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Weight loss chat

A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Fellow Menopausal Fatties

402 replies

FlameRise · 25/03/2023 16:10

Anyone care to join me in trying to lose some weight.

I really need to sort myself out but I seem to have zero willpower. I would love some company.

I will weigh myself tomorrow. There will be tears.

OP posts:
Z0rr0 · 12/06/2023 21:55

@bernesewalking It's hard, but making the commitment is the first step. I was more than 14s when I started consistently working to lose weight about two and a half years ago, and I am nudging slowly towards 11s now, so it is possible. I'll be 53 on Wednesday.
Drink more water and eat more water dense foods (veg and fruits). The low water density (very dry) foods tend to be the most calorific. Cake, biscuits, cheese, that sort of thing.
If you like miso soup, try having a cup of that before a meal. Eat more slowly. Put your fork down between bites and chew thoroughly. Get used to leaving a bit on your plate.
If you have some free cash to invest in your weight loss I did find the lessons on Noom quite useful for understanding behaviours around eating, changing those habits, and for making commitments and being accountable. Good luck.

bernesewalking · 12/06/2023 22:01

Z0rr0 · 12/06/2023 21:55

@bernesewalking It's hard, but making the commitment is the first step. I was more than 14s when I started consistently working to lose weight about two and a half years ago, and I am nudging slowly towards 11s now, so it is possible. I'll be 53 on Wednesday.
Drink more water and eat more water dense foods (veg and fruits). The low water density (very dry) foods tend to be the most calorific. Cake, biscuits, cheese, that sort of thing.
If you like miso soup, try having a cup of that before a meal. Eat more slowly. Put your fork down between bites and chew thoroughly. Get used to leaving a bit on your plate.
If you have some free cash to invest in your weight loss I did find the lessons on Noom quite useful for understanding behaviours around eating, changing those habits, and for making commitments and being accountable. Good luck.

Thank you for replying, I need to change my focus from I can’t do it, to I can do it, I give up too easily. I will have a look on noon,

Z0rr0 · 12/06/2023 22:17

@BansheeofInisherin @xPaz @JeanMarsh It's so weird how we're able to fool ourselves regarding how we look.
I had the wedding at the weekend. I looked alright in the pics so I'm pleased I was able to lose that stone and a half even if it wasn't as much as I wanted. And even with eating more and drinking more than usual I don't think I put on.
Although the weight loss has been slow, the weight distribution has been good so my inches are going down and I can fit in trousers that I couldn't fit in before and that is a nice feeling.
My period of intense work is over now so I need to get back to the daily walks and regular gym again.
Funny how changes I've made become really noticeable when you break them. Now I'm drinking less I've noticed when I drink on a Friday or Saturday my face looks really puffy the next day. And I mostly stopped eating bread months ago. I'll sometimes have one slice of toast for breakfast. At the weekend I had two slices of sourdough with scrambled eggs and I felt huge afterwards, really full, even though for most people that would be quite a small breakfast. My OH had the full fry up and my plate was dwarfed by it. (It's so unfair honestly that he can eat literally whatever he likes (curry, fish & chips, sandwiches) and drink wine every day and look exactly the same. I don't want to eat all that stuff but it would be nice to be able to eat it sometimes without knowing I'll pay for it on the scales. He does no exercise. It makes no sense.)

Z0rr0 · 12/06/2023 22:32

@BansheeofInisherin I meant to say, my belly also sticks out a lot but I think I have separation of the stomach muscles after my pregnancies and I don't think there's a lot you can do about that without having an operation. I'm slightly reluctant to to try doing exercises because I think it can damage you, but if anyone has more definitive advice on that do let me know.

BansheeofInisherin · 15/06/2023 15:57

Today was not good. I was on the Tube, wearing a black dress, and an old lady got up to give me a seat because she thought I was pregnant! :( here I was thinking I looked pretty slim, but clearly not. Thanks stupid S Asian genes. Warning: please do not ask any Asian ladies if they are pregnant. We carry weight in our tummies, not distributed all over like other folks. My last pregnancy was 18 years ago so it's not separation of stomach muscles.

I am now 5'7 and 10.3 stone. I am not overweight, especially for a 51 year old. But I think I would look better and be less conspicuous, if I was 14 stone with a more proportionate body :(

I guess I need to either have a tummy tuck, or do pilates/yoga, or special bootcamp exercises. It's all just so much effort. I am tired of this effort. It's hard enough staying this weight. My sister has just given up.

