Off the wagon, need advice.
Options
Gee_24
Posts: 359 Member
Hello all it's been a while!
I'm devastated to be back here looking for advice. I had cracked my bodies weight loss formula and it worked for 1.5 years. ( My BMI, BMR, how much I'd need to exercise, etc etc. ) Now my health has changed drastically and I just won't adjust.
Unfortunately, my disability has gotten worse. In August 2014 a piece of my femur broke off. ( crumbled ) For those of you who may think " No. Not possible! " here's my scan pic from March this year. I'll be getting a hip replacement soon, hopefully. Thank goodness I just passed my driving test as without my car I would not even be able to work. I can barely manage a walk around the supermarket thesedays, and I'm on strong painkillers. The good to come out of this is that I am still walking unaided. My specialist absolutely can't wrap his head around this. He says I should have a stick / zimmer. This piece of bone is loose, and jams between the socket and femur causing sharp pains. Here we go:
Am X-ray of the deformed hip, the broken bone doesn't show up in Xray. I've had about 3 scans this year to confirm the bone is loose as this X ray really threw them! ( Left hip )
Before this happened, despite my disability I used to walk to get my calories up, regardless of the pain. I would get up to 45,000 steps a day with my Fitbit, and enjoyed it so much. It was so therapeutic. I had a treadmill too, and a physical job. MFP suggested 1200 calories a day, so I would walk to get myself around 800 - 1200 exercise calories, and I ate them back. I lost 33lbs and if I ever gained due to a heavy week dining out or holiday off work, I knew how to loose the weight again. I realise my extensive walking was the reason for my hip bone finally crumbling, my fault. I had let my hip get in the way of so many things in the past, so I pushed my boundaries out of stubbornness. Feeling active and healthy changed my life. It's frustrating that there is an active person inside of me that can't get out. If I go to the gym I can't just work on my arms, can I? I'd look ridicuous! And weights was never my thing, always cardio. So I feel like the gym is not an option. ( If anyone thinks otherwise please give me some ideas! )
Unfortunately now, as I can't walk more than about 4000 steps a day without being bed ridden after work, I have found my daily calorie limit go from 2400 to 1200. My BMR is about 1100 as I am only 146cm tall. I have gained 2 stone since March. Every morning I start with good intentions and have the exact same defeatist attitude I had before I started MFP. I eat one doughnut and think "Well that's it ruined..." and eat crap all day. I have gained about 1 stone in 2 months, no joke!
I have been attempting to drink plenty of water and drink coffee in excess to suppress hunger, but, even if I'm not hungry I find myself binging. Something I've never done in my life. Stuffing my face with 1000 calories of cadburies when I'm not even hungry, it's scary. Perhaps it's because things feel rather hopeless, weight-wise. I've tried all sorts of healthy kicks and just find this dramatic drop in calories has triggered something in me that got me overweight in the first place. I have all of the motivation and determination I had when I started MFP, then have momentary relapses for some reason! Why? For 1.5 years I feel I done superbly.
So here's the question. Are there any reputable and safe appetite suppressants out there?
I realise this is not a lifestyle choice that can be upheld, but I just want something to get my feet off the ground. I have been trying to restart myself every day since Autumn last year. I've hit my limit and completely fed up. Sick of the sound of myself moaning!
Thank you all in advance.
I'm devastated to be back here looking for advice. I had cracked my bodies weight loss formula and it worked for 1.5 years. ( My BMI, BMR, how much I'd need to exercise, etc etc. ) Now my health has changed drastically and I just won't adjust.
