Mutual support thread for those currently losing or working towards losing a lot of weight

[UntilYourNextHairBrainedScheme]

This is a mutual support thread for anyone who wants (and needs) to lose a lot of weight, is mid way through losing a lot of weight, or is nearing the end of a big weight loss and wants to continue to support and be supported as maintenance approaches.

The previous thread has been massively helpful to regular posters, as we share both our losses and our plateau or gains, congratulate or console, and talk about what works for us while understanding that different things work for different people, and we are all different ages, all have different families/ households/ people to plan around, different commitments, different working lives and different health conditions which partly determine our approaches.

We are all on this journey together - this thread is for us to encourage one another, post updates, chat about what we're doing, how we're doing, share stories and thoughts and sometimes wander slightly off topic if we want, but everyone posting should be somewhere along the journey towards escaping high BMI obesity.

The previous thread was started by someone who no longer posts and initially asked how to lose 9 stone - it developed into a support thread for people with varying amounts left to lose but all of whom started out with at least 5 or 6 stone + / 30 or 35 kg + to lose, very roughly...

No links to selling sites or unsolicited "helpful" lectures please - mutual support from existing and new posters all actually living this big weight loss now, or just starting out, welcome!

Previous thread here:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/weight_loss_chat/3894410-i-need-to-lose-9st-help

Hi @alphaechokiwi. Thank you. Have you lost weight this week?. I think your plan sounds very sensible. I unwittingly, seem to have been in maintenance for 6 weeks, so I think I need to give myself a proper telling off and get on with it! Summertime is more difficult with holidays and stuff, but I’m also in better position than last year. Losing 16 kilos by Christmas would be wonderful. I would weigh less than DH then! So much more important than BMI!

@Zebracat, I've lost 0.1kg. So essentially staying the same. And yes, weighing less than DH is the best thing ever....

Well done on the 0.5kg loss @Zebracat It is so frustrating, I know! Some weeks it seems so easy to eat really well, and then others it's just the hardest thing in the world! You have done well overall, though, even if the last couple of months haven't been easy.

@alphaechokiwi that sounds like a good plan. I hope you have an amazing holiday and come back really motivated!

I was 85.7kg on Saturday. Which was a loss of 0.4kg on the previous week. And finally takes me to a total loss of 5% of my starting weight! Very pleased about that, even if it has taken ages. I'm a bit nervous that I might tip over that point this week as I've got a few plans on, so I'm not going to cross it off my list yet. But I'm going to try really hard to keep the amount I'm eating down all the other times. Fingers crossed.

Thank you @ScottishBeth, glad to see your efforts rewarded too.

@ScottishBeth that's great - well done. Slow and steady will get you there just as sure as rapid loss and you are far less likely to yo-yo with small sustainable changes. And you are still recovering from a serious illness so it feels like anything other than slowly would be detrimental.

Well I'm officially back at a standstill. Haven't lost any weight again. By the looks of it, the scales have said I've put on a 1lb seriously. This is getting ridiculous now. Feel like I have to work so much harder than anyone else to lose anything. Would this be worth talking to a gp about or would they laugh me off the phone? I'm just getting quite annoyed. Even my DP thinks it's a bit odd, so it's not just me

BippityBoppity87 you were 17 stone 13 on the 3rd June, and had list 3lb that week. The week before you said you were averaging 3lb every 2 weeks and thought that wasn't fast enough, but we all reassured you that it's a very good rate of loss - about what those on the thread who've lost a lot average.

Only at the very beginning of a diet or lifestyle / way of eating change while very obese is it realistic to expect several pounds per week regularly, and even then not always - there are always plateau, hormonal variation, weeks when exactly what you eat causes water retention even when calories aren't that high etc.

I just say this as a gentle reality check - I suspect that you're actually losing pretty well if you plot your weight loss over time on a graph.

Do you weigh less than 17 stone 13 today?

Obviously talk to your GP about the medication you're on and the risk benefit balance of changing them - obesity has health risks of course and those need to be objectively assessed against whatever your medication is for, and alternatives considered if appropriate.

But I actually get the impression that you're understandably impatient but actually losing reasonably well if you look at your long term trend.

If you're still hovering around 17 stone 13 and have stuck to your plan it might be your medication, but if you've lost 6 or 7 lb since the beginning of June that's about average...

12 st 11lb this week

3 weeks in to WW blue and lost 6 pounds

I really need to cut out wine but I have a whole world of stress at the moment

BippityBoppity87 I've just looked more at your posts - you've lost over two stone since April despite several weeks when you went off plan! I think you're doing well and there is nothing odd or unusual or slow about your weight loss. Your weight loss is somewhere between typical and better than typical and I really can't see anything to suggest that it is slower than it should be!

On 7th July you reported being 17 stone 2, so you'd lost 11 lb in 5 weeks! You're doing well woman!