HatchetJob · 15/06/2023 16:38

Can I join. I’m 48 and been at it for about 3 weeks (since I saw myself in a changing room mirror).
I’ve really not lost anything though. I’ve started going for long walks and I am tightening up, but I need to lose the weight for the sake of my feet and knees.
I do need to start doing something more but it’s bloody boiling! I just wish I had the time/money for a trainer.
I shouldn’t have put it on though. I was on my way to getting to really good weight when covid hit and it went tits up, too much cake and booze!

MenoRageisReal · 15/06/2023 21:15

I first posted on this thread in April, then had a horrible time with one of my health conditions so didn't really start. Im ready to give it a go now. Going to walk every day, mostly low carb, no snacking after main evening meal.

All of my original post still applies, I'm the exact same weight 14 stone 9.

This was my post:

Hello all, I need this thread! Would love to join you all.

Mid fifties, 5 foot 7 and I weighed this morning for the first time in ages and horrified to be 14 stone 9. Not on HRT.

That's the highest I've ever been, even more than 9 months pregnant. And about 3 stone heavier than I was 4-5 years ago. Yikes.

I don't drink alcohol and don't have a sweet tooth. I drink lots of water (2-3litres at least) and think I eat fairly healthily.

I've had health issues in the last 2-3 years that have limited my mobility and energy. My sleep is also poor and often interrupted due to fluctuating pain. I think this may lead me to eat more, looking for energy to get through the day.

I had success on low carb many many moons ago when it was the "new thing" and would like to see if I can do it again, although will have to adapt to family meals now. I have an impressionable teen so don't want to make a fuss about " special diet" etc but emphasise eating for health.

Exercise is difficult for me but I will try to "move more" when I can.

I look forward to hearing more of your inspirational stories.

Twoshoesnewshoes · 15/06/2023 21:44

Hi @HatchetJob and @MenoRageisReal
my moment of realisation was a changing room too! The muffin tops….
im trying to stay low calorie ish and low carb. It’s been easier in one way now it’s hot as I’m less hungry, but also out more for meals and hard not to have fish and chips on a sunny beach!

Z0rr0 · 16/06/2023 16:57

@BansheeofInisherin I am confused. At 5ft7 you are taller than me and 10s3 is less than my target weight. You must look very slender even if you have a little weight around your tummy.

BansheeofInisherin · 16/06/2023 17:53

Well @Z0rr0 my BMI is ok, but every extra bit of fat rushes to my tummy. . Tummy fat is very dangerous for someone with my genes. I am also of a slight build, so can't carry weight well.

My dad was a very slim man, who developed diabetes quite early.

Rowgtfc72 · 17/06/2023 08:34

Morning!
Would like to declare I am finally under 15st. 14 13.
This week I've not had meals. I've snacked. Couldn't be bothered to put a proper meal together.

lechatnoir · 17/06/2023 10:03

Well done @Rowgtfc72 such a great feeling isn't it. Grin

I've been doing SW (not for everyone I know and I don't use any of the weird sweetener/muller light type bits but basic principles work for me) and also dipped into another number. It's taken nearly 3 months to shift 12lbs & not yet dropped a dress size but noticeably less bloated looking, stomach isn't so large and feeling less self conscious so all good but can't believe how much harder it is - I lost my baby weight 12 years on SW and was nearly 2 stone down by this stage!!!

My HRT definitely needs adjusting but I can't get a bloody GP appointment which is frustrating but trying to keep positive, stay active & get this weight off as that's definitely not helping my low mood/self esteem.

Justonemorecoffeeplease · 17/06/2023 11:01

Morning,

So disappointed with myself. I’ve put on the weight I lost so 80.1 kilos and 5ft 2!
I’ve not eaten as much fruit as I had been and have had far too many treats and ice cream.

Need to move a lot more too. Just had my Mirena coil changed so I won’t be moving too much today!

I enjoy IF but I need to combine exercise and diet with it more consistently!

Neversaygoodbye · 18/06/2023 07:50

Well the exams are over, celebration takeaway has been eaten so now it's time to focus on me. Mind you, we're on holiday in a few weeks but I will do my best to see a loss on the scales before then. I was looking back at my weight recordings and I have put on nearly a stone in the 2 years since starting HRT; I wonder if it is the HRT that's contributed or just stepping into my 50's?

JeanMarsh · 18/06/2023 09:05

@Rowgtfc72 well done getting into the 14s!