Unfortunately, my disability has gotten worse. In August 2014 a piece of my femur broke off. ( crumbled ) For those of you who may think " No. Not possible! " here's my scan pic from March this year. I'll be getting a hip replacement soon, hopefully. Thank goodness I just passed my driving test as without my car I would not even be able to work. I can barely manage a walk around the supermarket thesedays, and I'm on strong painkillers. The good to come out of this is that I am still walking unaided. My specialist absolutely can't wrap his head around this. He says I should have a stick / zimmer. This piece of bone is loose, and jams between the socket and femur causing sharp pains. Here we go:
Am X-ray of the deformed hip, the broken bone doesn't show up in Xray. I've had about 3 scans this year to confirm the bone is loose as this X ray really threw them! ( Left hip )
Before this happened, despite my disability I used to walk to get my calories up, regardless of the pain. I would get up to 45,000 steps a day with my Fitbit, and enjoyed it so much. It was so therapeutic. I had a treadmill too, and a physical job. MFP suggested 1200 calories a day, so I would walk to get myself around 800 - 1200 exercise calories, and I ate them back. I lost 33lbs and if I ever gained due to a heavy week dining out or holiday off work, I knew how to loose the weight again. I realise my extensive walking was the reason for my hip bone finally crumbling, my fault. I had let my hip get in the way of so many things in the past, so I pushed my boundaries out of stubbornness. Feeling active and healthy changed my life. It's frustrating that there is an active person inside of me that can't get out. If I go to the gym I can't just work on my arms, can I? I'd look ridicuous! And weights was never my thing, always cardio. So I feel like the gym is not an option. ( If anyone thinks otherwise please give me some ideas! )
Unfortunately now, as I can't walk more than about 4000 steps a day without being bed ridden after work, I have found my daily calorie limit go from 2400 to 1200. My BMR is about 1100 as I am only 146cm tall. I have gained 2 stone since March. Every morning I start with good intentions and have the exact same defeatist attitude I had before I started MFP. I eat one doughnut and think "Well that's it ruined..." and eat crap all day. I have gained about 1 stone in 2 months, no joke!
I have been attempting to drink plenty of water and drink coffee in excess to suppress hunger, but, even if I'm not hungry I find myself binging. Something I've never done in my life. Stuffing my face with 1000 calories of cadburies when I'm not even hungry, it's scary. Perhaps it's because things feel rather hopeless, weight-wise. I've tried all sorts of healthy kicks and just find this dramatic drop in calories has triggered something in me that got me overweight in the first place. I have all of the motivation and determination I had when I started MFP, then have momentary relapses for some reason! Why? For 1.5 years I feel I done superbly.
So here's the question. Are there any reputable and safe appetite suppressants out there?
I realise this is not a lifestyle choice that can be upheld, but I just want something to get my feet off the ground. I have been trying to restart myself every day since Autumn last year. I've hit my limit and completely fed up. Sick of the sound of myself moaning!
Thank you all in advance.
0
Replies
-
Every morning I start with good intentions and have the exact same defeatist attitude I had before I started MFP. I eat one doughnut and think "Well that's it ruined..." and eat crap all day. I have gained about 1 stone in 2 months, no joke!
To be blunt - sorry - your problem, exemplified here, is your attitude, not your ability. If you want to lose weight you need to commit to a lifestyle change. A healthy lifestyle includes donuts, but does not including binge eating because of donuts.
If the problem was excessive hunger, then you wouldn't be thrown off by eating a single donut, as that wouldn't impact your hunger for the remainder of the day at all. Instead, you are derailed by "cheating" which suggests that the problem is psychological and not physiological.
Unfortunately, motivation comes from within.
BTW, sorry about your femoral head. That doesn't really look like a fracture per se, did your doctor call it avascular necrosis, or just a pathologic fracture related to the cyst? Is there any chance that that "cyst" is a metastatic lesion from somewhere else?0 -
I just passed my one-year anniversary of my hip replacement. Although I have other health problems that restrict my activity, I will say that you should easily be able to get back to your former levels of activity and be PAIN-FREE in the hip! I found that the Bonesmart.com website was a tremendous help - forums for knee & hip replacement & very encouraging. Just one thing, I personally would use a stick to take some of the pressure off the bad hip, alleviate some of the pain, and avoid any further damage to the bone. As for nutrition, you definitely want to go into the surgery as healthy as you can for a faster recovery. Good luck!0
-
Thanks, bluntness is needed. The help on the MFP forums got my head round a lot of things I'd struggled with.
I just read Rockmama in another thread say: "I want to lose weight more than I want to eat more than I need to eat." - is the best appetite suppressant. This just gave me a kind of " Ah-ha!" moment. I realise the problem is in my head, but sentences like this are great for me. I store them away and try to remember them when needed.
You are absolutely right, it IS my attitude. I just think I need to hear more of this so I can get off my *kitten* and move forward.
