I need help from someone, anyone, but who?

[norfolkbroadd]

I'm huge. BMI over 45. I don't care about looking fat but I hate the way I struggle in my body and the effect my weight has on existing health conditions.

I have a disabled son and a daughter who I adore and I know I need to change. I've spent years trying to lose weight the more traditional ways, with v mild success, but I know that at 42 I need to make quite a drastic change now to get this sorted.

I considered a gastric sleeve but at my size I'm terrified of going under. And I've had three abdominal surgeries in my life and struggle with adhesions. I'd rather not add to them. We also don't have a spare £6k.

But I can afford Mounjaro. And after months and months of research I've decided to start next week (week we get back from holiday). I am fully prepared for all the negative side effects and have a few ideas about how I will cope with them, but I have to try something.

I don't want to just rely on injections and diet. I want to move more. I want to feel stronger. But I have rheumatoid arthritis and a chronic bowel condition that make moving very hard (hence weight gain). I'm also autistic. It's not a physical condition but I do have a lot of sensory issues that contribute towards just staying home and hiding from the world. What I would love is somebody who knows about gyms and strength training to take me in hand and jolly me along once a week (or twice a week if I get good!) but I don't have any friends that can do that here and I don't know of any gyms or places that could. Our local sports centre has a gym but I'm completely intimidated by it, and I can't really afford a full membership if I'm also haemorrhaging £150-200 a month on Mounjaro too.

I have no idea if this is unreasonable but do personal trainers operate outside of gyms? Could they maybe take me for a walk or bring equipment to my home for me to train here? If I agreed to say a two month programme to show me techniques and get me on the right path I think I could find a way to affording that.

I feel a bit like I'm down a well and calling up but I have no idea who can help me really. Can anybody here suggest anything?

I realise I might sound lazy or frustrating to some reading this but I assure you that isn't the case. I'm constantly busy with my children at home but do have time while they're at school to on myself a little bit.

Hi OP

It sounds like strength training may be for you. It's calm, ritualistic and doesn't involve any interaction. I go off in my own world when I'm lifting and it's wonderful.

Can you order an Olympic bar from Amazon and use YouTube to teach yourself the basic compound lifts: ie deadlifting, squatting and shoulder press? I would do it without weights at first and just get your technique right. Treat it like a cardio workout at first and do low weight high rep.

Seriously @izzy2076 and @norfolkbroadd I really wouldn't start any weight training without initial supervision/training from a PT - it's really important that you have the correct form, otherwise you risk injury.

RTWT

@purpleaspargus I understand the point you're making, but the OP has already said her consultant has recommended it. Presumably they know a lot more than we do about why it might be beneficial for the OP and their specific health history, that won't seem obvious to a layperson.

Hi OP. I'm sorry you've had some difficult posts to deal with on this thread and also that you are struggling so much with your weight.

I have also been overweight/obese in the past, and in a difficult place with how I felt about my body. It's a really horrible thing to go through.

I think that getting a personal trainer is the absolute best thing you could do for yourself if you can afford it. I got one and I was lucky to see her for 2 years before she went on maternity leave. It changed my life, my relationship with my body and exercise. It was expensive but you can't put a price on your health.

I'm not quite down to a healthy weight yet but I'm getting there and I am much, much healthier than I would have been had she never been in my life. I am so grateful to her.

You might need to search around a bit for someone with an inclusive approach who is experienced working with people who are overweight and have health conditions. Just google PT's in your area and chat to a few people before you decide on someone.

There are PT's who will come to your house and that could be a really good starting point for you.

Best of luck with it all. You can do it.

Thanks for your concern @purpleaspargus but I am going very very slowly under medical supervision, also I hate Pringles.

Are you on the Mounjaro threads, OP? Plenty of support, discussion and no judgey fuckers there. If you're able to tolerate MJ then things will likely start to feel very different re food. I wouldn't worry about a PT yet. One thing at a time.

At my heaviest I weighed 17 and a half stone at 5'1". So a bmi of 45 like the OP. I am now 12st 10lbs and still steadily losing 1-2lbs per week with calorie counting, gentle exercise, and having cut out all alcohol, bread, crisps, cake, cheese and fried foods. It definitely can be done without any specific weight loss products. It's not easy but it is definitely possible. I found the motivation because I developed gallstones and a fatty liver- I don't recommend that as a motivator but it is working!

OP I too am in my 40s and have disabled children and a separate chronic health condition myself so I do sympathise. Wishing you so much success in your weight loss however you choose to do it.

Would you like to see my weekly Tesco shop receipt @purpleaspargus - you seem very interested in my diet

Not just moderate, very very moderate, according to you.

Maybe it's not moderate enough, maybe it needs to be very, very, very moderate...

I think it's perfectly possible to get a PT to do what you require. I know of some who have their own little studios too which would be much less intimidating than a gym. Online PT coaching seems popular these days too.

Other things that might work are a walking pad? I have one and it's way cheaper and easier to stow away than a treadmill.

Some of Michael Moseley's podcasts on moving/exercise are good too. I'm thinking of one where he did a bit on exercising in short 5 minute bursts and how that is seen to be beneficial.

Regardless of the whole losing weight thing, exercise is always worth doing for its own sake anyway.

OP, I've reported the poster who seems to be targeting you.

Meanwhile, don't let them divert you from your intention - to get help with WL.

Unsurprisingly, @norfolkbroadd, that troll turned out to be. Previously Banned Poster. Gone now.

I figured, though the attention was quite flattering! 💁🏻‍♀️

Not what you're asking, OP, but can I ask what clinic you're being seen by for your MJ? I've bought some, but due to health issues I'd like to have a doctor oversee it.

@norfolkbroadd I won't comment on some of the fuckwittery that has been spat at you! Fair play to you for remaining civil.

I have a PT who does online sessions for a tenner. These are tailored to your weight and fitness level. I've also done a few sessions to help friends out (I am not a trained PT!) and we used tins of beans to begin with. I'm happy to send you a few ideas of what you can do on your own at home - you could do 30 min a day, as many times a week as you want. And then start with walking. You don't need anything else for a good while!