HEALTH CHANGES AFTER LOSING WEIGHT...
mama2daboyz
Posts: 16 Member
I'd love to know what the different health changes you've experienced through losing weight. I'm 44, about 225 lbs and am having a hard time getting motivated. I have slightly elevated blood pressure, and I know that losing weight could help them. I have also been dealing with some joint pain and other minor issues. I am hoping that, by reading YOUR experiences, maybe I will get motivated...
BY THE WAY--I realize now that I put this in the wrong category, but I don't see an option to delete it. So, oh well. lol
BY THE WAY--I realize now that I put this in the wrong category, but I don't see an option to delete it. So, oh well. lol
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Replies
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I know you're waaay smaller than I was at the beginning (307 was my highest weight)...but I had pretty bad swelling in my feet and ankles (mostly ankles) when I was around 250-300 lb. It happened pretty often especially in warm weather. Enough that I was concerned about it and would wear long pants to hide it. Since I got under 200 lb it's never happened to me again. It was really infrequent between 200-240 too.
I also had terrible migraines. They only happened every few months so it wasn't a daily or weekly thing thankfully, but were kind that really put me out of commission for hours (nausea, vision issues, major light sensitivity) and left me with residual pain for a couple of days. Since I got under 200 lb I have had twinges of migraine pain maybe 2 or 3 times but NONE turned into migraines (in nearly 5 years so I consider that pretty awesome).
I also have normal blood pressure now. Normal labs all around. Mine were "pretty good for my weight(s)" for years but now they're just normal and good, period. Joint pain was never a big deal for me, but I do remember sometimes having weird pain in my hip or shin after getting more exercise than usual and pulling muscles in my lower back WAY more often than I do now.
Btw I'm 41 and lost about 130 lb between ages 30-36, have maintained since then. Mostly calorie counting and lots of walking/hiking. So many good things about the loss though...to me it was really worth it.14 -
I started somewhere between 215 and 205. Blood pressure raising which meant higher doses of med. Type 1 diabetes out of control. Hip joint and knees hurting.
With 20 lbs gone everything has changed and my energy has skyrocketed. Now I do have 40 more to work on but CICO has been a life saver. I am actually not in plus sizes anymore....WOO HOO!!!5 -
Before I started MyFitnessPal I was 183 pounds at 5’3”, obese by BMI chart, with high blood pressure while on meds. I lost around 10 pounds back then by cutting carbs, but I still ate too much food to go any lower. (I know that now!). Joined here at 173 and am down 23 lbs since January. I’m still in the process of losing the last 15 or so pounds, but my blood pressure is consistently in a good normal range now. It was a major reason I got serious about my weight. I do follow the Dash diet principles (but not the actual diet, if that makes sense) while logging my calories here. Logging is *major* for me and along with really watching sodium and just walking and Pilates I feel so much better.3
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Medically I am off insulin for my type II diabetes and have cut all my meds down significantly. Wish I could say my joints are better but with more walking and running 5Ks still get some pain but the fact I can do what I want and have no real limitations is totally worth it.3
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I was always relatively healthy but I had this nagging pain in my metatarsal area on my foot. Sometimes it would be so sharp I'd have to stop walking for a minute. Now it is completely gone...come to think of it. I can't remember the last time that happened!4
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I could have sworn I'd already responded to this, so apologies if you've already read it. I started at close to 290 lb, now about 220. I am no longer prediabetic. My cholesterol and blood sugars were high, but now within normal levels. I had to have my gallbladder removed, another obesity issue. At the 260lb mark, I had a massive blood clot on my lung, which put me in intensive care. It's currently hard for me to exercise due to osteoarthritis as a result of of my years of morbid obesity (BMI >40) the consequence of which is that I have had both hips replaced and am about to have both knees done together. This has impacted on my exercise (I was down to 198) and I can't wait to be active again. I would like to get down to 175 (5'9 height). I feel a gazillion percent even though I still have a way to go. Weight loss is so worth it for your health!5
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I didn't realize how losing weight would make just moving through the day easier. Easier to walk, easier to breathe, and more stamina.6
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I have lost 41 of the 90 pounds I want to lose, have been lifting weights, walking and counting calories. So many changes for the better.... I am off BP medication with a normal BP, I can spring up and down the stairs, my balance is better- when I was heavier I used the stair railing, now no concerns for a misstep. The clothes are a lot cuter in 12/14 than 18 and I do love to clothes shop! I used to need to take ibuprofen about 10 in the morning on work days because my back hurt--then it moved to noon-- now its only occasionally and usually late in the afternoon. It has also been great for my relationship with my husband--he is logging and weight lifting with me which makes it so much more fun. My hips don't hurt anymore. My left foot with a morton's neuroma barely ever twinges. I rarely have a headache---- thanks for the question OP- it is good to reflect on all the things that are better. The thing is to just start logging-- it gets easier after a few days, don't even worry about being perfect in your calorie counts. You will learn a lot about what works for you just by logging and paying attention to how you feel, When I started I didn't think I could do all the things that I see people here doing to be fit but you don't start off that way-- can you take a daily 10 minute walk? That will do wonders for your motivation. Best of luck to you, you won't regret it!2
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Down 20lbs so far, about 80 to go. My blood pressure has gone from 177/102 to 140/90 so far. Still a bit elevated, but this means I get to avoid meds for now. Huge health win. Boy are they right that losing 5% of your weight when you're obese can do wonders for your health.4
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Cholesterol down 50 points, stopped snoring, cured insomnia, lowered blood pressure and got in shape when I lost 50 pounds. But I have found 25 of them back.3
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1BlueAurora wrote: »I didn't realize how losing weight would make just moving through the day easier. Easier to walk, easier to breathe, and more stamina.