Regarding my hip, we are still unsure of what has happened. I had an arthrogram in March. They inserted dye into my hip and X Rayed. It was so incredibly painful that they had to stop midway, so more investigation is needed. All they know is, the head of my hip has been week and crumbling since I was born, and last year it appears a full piece has finally detached. For now I've been told to take strong painkillers until they decide which type of hip augmentation I will get. They don't want to replace my hip as being young, there,s a risk it may dislocate often. So, just a case of trying for another Arthrogram
Thanks!!0 -
Hey, sorry you've been through all that.
I can't speak to appetite suppressants, but I personally have found that a lower carb, higher fat diet - lots of meat and veggies - has helped reduce my appetite, now that I can no longer rely on big calorie burns via exercise. That specific way of eating may or may not work for you, but looking at your macronutrients, and eating for satiety, could make a difference.
(little tips that work for me - I like adding shredded cabbage or lentils to soups and salads. The fiber helps. Miso soup, or another brothy soup, for when you're not 100% full (maybe 75%) and not really able to forget it. Coffee, but not on an empty stomach - maybe 2 hours after a meal, can help keep my appetite down.)0 -
pstegman888 wrote: »I just passed my one-year anniversary of my hip replacement. Although I have other health problems that restrict my activity, I will say that you should easily be able to get back to your former levels of activity and be PAIN-FREE in the hip! I found that the Bonesmart.com website was a tremendous help - forums for knee & hip replacement & very encouraging. Just one thing, I personally would use a stick to take some of the pressure off the bad hip, alleviate some of the pain, and avoid any further damage to the bone. As for nutrition, you definitely want to go into the surgery as healthy as you can for a faster recovery. Good luck!
Thank you very much! That has given me so much hope. I was also told to stop smoking as a physiotherapist told me your recovery time can be doubled when you are a smoker. ( I still need to look into that one. Hmph. )
0 -
It really sounds like a bad spot to be in.
A few things that jump out at me, from my outsider's perspective.
You CAN exercise your upper body only. So F### the people at the gym is they don't like it. You pay your entry fee.... etc
A big part of this seems to be tinged by being overwhelmed by the drop in calories.
Forget about weight loss for a month or two. How about concentrating on stopping the gain and the binging?
Why don't you have a look at where your maintenance may be and start from there. And yes, me thinks that you may need to play games with your brain, and even though I never advocate cutting off food groups, it sounds to me that you may have to go cold turkey on the donuts and candy bars.
At least till things stabilize and you can get yourself in a better head space.
I used to just NOT have them in the house. Not allowed to buy. But allowed to have. If I wanted one i had to go (in my case walk) to the grocery store to buy only one. And go (walk) back home to eat it. And have to repeat for a second one. Basically allowed but hard to get to.0 -
Hey, sorry you've been through all that.
I can't speak to appetite suppressants, but I personally have found that a lower carb, higher fat diet - lots of meat and veggies - has helped reduce my appetite, now that I can no longer rely on big calorie burns via exercise. That specific way of eating may or may not work for you, but looking at your macronutrients, and eating for satiety, could make a difference.
(little tips that work for me - I like adding shredded cabbage or lentils to soups and salads. The fiber helps. Miso soup, or another brothy soup, for when you're not 100% full (maybe 75%) and not really able to forget it. Coffee, but not on an empty stomach - maybe 2 hours after a meal, can help keep my appetite down.)
Well my nutrients are in a state at the moment with what I've been eating. So I will finally make a proper effort to buy in some vegetables and meat. I've been eating the old favourites. I need to make some adjustments! Instead of pie and chips, maybe pie and veg!
Thanks for the tips, and I will try a coffee a while after dinner. I rarely do it in that order, so hopefully it helps a little.It really sounds like a bad spot to be in.
A few things that jump out at me, from my outsider's perspective.
You CAN exercise your upper body only. So F### the people at the gym is they don't like it. You pay your entry fee.... etc
A big part of this seems to be tinged by being overwhelmed by the drop in calories.
Forget about weight loss for a month or two. How about concentrating on stopping the gain and the binging?
