then it's probably a case of picking more filling things to keep you going and very low calorie snacks to keep you topped up!

I'm now using cuppa soup ( I'm a foodie, this isn't my style), low cal hot chocolate and sugar free jelly and soft drinks to keep me going.

I'm eating side salad with lots of things. Switched to courgette instead of pasta, cauliflower instead of rice etc.
I eat Quorn and Eggs as they seem like long lasting proteins.

I'm also trying to increase my exercise.
I'm only just back to my weight from this time last year so 3 months hard work and I'm back to square one.
I've stuck to it though, and for me it's a huge achievement.
I'm going to keep going as long as I can.

We have a weigh in day on Fridays. You can weigh whenever you want but check in on Fridays.

It's just nice to be on a thread with people who have a hefty amount to lose.