New (again) with new health issues, scared and lost

Hi. I'm new to mfp and serious dieting. I need to lose 40-60 pounds, or so they say at Sparrow Weight Management Clinic. I think 60-80 would be more like it, but losing anything at this point would be good.
Though I don't have the issues that you've been dealing with, I think mutual support is what's needed. I think you are very brave to keep trying to lose weight.. Keep it up, and know that you are not alone!!!

I so know what you mean - when my Mom passed - I totally lost it....I was at my goal weight when she died....then I just let life ge to me too.... and I lost my Shi Zu of 18 years about a year after my mom....so really I totaly understand.

But this is the right place for support and direction - glad to have you with us!!

Hey, I'm new again too I'm on a medically supervised weight loss program through the University of Pennsylvania Health System's affiliation with HMR. I'm sure there are other medical programs out there that use HMR products. HMR products are delicious. I don't mean to sound like an advertisement for them but I just completed my 5th day on the program and feel great. Check out http://http://www.hmrprogram.com/. I think you might find something there. However, do this in conjunction with doctors, nutritionists, and healthcare experts. I never would have attempted this without such guidance and Penn Health is wonderful.

I'm a bit younger, but I totally understand you with the medical issues. You've been through a lot but just believe that you can do it and try and keep positive.

= )

Is there hope? That depends entirely on you! Your "sore motivation" is your biggest challenge. There is plenty of grab and go food available that isn't terrible for you. The worst part is the sodium and you can combat that with some water. I have bad osteoarthritis in my knee too and while I can't do all the things I'd like to be doing I can still swim, bike, walk, hike, elliptical, etc. Maintain your focus and go after your goals, you can absolutely get there!

I eat out a lot more frequently than I should and I have found that you can eat healthy with the grab and go lifestyle when you gain the self-discipline to make better choices. It sounds like you're really motivated and have the will power to do this, so instead of grabbing a burger or other convenient but unhealthy fast food, maybe you could try grabbing a burrito bowl at chipotle (i eat a veggie bowl with double black beans, brown rice, cheese, and guacamole - it's very filling and only 700 calories) or some other healthier option. I also really like the beef and broccoli with a half order of rice at panda express. The protein bar, shake replacement plan is a great idea too for some meals. Maybe a very low impact exercise like a leisurely walk three times a week, might be a good way for you to get started with your exercise program without putting too much stress on yourself. Good luck in your weight loss journey and I am here for you if you ever need any support!

You can do it! :flowerforyou:

I'm of the opinion that you don't have to drag around a cooler to lose weight. You've heard of Jared from Subway right? (This was said facetiously. I don't want the Jared haters coming after me). My point is you can make healthy choices when you eat out.

A lot of restaurants have light menu choices. Or, if you have time, get on their website and find out nutritional values of their items so you can make informed decisions.

You can pack granola bars or protein bars in your car for a quick snack. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park at the far end of the lot so you have to walk farther to your destination.

Small things like this add up and will help a lot.

Good luck!!!

I'm back today after a long hiatus and some weight gain too. You can do this. I think we fall off the wagon when we're trying to use willpower to fight habits (or if they're deep enough, our nature) -- we make progress when it's not about willpower anymore, but when the desire to be healthier is more important than anything else.

I'll say that again: We make the change when being healthy is more important than anything else.

More important than working late, or sleeping an extra hour, or a second glass of wine or a cookie. It has to be the most important thing. Until it is, we'll constantly battle what we want vs. what we know we should do. Me personally, what I want usually wins.

It sounds like you're ready to make healthy the most important thing and I know you can do it. I think successful travel eating requires a mix of bringing food and making good choices on the road. Small-snacky things that work for me are Clover single-serve boxed milk (no refrigeration needed) and a ziplock of protein powder; almonds; oatmeal packets (I use hot water or tea from the breakfast bar); and Pure Protein bars. It's not enough to cover all the meals but it helps. Plus if I bring it, I'll eat it so I don't feel like an idiot packing it back home with me.

Exercise on the road is hard for me. If I have a hotel room I'll bring a band and work out alone in my room in my underwear to avoid having to pack workout clothes in my carry-on. If I don't have a hotel, I'll bring a pair of sporty-dressy shoes (not sneakers) and a change of shirt, and use a break to run up the stairs a couple times.

Some other options for road food, depending on your diet choices, are Starbucks oatmeal (skip the fruit and sugar); most of the soups at any lunch place; salads obviously but go for oil and vinegar instead of ranch, "lite" dressings, etc.; turkey jerky if you can handle the sodium; popcorn instead of chips. I actually prefer to do fast food over nicer restaurants when I'm on the road because they have to post nutritional information.

Obviously I haven't been following my own advice or I wouldn't have gained 8 lbs over the last 3 months.

Good luck and welcome back!!! This is your year lady.