JazzyBBG · 18/06/2023 10:15

Late to the party but joining as I need to lose some weight pre holiday and have put on 2 kilos in last month 🤦🏻‍♀️

anneyc · 20/06/2023 10:40

Hello Ladies! I haven’t read the whole thread but I want to jump in because I’m going on a beach holiday in August I need to lose at least a stone. I am heaviest I’ve ever been thanks to a couple of surgeries over the last few years, at 12st 5lbs, 5ft 6. I have started doing the fitness blender workouts on youtube every other day, and running on the alternate days. I’ve cut out snacks and generally eating healthier. I’ve lost 2lb since starting last week. Using my fitness pal to calorie count. Over the past year I’ve developed an ‘upper belly’- guessing this is a postmenopausal thing. (I’m 56) I would love to know if anyone has any tricks on how to get rid of this?! Hope all all your weight loss journeys are going well!

rockingbird · 20/06/2023 11:48

I've been missing in action for a few weeks but still intermittent fasting Monday - Friday. Starting weight was 10st 13lb. I'm now 10.3 so something is working. I'm now doing a morning routine of abs and weights. Only 15 minutes - which I intend to build up. After last week's awful changing room / mirror scare I'm refusing to buy any new clothes for the foreseeable future!!

Z0rr0 · 21/06/2023 00:59

I've dropped off the wagon the last few weeks. For a bunch of reasons. Am still eating mostly very low calorie meals but snacking too much, haven't been to the gym in weeks, not walking as much and not calorie counting. My weight has been stable but I need to get back on it going down so need to kick start the good habits again.

TheLoupGarou · 21/06/2023 08:38

I'm still here plugging away! Went out for dinner with DH last week and put on 3lb (unfair!) Which has taken me a week to get off again. I've lost about a stone overall - I'd like to get another 7lb off before I go away next month but it comes off soooo slooowwwlllyyy I don't know if I'll manage it - it's a long game I guess.

JaffaCake70 · 23/06/2023 07:21

Hi all

I've lost another 2lbs this week, making my total weight loss so far 12lbs (from 14st 8lbs to 13st 10lbs.

I've still got a long way to go (I'm only 5ft 3ins, need to get at least another 3.5 st off!

The temptation to starve myself to lose the weight faster is always there (disordered eating history) but I just keep telling myself how unhealthy that is and that I need good food for fuel.

I'm happy that the weight is moving in the right direction but also constantly disgusted that I allowed myself to get so fat in the first place.

How's everyone else getting on?

ageingdisgracefully · 23/06/2023 08:48

Plugging away here, as usual. I'm trying my best to banish the extra roll of belly I accumulated at Christmas. I've never found it so hard! I'm not overweight but struggle everyday to stay within my acceptable limit. I don't weigh as I'd find that too soul-destroying - I use clothes as a marker. I'm 63. I sometimes wonder if it's worth it. It's like a full-time job in itself!

BansheeofInisherin · 23/06/2023 10:12

I have stayed the same weight the last few weeks, neither lost nor gained. Fell off the IF wagon a few times. Now focusing on toning up with weights and swimming. Still have a roll of belly fat. Seems so hard to lose that.

Mumtothreeandadog · 25/06/2023 20:41

DC spending less and less time at home. I want to spend my new found time getting fit. When the kids were little I used to go to Body Pump which did seem to make a difference to my shape. I do have a DH but lve done 90% of raising the family so finding time has been tricky. But now they are starting to fly the nest I have more time on my hands. Money is still tight while they are still at home so I can't afford the gym. I do have some weights in the garage collecting dust!! They aren't top of the range and not particularly heavy but I thought it would get me started? I'm on HRT, 5ft 3in and 14st 8lb. Looking for support. Trying to watch what I eat but getting nowhere fast 😕

rockingbird · 26/06/2023 20:50

Another 2lb off this week 🤩 I'm now 10st 1lb and I'm startled by to see a little bit of the benefits. I'm not half as bloated as I was, I'm sleeping better and really don't have any huger throughout the day which is quite surprising. I'm drinking green tea or water basically, no sugar / sweetener. I have an Apple daily to break my 20/4 fast then dinner around 7pm and a desert (sometimes) around 8. Then back on the water and green tea from 9pm to 5pm. Weekends I'm relaxing the rules and just being mindful of my calorie intake. I've also printed myself a workout plan which is a daily routine.. need to get back into swimming properly!! I'd like to lose at least another half a stone as I'm still heavier than I've ever been. Obviously being menopausal makes it so much harder.. 😕 I just see what else I can do.