Having a Hard Time

kshort49

Hi-I joined here about a month ago-maybe a little more. I had really good intentions. I wanted to start to lose the weight I have put on since my tbi in May 2009. It was a mild tbi-but bad enough that is has major effects on me-no short term memory, some long term memory loss, dizziness, loss of balance, and problems with my eyes that cause serious vetigo, as well as diminished executive skills. Because of the balance and dizziness problems (caused by the way my eyes perceive the things I look at, I haven't done anything, not even walking, since I was hurt. I tried once, got super nauseous, and turned around and came home. My dog, who I used to walk every day, also had not done any walking since I got hurt (she's the one who tripped me and caused me to hit my head on a cement floor. I live alone, with no family nearby, and am pretty much home bound because I'm not able to drive when I'm feeling dizzy. I'm 62, but mentally I feel much younger, and want to get my body looking and feeling that way too.

So, I came here, ready to start. But, since the day I joined, I have not done a thing. And now I feel like such a fat, lazy person. A lot of my weight gain is from meds I take (I also have breast cancer-in remission, thank God, but am still taking meds for it, fibromyalgia, a lupus-like illness, degenerative disk disease, arthritis and some other issues.) But I'm sure there is something in there I can lose.

The thing is, I know exactly what I need to do-cut out snacking on sweets. My worst thing is ice cream. I have always had at least a dish every day-I guess I'm addicted to that instead of smoking, drinking, etc. I try to keep it out of the house, but when I see it on sale when I'm in the store, I can't control myself-I buy it. Then I promise myself that I won't buy any more. But I always break that promise.

I keep fruits around, but will eat them, and still want my ice cream or something sweet. I can't eat raw vegetables like I used to because of big time problems with my teeth due to my meds. I'm trying to replace the icecream with yogurt-I freeze it sometimes. That works, but then I run out, and want the sweets again. I just have no will power. I've done lots of reading, on this site and others, and in books, and know what I am supposed to be doing, but I just keep giving in and giving up. I saw my self in the mirror the other day, and couldn't stand what I saw.

So, I need to find a way to start fresh, and keep at it. I almost feel like I'm going through withdrawal from sugar from doing away with the sweets I usually have each day. I know that by doing away with them, I could lose a pound a week by just doing that. I just keep giving up.

What I need is some help sticking to eating well, and getting out to walk. I would like to find things I can snack on that I actually like (like I've gotten to love frozen grapes-my daughter had me try that). Things like that, because I do love fruit.

Anyway, I'm sorry I rambled on for so long. I guess I needed to get rid of the feelings of giving up and start all over again-if anyone has any hints to keep me going, I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks! Kathy

leahartmann

I don´t have any wise words. But keep posting on the "support and motivation" and "introduce yourself." I noticed that you didn´t have any friends yet. You really have to get some, it really helps. They keep you focused and motivated. I cant´t add you myself, I try to keep my amount of friends on a low, so I can fully support and be there for each one. But I´ll keep an eye on you, if you don´t mind. Don´t give up. You can do this, but be patient with yourselves.

losermomof3

Your more than welcome to add me!!! I post everyday and I am here for anyone that needs me

brattyworm

there is such thing as sugar withdrawal.. just like everything else. so instead of trying to go head first all out, do little things. you said you tried to walk go nauseas turned around and came home. so do that same walk 3 times a week until it stops. instead of completely cutting out ice cream. by a smaller size. measure out a serving.. eat that serving... dont tell yourself no, cause then you turn rebellious and thats it. just moderation.. its the key to everything. ok so the dog caused you to hurt yourself and you have some crappy meds, i'll bet if you talk to anyone on this site they have an issue... meds, school, work, family... yes they all complicate things, but how badly do you want this? are you willing to try to work around it or sit there and complain? Its not easy, nothing in life thats worth achieving has a quick fix solution. no matter what you hear. so if you want it, do it in baby steps if something doesnt work, try something else. its not a one way or no way thing. and just cause you have a bad day and fall off the wagon, dont give up, each day is a new day.

ABQsheila

Hi kathy,

I'm sorry about your tbi and the other health challenges that you face. I also admire your desire to get more active and improve the quality of your life. I can relate to some of the things that you're facing. I'll be 73 years old this year and I had a TIA about a year ago. For the past decade or so, I've had arthritis problems. I try to stay as active as I can but it's a challenge to loose weight.

Have you talked to your physician about wanting to be more active? He/she might have some suggestions. One possibility is a referral to a physical therapist for an evaluation and a program of home exercises. I know it's possible to do exercises while sitting in a chair. Maybe you've already explored this possibility but it's a thought.

And I have a comment about the sugar. Do you know that sugar numbs pain? It's true. Since my TIA, I'm limited in the number of pain killers that I can take. Sometimes I choose sugar but I try to make good choices and limit the amount. I'll eat a piece of hard candy or a square of dark chocolate rather than choose cake or cookies. For my ice cream cravings, I'll have ice cream made with splenda rather than sugar. I think it tastes great.

Good luck with your goals.
Sheila

carpediem4263

I love ice cream and sweets too. I have found the amazingness of skinny cow ice cream bars. Also, there are those 100 cal brownie squares. Also, it is better to eat those in the beginning of the day, that way you have all day to burn them off instead of eating the empty calories at night when you are not as active.

Hope this helps. feel free to add me if you'd like. I'd love to support and motivate you!

anythingworthdoing

HI Kathy--
I have two suggestions for you...

1) Have you talked to your doctor about trying some physical therapy? A physical therapist may be able to give you some recommendations about how to work with your vertigo and making walking safe for you.

2) Try putting frozen berries in a diabetic friendly yogurt. It's not quite as tasty as ice cream but it's pretty darned good and may help with your sweet cravings.

Good luck! And just keep recommitting every day. That's all any of us can do!