Why don't you have a look at where your maintenance may be and start from there. And yes, me thinks that you may need to play games with your brain, and even though I never advocate cutting off food groups, it sounds to me that you may have to go cold turkey on the donuts and candy bars.
At least till things stabilize and you can get yourself in a better head space.
I used to just NOT have then in the house. Not allowed to buy. But allowed to have. If I wanted one i had to go (in my case walk) to the grocery store to buy only one. And go (walk) back home to eat it. And have to repeat for a second one. Basically allowed but hard to get to.
Thank you very much. I can actually get a gym membership at my work for £40 a year! So I guess I can go there and not be judged for just doing arms.
When I first started this My Fitness Pal journey in 2013, I cut out all sweets for 3 weeks. I was utterly miserable. I even started going to bed at 8pm out of just wanting the day to be done with! haha I think I may try it again, even if just for a few days just to remind myself I'd rather have just 1 a day again than none! That's what kicked me into shape last time. I remembered how hard I found it without, and appreciated that 1 biscuit more than anything. Coming off sugar really is a difficult experience.
0 -
If I were you, I think I would be looking forward to hip replacement surgery and maybe put weight loss on hold until you have had that. You have too much on your plate right now. Maybe just concentrate on just maintaining your weight until that surgery. I am on 1200 cals per day which was assign to me by MFP, and have learned to be comfortable on it. I couldn't seem to lose weight on any more than that. I enjoy logging and see it as a challenge to meet my macros within 1200 cals. I'm not under the stress you are right now so I find 1200 cals quite doable for me. I like to walk 3 or 4 days per week but aim at about 6 to 8K steps which is about 3 to 4 miles for me. I can't imagine doing 45K. That would be over 22 miles. I would be walking about 6 hours - way too much.
We all have different challenges in life - yours is to overcome a major hip problem. It's tough but not impossible. I think if I were you, I would look seriously into some counseling, about binge eating. It can be overcome but you probably need help with that. You have done CICO successfully in the past so you know that you are capable, I think you just need some extra support right now. And you need to know that you are not alone. Many people on MFP will be replying to this to give you help. I hope you find this helpful and wish you the very best.0 -
As I can't walk more than about 4000 steps a day, I have found my daily calorie limit go from 2400 to 1200. I am only 146cm tall [4 foot 9 & a half]. I have gained 2 stone [28 lbs.] since March.
Set your goal to .5 lb. per week for every 25 lbs. you're overweight, and log everything you eat & drink accurately and honestly—including the bingeing. Logging works.
Whenever my motivation starts to wane, I reread the Sexypants post: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants/p1
As for low-impact exercise, swimming! And I'm less hungry when I use MFP's default protein & fiber goals as minimums, and ignore fat & carbs. It'll take trial & error to find what works for you.0 -
I'm sorry you're in such a tough spot. When I 1st started my weight loss journey, I lost a bit, then unexpectedly had to have abdominal surgery and was put on bed rest for 6 weeks. I gained all that I had lost plus some. So I have a little perspective, though I know your situation is different.
Having said that, I would suggest doing whatever you can to keep your mind off food. Do you have a hobby you enjoy? Maybe you can start one. Maybe you can take an onlinee class or classes? That might also give you a sense of productivity that you might find encouraging.
I hope you don't resort to appetite suppressants, but this might be one of the rare situations where, as a temporary solution, I might at least understand. If this is a long-term situation, however, you will have to find other solutions.
Also, as far as working upper body only, I believe there are some exercises that can burn calories that way. Can you swim? That burns tons of calories! There are other things you can do as well. I'm not versed in that, but you can probably do some research and find some solutions.0 -
foreverslim1111 wrote: »If I were you, I think I would be looking forward to hip replacement surgery and maybe put weight loss on hold until you have had that. You have too much on your plate right now. Maybe just concentrate on just maintaining your weight until that surgery. I am on 1200 cals per day which was assign to me by MFP, and have learned to be comfortable on it. I couldn't seem to lose weight on any more than that. I enjoy logging and see it as a challenge to meet my macros within 1200 cals. I'm not under the stress you are right now so I find 1200 cals quite doable for me. I like to walk 3 or 4 days per week but aim at about 6 to 8K steps which is about 3 to 4 miles for me. I can't imagine doing 45K. That would be over 22 miles. I would be walking about 6 hours - way too much.