@BippityBoppity87 - a plateau must be extremely frustrating for you. By all means you should discuss with your GP if you think there is an underlying issue. I do think @UntilYourNextHairBrainedScheme is probably right - if you look at your overall weight loss since you started, you will probably be losing between 1-2 lbs per week, which is totally normal and average and a seemingly frustrating slow pace sometimes.

Hormones, medication, water, exercise etc. does mean that weight loss is seldom a linear calories deficit = weight loss relationship.

Welcome to the thread @CarrotVan

Hi everyone! Can I sneak back in? Asked to join you all and then reversed into my cave of grumpiness and didn't come back out until today.
I'm excited by the milestones you're all reaching, they give me hope it's possible! Especially the BMI ones!
I can't remember what I weighed last time I commented but I've lost 25lbs now and am 16st 10lbs. A very steady 1lb a week loss still. I've got a lot left to go and it's so hard to be patient.
I've rejoined slimming world in the hope it gives me a boost but I also got away with a four day break and didn't gain so, that's a plus!!

@BippityBoppity87 you're doing exceptionally well 😊. Don't be too hard on yourself or your body. I'd be thrilled with the progress you've made so far. On a practical note if you did go to the GP what would you expect them to do?
I've been to them about my weight several times. I was only taken seriously at the last one and they confirmed it isn't right I'm losing so slowly (25lbs over 25 weeks). Could be due to my PCOS but all other tests normal. They said I could be put on the waiting list for the weight management specialists who do strict vlc diets and/or weight loss surgery. None of which I want. So it was nice to be listened to but hasn't changed my situation. I agree with others that plotting it out on a graph would help you see your progress clearly. Hope you're feeling better about it all today.

@WeightlossKin 25lbs is fantastic - that's over 11 kg. Looks like you have been very consistent with your approach. Welcome back to the thread.

Thanks @alphaechokiwi! 11kg sounds more impressive somehow!! 😁 It has been very slow and steady but better than not at all (this is my mantra to myself when I want to throw a wobbly about it).
Costa coffee seems to be my kryptonite right now 😬 I'm sure they're not the worst thing ever but they're not helping!!

@alphaechokiwi thank you. Also I meant to say before will you let us know what you think of Why We Eat (Too Much)?

@BippityBoppity87 I'm sorry you're frustrated. I do suspect the others are right, though, and that your weight loss is reasonable and sustainable. It is hard to be patient though!

Hi @CarrotVan that sounds like a good loss. What is WW blue?

@WeightlossKin - welcome back! 25lb sounds brilliant! When there's a lot to lose it's so important to be patient (but so difficult!)

I had a sneaky mid week weigh-in this morning. I'm the same as I was on Saturday, which is my official weighing day. I'm delighted as I had Domino's on Saturday and went out for a burger and fries last night! Hopefully I can just lose a little before Saturday (but not expecting a lot).

Thanks everyone. I know I probably overreacted and wasn't thinking rationally. Now I've had time to think about it and calm down, I'm ok now. You're all completely right, sometimes just get a little frustrated

Saying that though, I went to the beach today and I wore a lot less than I normally would this time last year. A bikini and a cotton shirt over the top for a bit cover up. But that's a big step for me and I actually felt fairly confident in it. Still wouldn't go full on bikini just yet. Hopefully next year!

Hope everyone had a nice (even though very hot!) day

I've never read Why We Eat (Too Much) but people seem a bit obsessed with it! Is it worth the read? Does it help?

@ScottishBeth You must be making healthy choices the rest of the time for it to have not made a difference! I've got a treat lunch planned tomorrow (burgers when out and about) So hope mine doesn't touch my weight either! You've made me feel hopeful that it might not be so bad 😊

@BippityBoppity87 that sounds really positive! I'm impressed. I wouldn't even be brave enough to wear a bikini with a top over it! You'll get your bikini out next year definitely! Good motivation to keep going 💪

@WeightlossKin I've never read it, but have heard it mentioned a few times. I think I'd probably quickly tire off f reading it, unless it's on audiobook I might have a look into it

Thanks! I actually went on the scales this morning and I was having a hissy fit for nothing. Now officially in the 16's! 16st 11lbs to be exact, so well chuffed with that

@BippityBoppity87 that is fantastic that you felt confident enough on the beach to wear a bit less! And also that you've gone under 17 stone.

@WeightlossKin it doesn't always work out this well, I assure you! But it is nice that I stayed the same for the first half of the week even after I indulged a bit. I hope it works out the same for you, but if it doesn't it really doesn't matter. Having an occasional treat, which you really enjoy, is completely worth it, even if it results in a small, temporary weight gain.

CarrotVan welcome

WeightlossKin welcome back - steady loss is perfect long term, and that's a big loss in total

ScottishBeth sts is great in the circumstances!

BippityBoppity87 hissy fit for nothing ypu say 🤣 Seriously I'm glad you see you're doing as well as anyone, and it's great you feel confident in a bikini.