couldn't have said it better myself! totally agree. i've lost over 140 lbs. started off at 318 (i think) , now i'm a mere 33 lbs. to my goal weight. was hoping to get to it by my birthday in june but that won't happen so i'm hoping to get to it by the end of Summer/early fall7 -
I've gone from borderline hypertensive to normal BP. My circulation issues are under control; haven't had a flare-up in over a year.
Six months ago, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. (Thankfully, it's one of the 'safe' ones to get—rarely spreads, caught early, main treatment is surgery to remove the lesions followed by immunotherapy. Main problem is that the lesions have a way of returning which means more surgery.) First of all, at the point when I was diagnosed, I was either at the low end of Obesity class I, or already overweight. If you Google 'surgery complications obesity', there's quite a scary list. Everything from not being able to use general anesthetic, longer recovery times, greater risk of infection, higher mortality rate...
I've had two surgeries for this, the first 5 months ago, the second last week. Both times, no complications; they didn't even keep me overnight like they'd been planning. After the first surgery, one of the nurses asked me if I could 'try sitting up' so I could drink something without choking. (Basically, "It's easier to crank up the bed if the patient tries to not be deadweight.") I sat up easily, no discomfort, no effort, and I remember sort of thinking, "Was this supposed to be a problem?" The nurse complimented me on my trunk muscles...
This time, in recovery, there was a mild cause for concern when my heart rate dropped to 39. Nothing scary, no code [color]; they said I was asymptomatic, but, of course, they called a cardiologist to have a look over the ward phone. Before he even came by, he had one question for the nurse: "Is she a runner?" (I'm not, but I walk about 10k/7mi daily). When he heard that, he said it was probably nothing. Still came over and added something to my IV to speed up my heart somewhat—apparently, my resting heart-rate is slightly below normal now, about 56bpm.
In my heavier days? I'd get winded going up a flight of stairs and need a few minutes to catch my breath.
It's little things. Realizing that I'm walking faster, that I can run up flights of stairs, or carry an old TV from the garage to the side of an uphill driveway... Seeing muscle definition as the flab recedes, thinking I can actually train for a 5K run without embarrassing myself... I've never been in this good shape before. And at 46? That's saying something!4 -
I was 219 lbs when I started at 31.
8 months later, I'm 187lbs. I have 25-30lbs left to lose.
I didn't any serious health issues (yet), but things like: joint pain, constant fatigue/lack of energy, and my anxiety was out of control. I also was so hot/sweaty all the time. I avoided things like family walks/hikes, and chasing after my toddler was very difficult. I constantly took the path of least resistance.
I adopted a more active lifestyle for the mental health benefits. It didn't take long to feel the health benefits. After only a month of working out (walking and some very-beginner HIIT videos) three times a week, I was more energetic, WAYYYY less anxious, more patient with my children and life in general.
I now have no joint pain, have energy in reserve, am more fit than I have ever been. Plantar fasciitis is no longer my constant companion. My mental health is way better and I have a viable coping method for the not-great days.
I don't know if I had blood pressure issues or anything of that nature, but my resting heart rate is 8-10 bpm lower than it was when I started.4 -
I'm 5'4", 50 years old, have hypothyroidism and was 180 pounds in July 2014. Took me a year and a half to lose 55 pounds and now I'm trying to maintain a healthy range - hard to do! I'm a few pounds over my original goal but I'm on the downward trend again.
Anyway, I had been on high cholesterol statins for years before losing and was able to go off of them.
I don't get winded anymore going up a flight of stairs.
I also went hiking with some friends my age last summer and realized that they kept getting winded after going up a hill and would have to stop and rest and I was breathing normally. They aren't much larger than me, just maybe not in as good of shape.