We all have different challenges in life - yours is to overcome a major hip problem. It's tough but not impossible. I think if I were you, I would look seriously into some counseling, about binge eating. It can be overcome but you probably need help with that. You have done CICO successfully in the past so you know that you are capable, I think you just need some extra support right now. And you need to know that you are not alone. Many people on MFP will be replying to this to give you help. I hope you find this helpful and wish you the very best.
Thank you for your kind words.
I will think about speaking to my doctor. They are aware that I need to keep my weight down due to my hip, so hopefully I will be offered some help.
I have had several big changes in my life this year, one of them being moving house in May. The house was in bad condition and covered in artex. We spent 2 weeks decorating every spare hour we had ( whilst working full time ) before we moved in. It was a crazy time, and I think I'm still settling down after that. Most of the changes are good, however! But I've never been good with change as it is so that will be affecting my general calmness for a while.
I think I need to wrap my head around my new intake limits before I jump in full force like I have been trying to. And yes, 45k was difficult. I would generally get about 30,000 steps at work a day. ( I was a maid ) the walk to and from was 5000 each way, I would get the other 5000 from the treadmill after work. I can't believe I managed that!editorgrrl wrote: »As I can't walk more than about 4000 steps a day, I have found my daily calorie limit go from 2400 to 1200. I am only 146cm tall [4 foot 9 & a half]. I have gained 2 stone [28 lbs.] since March.
Set your goal to .5 lb. per week for every 25 lbs. you're overweight, and log everything you eat & drink accurately and honestly—including the bingeing. Logging works.
Whenever my motivation starts to wane, I reread the Sexypants post: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants/p1
As for low-impact exercise, swimming! And I'm less hungry when I use MFP's default protein & fiber goals as minimums, and ignore fat & carbs. It'll take trial & error to find what works for you.
Thank you! I have bookmarked that thread and will have a proper read in a few minutes. I will adjust my goal also in a few minutes as I think -2lbs a week hasn't worked for me since these changes, so that's the obvious next step. Thank you for pointing that out to me!
Also my hotel has a swimming pool! What a great idea. I tried swimming a few years back and realised it's a lot harder when you go back to the pool as an adult. It's hard work if your used to bombing and doing handstands all day when you last went. My supervisor is an excellent swimmer and has offered before to help me out, I think I'll take her up on that.
0 -
jennifer_417 wrote: »I'm sorry you're in such a tough spot. When I 1st started my weight loss journey, I lost a bit, then unexpectedly had to have abdominal surgery and was put on bed rest for 6 weeks. I gained all that I had lost plus some. So I have a little perspective, though I know your situation is different.
Having said that, I would suggest doing whatever you can to keep your mind off food. Do you have a hobby you enjoy? Maybe you can start one. Maybe you can take an onlinee class or classes? That might also give you a sense of productivity that you might find encouraging.
I hope you don't resort to appetite suppressants, but this might be one of the rare situations where, as a temporary solution, I might at least understand. If this is a long-term situation, however, you will have to find other solutions.
Also, as far as working upper body only, I believe there are some exercises that can burn calories that way. Can you swim? That burns tons of calories! There are other things you can do as well. I'm not versed in that, but you can probably do some research and find some solutions.
Thanks!
Well luckily for me, I am starting my HNC in college this year! I'm 26 and finally am in a good financial situation so I'm excited to say the least. The only thing is my sister told me ( not realising Ive been struggling ) to watch out as her and her friends tend to eat junk when studying. I've not studied since school and I don't remember doing that so hopefully it won't be a problem.
Regarding swimming, I have just email my Spa manager ( after making this thread ) about getting my £40 per year gym membership set up at work. I think it's time to make take little positive actions.
And thank you for your comments on the suppressants. I am well aware of the general attitude of them around here, and obviously for very good reason. But tonight I have just been feeling like I need something. I wish I could even take a placebo ( obviously not knowing it was one lol ) as I think it might adjust my mental attitude towards junk food. However, I realise the real problem is my unwillingness to adjust to my health these days, which I've realised via this thread.0 -
@Gee_24 I am so sorry to hear about your injury.