Ive actually gained a kg this week, no special meals or snacking, just portion sizes and the odd extra bowl of porridge or second helping. Oh well, I do know what causes it, meh. My main issue is if I sit down to a meal hungry and am still hungry after eating a sensible portion I know full well that's because my body hasn't actually had a chance to feel full and I should wait half an hour, but sometimes I take more anyway (even if its a second bowl of porridge) justifying it to myself because I genuinely feel hungry still... I know though that I wouldn't feel hungry if I waited for my body to notice I've eaten 🤣 why do I do this? No idea, I wasn't doing until recently and will stop!

@UntilYourNextHairBrainedScheme - I totally get it - those pesky old habits of ours! I'm sure that you will have that kg gone soon though. Awareness of the behavior is key to change. I hopped on the scales this morning and I too have put on a kg. For me that's definitely down to snacking in the evening time. While I'm disappointed, it gives me the motivation to be considered and moderate in my food choices on my holidays. Because we'll be camping and doing lots of our own cooking, that's definitely achievable.

I've been listening to a podcast called A Thorough Examination. It's by two identical twin brothers who are doctors, but one is consistently 20kg heavier than the other. One thing that has stayed with me from this week's episode is about numerous small choices that we make daily which influence our weight over the long term. I find that a very useful concept to keep in mind and I'm hoping it will help me overcome this snacking habit / urge that I've got going on right now. There have been 3 episodes so far looking at genetics, ultra processed food, and behavior and I recommend them to anyone who might be interested in the topic of weight loss. It's not a 'how to lose weight' type thing, more an examination of the causes of obesity with the brothers personal experience featuring heavily.

@BippityBoppity87 - I'm delighted that you've hit the 16's. Enjoy that bikini! You really are doing well.

@ScottishBeth - that book is really popular so I thought I'd see what all they hype is about. I'll report back!

I'm off on my holidays tomorrow, and while I have more to do to reach my goal, I'm reflecting on the fact that since our holiday this time last year, I'm no longer morbidly obese, I have tonnes of energy, my knees and hips don't hurt when I walk, I can fit in a wetsuit and go swimming, I am much fitter, I don't snore like a chainsaw any more, I can run around and play with dd on the beach. The list is long, and I'm proud of myself for what I've achieved to date. It's taken effort but things that are positive and meaningful in life generally do. I couldn't have imagined last year how much better I'd be feeling going on holiday this year. Thanks everyone for the support on this thread.

I’ve gained a half kilo this week, altho I actually haven’t had seconds or snacks. In fact, I’ve eaten much less than usual because I’m just too hot. I’m kind of hoping it’s water retention. Enjoy your holiday ,Alpha.

@UntilYourNextHairBrainedScheme sorry you've had a gain, but I'm sure it'll come off again easily. What you're talking about is really difficult, and will have a bigger impact on you as you're so close to your target. It'll come off though, hopefully at least some of it is water!

@alphaechokiwi I hope you have a fab holiday. Reading your list of things that have changed since you lost weight is really inspiring! (Sorry if that is cheesy!) And yes, let us know what you think of the book.

@Zebracat yes, hopefully at least most of that is water. You are doing really well overall though. I'm sure it'll come off.

My week has continued to be positive. 85.1kg this morning, which is a loss of 0.6kg in the past week. Very pleased

@BippityBoppity87 hooray!! Well done getting into the 16s. I can't imagine you'll be there long as you work your way to the 15s so don't get too attached 😁 I only recently got into the 16s and I forgot to feel good about it 😕 it's such a better number than 17!

@ScottishBeth well done on your weight loss this week, shows it can be done with a few treats in there!

@UntilYourNextHairBrainedScheme sorry you've had a small gain. Hopefully it comes off again quickly! It must get harder not to fluctuate slightly as you've lost so much and stuck to it for so long. I think our motivation gets tired. Have you tried drinking a glass of water before eating to see if that helps tell your brain your tummy is full a bit quicker? Sorry if that's obvious and you already do it. We have a strict 'no seconds' rule at home, otherwise I would just eat it all until it's gone as I'm still learning not to eat "just because".

@alphaechokiwi your list is amazing and very motivational! You should be so proud of yourself! I hope you have a lovely time away. I might check out that podcast, it sounds really interesting!

@Zebracat at slimming world on Monday we had a chat about water retention and how if we're not drinking enough in this heat our bodies will hold onto water. I think it's hard to drink enough to counteract that so hopefully it is just hot weather related and will come off quickly!!

I don't get weighed until Monday evening and trying not to weigh myself before then 😬 hoping for 2lbs off... although secretly can't get my brain to not an unrealistic number like 8 🙄

95.5 today. This is dull now. I really really want to be around 92 by September. We are away for next weekend and then on holiday in mid August. I think I need to lower my daily calories. Currently about 1800. Just to then give me some leeway when we are away.