I'm now able to ride my recumbent trike 20 miles very easily.
Totally kicked the diet soft drink habit and drink one cup of coffee (usually) per day and the rest of the time I'm constantly drinking water.
I generally eat a lot more fresh fruits and vegetables- I started doing that while losing because you can eat a lot more for a lot fewer calories, plus the high fiber fills you up! And then it just makes you feel better to eat healthier.
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SW 183 pounds, CW 130s at 5'5" (age 59-60 when losing, now 62). Blood pressure from 140/80 and up to one-teens over 70 and lower, LDL cholesterol from 140s to 95, triglycerides from 400+ at one time to 82, HDL from 30s to 60s. Torn meniscus in my left knee used to cause constant discomfort, frequent pain; now occasional discomfort. General sense of physical well being greatly improved - both health and mood. I could go on and on . . . !6
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I think you have a good idea about the healthy benefits of losing weight but there are so many little things that we gain back that we didn't realize we lost. Things like tying your shoes or even bending down to pickup something without a second thought, saying yes to that invite to go on a hike or an amusement park or a museum. Things that when we are heavy we might hesitate to participate in, just being more active benefits our physical and mental health. I started because one day I looked at my mother and just admitted I did not want to be like her. I don't want to talk to my peers about this ache or that ache or spend that much of my time picking this prescription and that one, etc.. There is a great deal of power in taking control of your health.4
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Only around a stone lighter so far and my lower back pain has improved so much!2
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I think you have a good idea about the healthy benefits of losing weight but there are so many little things that we gain back that we didn't realize we lost. Things like tying your shoes or even bending down to pickup something without a second thought, saying yes to that invite to go on a hike or an amusement park or a museum. Things that when we are heavy we might hesitate to participate in, just being more active benefits our physical and mental health. I started because one day I looked at my mother and just admitted I did not want to be like her. I don't want to talk to my peers about this ache or that ache or spend that much of my time picking this prescription and that one, etc.. There is a great deal of power in taking control of your health.
This is so true!! Yes! I am a very hyper person but in the past couple years I have a (for better or worse) reputation for breaking into silly little dances. I hadn't done that since I was about 10 years old. I'm 41. There is a lot to be said for having EXTRA energy and not being so self-conscious.
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Off meds for blood pressure and T2 diabetes. Diabetes in remission. Heel spurs resolved.
Mobility vastly improved. Learned to run again. Anecdotal but I stopped picking up annual colds.
Now I’ve broken my ankle so mobility will have to be relearned. Ah well.5 -
No more heartburn.
No more pain in hips, knees and ankle.
Much more confidence.
I run up and down stairs
I’m not out of breath walking up the mile long hill from the train station to my home.
Can easily get out of the bath
More energy
The list is endless2 -
I'm 58
This time last year - 288 lbs
Today - 181 lbs.... 20 more to go!
BP last year - 156/90
BP now - 123/73
No heartburn
No back pain
Still have bone on bone arthritis in knee but at least I can walk and bike and golf now.
I can walk up the stairs consecutively instead of one at a time
I can get out of my kayak with out having to tip over first
And the best thing ..............
I can take my new grandson for endless strolls.
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All of my blood work is normal to optimal...it was very bad before.
I have no problems playing and chasing around my 6 and 8 year old...before, a walk around the block with my dog left me winded and needing a nap.
I can do all of the things I used to enjoy like biking and hiking that I had difficulty with when I was over weight and very out of shape and have introduced new hobbies like rock climbing that I never would have considered before.
I'm physically stronger which makes life in general easier. I remember moving into my old house and it about killed me with all of the lifting. Moved into our new house in November and had no problems dead lifting boxes and furniture.
I'm no longer chronically fatigued and usually have a good energy level.
I feel less stressed out because I'm regularly physically active
Over the past 5-6 years I've met a lot of awesome people in the gym and out on the road on my bike. I now have more fitness oriented friends than not.
Day to day life is just easier and more enjoyable.
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I used to get awful bouts of sciatica. I haven't had any issues whatsoever since I dropped almost 30lbs and got to a normal BMI.2
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w just a 10 lbs weight loss all my biometrics went into the healthy range, my breathing was a bit easier and I sleep better.2
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w just a 10 lbs weight loss all my biometrics went into the healthy range, my breathing was a bit easier and I sleep better.
That is awesome.
When I was at my all-time heaviest (307) my doctor told me he would like to see me lose 10% of my body weight, or 30-ish pounds. I remember when I just kind of laughed at that thinking "yeah good lot that small amount would do" but honestly, by the time I was at 270 lb my labs were already better and I was feeling better. Even though I've lost another 100 from that point, I feel like the first 30-37 lb made the BIGGEST impact on the way I felt day to day.
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