I just wanted to add I think your attitude is awesome. You're willing to take on the advice given here, which is a rarity on the forum lately...
Also wanted to add that I lost 24lbs with zero exercise. Just get in the right head space, and don't write off a whole day because of a donut or whatever., I've been there done that
0 -
Did the doctor say it was Osteochondritis Dissecans? Or were you w/ congenital hip dysplasia? Sorry about your you situation! However, I'm curious as to why you think appetite suppressants are the answer?0
-
christinev297 wrote: »@Gee_24 I am so sorry to hear about your injury.
I just wanted to add I think your attitude is awesome. You're willing to take on the advice given here, which is a rarity on the forum lately...
Also wanted to add that I lost 24lbs with zero exercise. Just get in the right head space, and don't write off a whole day because of a donut or whatever., I've been there done that
Wow thank you very much! And that helps me so much. I started on 1200 and was there for 3 months, but found it so difficult. I adjusted by exercising. But I figure if I managed for 3 months before, its certainly doable!myfatnesspal72885 wrote: »Did the doctor say it was Osteochondritis Dissecans? Or were you w/ congenital hip dysplasia? Sorry about your you situation! However, I'm curious as to why you think appetite suppressants are the answer?
I probably should have explained more, sorry. I have Perthes disease. It's a condition children have, mostly foundin boys. My case was so bad it was the worst in Scotland at that time, diagnosed age 3. I had it in both hips, but the left hip never healed. I was in plasters which separated my legs with a wooden bar, and a wheelchair until age 9, in physiotherapy for around 2 years after. I now have arthritis in my hip and knee joint, due to my knee compensating. I also have an enlarged vein in my left leg, I'm waiting for a scan for that too. So many things have been diagnosed this year that has thrown me. Before I always knew it to be just " Perthes. " now I have arthritis and vein issues.
0 -
These were the bad boys I was in till I was 9.
0 -
What a great pic! And I must say that it's pretty inspiring that you were able to lead such an active life despite the hand you were dealt! Anyways, I hope you don't resort to appetite suppressants. I have found that in most situations, strategy trumps lack of willpower/motivation and hopelessness. I'll highlight some tips I've implemented successfully that have helped me lose weight.
1) Stock your kitchen with more nutrient dense foods and make the processed food more difficult to access (or just don't keep it in your home if this works for you).
I think one of the easiest ways to physically keep your appetite in check is to reset your kitchen and pantry and fill it with more nutrient dense foods. Basically, the more difficult you make it for yourself to access junk food, the less likely you're going to eat it. I have found that eating more nutrient dense foods and limiting processed food has naturally kept my appetite in check. In regards to your hunger being out of sync, I'm sure it has something to do with your leptin and ghrelin levels being out of whack. Here's a link that explains what I mean:
http://www.precisionnutrition.com/leptin-ghrelin-weight-loss
2) Make the right exercise selection.
I have chronic low back, neck, and shoulder pain from doing heavy lifting when I was younger with horrendous form, so I had to take a different approach with my exercise selection so that I could still exercise intensely while keeping my pain levels low. Here's an article with exercises i used to workout pain free.
https://www.t-nation.com/training/exercises-for-injury-free-mass
3) Expect that you'll slip up once in a while, we all have. Sometimes we want to enjoy a doughnut or two because we're sad. We all have felt pretty lame about it, but it's not the end of the world. Acknowledge your emotions, move forward and celebrate the fact that you are aware that you're eating emotionally. That way, one doughnut doesn't turn into a full day of binge eating. Also, I would just refer you back to step 1. If I don't have junk food in my home, I'm less likely to eat it.
Hope this helps!0 -
As for the smoking.. I quit the cigs 4mths ago, and am now using a vapouriser.
Yes it's still a habit that needs breaking eventually, but it's a hell of a lot better than smoking!0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 391.4K Introduce Yourself
- 43.4K Getting Started
- 259.6K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.6K Food and Nutrition
- 47.3K Recipes
- 232.3K Fitness and Exercise
- 388 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.4K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 152.7K Motivation and Support
- 7.8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.2K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.2K MyFitnessPal Information
- 22 News and Announcements
- 916 Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.3K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions