Getting Back in Shape After 80 Pound Pandemic Weight Gain - Please Help!
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Hi guys… it’s been 15 months since I made this post and it’s time for an update.
This is difficult update to post and I procrastinated on it for a long time because I’m not proud of it BUT nothing’s gonna change unless I get help so PLEASE be supportive and encouraging and tell me nice things that will make me feel better about my body because I desperately want that right now. PLEASE don’t shame me and don’t say anything judgemental about my weight loss journey. Weight and body image are super sensitive topics for me. It took a lot of courage to make the first post and I almost quit this forum because some people were shaming me for not dieting enough and not exercising. This is my journey and you have no right to judge so please be encouraging and positive ONLY.
If you haven’t read my original post please read that first because it will explain a lot. The pandemic totally scared the crap out of me and I was afraid to go out for a year. I coped by binging Netflix all day and stress eating feel-good foods. The only exercise I got was walking to the bathroom or the front door to pick up deliveries. I was able to work from home at first. I put on about 80 pounds in a little over a year. They called us back into the office and I really struggled. I didn’t have clothes that fit. I was very out of shape so the commute and walking down the hall and the stairs (I took the long way so I could use the elevator instead) would leave me breathless. I was the only one still wearing a mask but I was super afraid to take it off.
I was 240 pounds when I joined MFP because I knew something had to change. Since then… it’s been a roller coaster. I haven’t been consistent because I have trouble focusing and I lose my patience really quickly with stuff like that that requires work, but I’m trying and I did get my daily calorie count a few times.
I’m not able to eat the “recommended” calories because my tummy has gotten physically larger so it needs bigger portions or snacks in order for it to feel full. I need to make sure I feel completely satisfied thoroughout the day and I can’t be feeling hungry so I’m trying to find foods that taste satisfying and fill me up but have lower calories. It’s hard because I have a huge sweet tooth and when I’m stressed chocolate is like the only thing that soothes me emotionally! So I switched to lower calorie options like low fat chocolate pudding and ice cream. I also switched to diet sodas because I realized I drink several bottles each day and that sugar adds up to a lot. Just with those baby steps I was able to go down from 4,000 calories per day to about 3,000.
Exercise at my weight is not easy so please don’t judge or shame me. I got a gym membership but I only went once because I felt very uncomfortable. I was a lot bigger than the other girls there and I felt guys staring at me. I couldn’t find workout clothes that fit well (hold in my tummy) so my tummy would hang out and my yoga pants show my butt and every roll and cellulite. Ugh I felt like it was all on display in front of everyone. I was also the only one wearing a mask and that made me super uncomfortable. I left after a few minutes. I am so angry that other people won’t wear masks because they just show that you care about the other person and some people need them to feel comfortable.
I couldn’t go to the gym anymore but walking from my car to my office was leaving me breathless so I decided that walk was enough exercise for now because I’m not really strong enough to do more yet!
So just with those baby steps I managed to get my weight down from 264 to 242!!
BUT I got laid off from my job and that shocked me and binge eating came right back because I needed something for comfort and just feeling good again. I decided I just needed to prioritize my mental and emotional health and not stress about my weight.
So I’m taking a break from work and my parents are helping me financially so I can just take care of my self and prioritize my well being first. I bought a Peloton but the seat feels very small for my butt lol. Has anyone else had this problem? I feel like it’s not designed for a plus size woman’s body and that makes me so angry. So I’m not riding it right now but I’m looking for something more comfortable for me to sit on!!
Due to the binge episodes after I got laid off, I unfortunately lost my progress. My weight fluctuates around 270-280.
I need HELP please and new solutions because the stuff you guys told me to do just isn’t working for me. I have tried everything, I have tried the gym and the bike and the calorie counting and reducing sugar. Someone please help me because nothing is working.
I also need help finding clothes I can feel confident in. I know the weight won’t come off overnight. In the meantime, I am a very curvy and voluptuous woman and I deserve to feel confident and sexy about my body, just like any other woman. It’s just hard to find the right shapewear and clothes to accentuate my curves and hide my tummy. I’m kind of apple shaped so my tummy fat is really prominent. Can someone help?
Updated photos are below. The first 2 we’re around 240 and the second 2 are closer to now. In addition to my belly, my arms got a lot bigger and I feel really weird about that. So it took a lot of courage to post these but I feel like you guys need to see the real me so you can help me!! Please be nice and encouraging, good vibes only because I cannot handle any shaming or judgment right now.
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I guess after reading your posts, I'd ask "How badly do you want it?"
In all the things you've tried I haven't seen therapy mentioned. Some people just can't lose until they are mentally ready. Certain issues need to be resolved.
Asking people to be super nice means you might miss out on some good advice.
You don't need to exercise to lose weight. BUT you do need to get your eating under control. Cooking for yourself makes a big difference, I know you say you don't want to, but sometimes we just need to bite the bullet and do things we don't like to.
You may think I'm "mean", but if you really want to change, you have to start--no excuses. Otherwise, you'll be back every year with the same problem. Be consistent and you will lose. If this isn't possible, try therapy. There is always a way.
I truely wish you success.3 -
You are lovely and sexy (said in the most kind granny-like, purest way possible). Also, you have a beautiful smile.
I don't have ideas for all of your questions, but have some thoughts on a couple.
First, the Peleton seat. One thing you could try is a gel seat cover, see if that helps. (I've bought them from Amazon. They give dimensions of the seat they'll fit. The go over the bike's seat and there's a drawstring or elastic to hold them in place.) That can make the seat a little more wide and squishy, maybe more comfortable.
You might find that real bike shorts with padding (a.k.a. a "chamois") might help, but when I was plus size I had trouble finding any that would fit me. Bike clothes are weird: Even XL is tiny!
Realistically, though, if you're not used to cycling, there is an adaptation process that's normal. Unfortunately, it feels weird and even kind of sore on the lady parts and surrounding body for a while. I started taking spin classes at my YMCA while I was still obese, and the seat hurt at first, not gonna lie. Getting a gel seat cover to take with me helped. But mostly, I needed to keep at it until those parts . . . basically toughened up. (It doesn't cause desensitization of those body parts for . . . other things, where you might not want that, in case you're wondering. No need to worry.)
The adaptation doesn't take forever. But it takes time. Consider doing short sessions on your Peleton, but kind of regularly, like at least every other day. Start with what you can tolerate with only mild weird feelings or discomfort. As that amount gets manageable, gradually increase. Give it a good chance.
Unfortunately, this is another of those cases where change isn't going to happen if we stay completely inside our comfort zone all the time. It shouldn't be awful or unbearable, but it won't always be lovely and comfortable. Change is hard. It has costs. But it also has rewards.
On the food front, to feel full, it will be necessary to keep experimenting, trying different combinations of food, times you eat that food, etc. Different people find different things filling.
You mention needing some food volume. In case you haven't seen it, you might find some ideas in this thread:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10563959/volume-eaters-thread/p1
It's long. There are lots of ideas.
You also mention liking sweets. It's OK to keep chipping away at that, trying things with non-caloric sweeteners. Also, don't forget about fruit. For me, increasing fruit (several fruits daily) helped me manage my cravings for higher-calorie sweets. That doesn't work for everyone, but I'm not the only one here who's found it helpful, so it's maybe worth a try if you haven't.
I'm sorry, but I can't help you with the mask issue. I'm still wearing a mask when I'm in people-y places, and sometimes I'm the only one, or nearly the only one. I don't care; if others don't like it, they can lump it. I'm going to wear it. I can't control their behavior, so even I wish they would, that's out of my control. I have to let it go, no other realistic choice.
With apologies, I also can't help with clothes. I'm not very fashion-centric, not very interested in clothing. It's a limitation for me, but not one I've chosen to work on so far. Some of my friends who are still overweight do lovely things with all the tricks like using a light-colored top underneath a darker open figure-skimming jacket with some narrower slacks/leggings, then using a long rectangular scarf artfully knotted and hanging down to create lots of vertical lines, and they look very nice. I don't know how to do that stuff. I think there are videos and stuff about it on the web, though.
I wish I had more suggestions, but that's about it from me. I do wish you success. Please stick with it, I'm sure you can reach your goals! It will take some time, and sadly there will be some challenges and discomfort, but it shouldn't be un-do-ably difficult if you can just keep chipping away and making gradual progress when you have the motivation/energy to do it, then holding the line as much as possible in between those times so as not to backtrack.
I'm cheering for you!
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I would try listening to the following podcast series “weight loss made real” by cookie rosenblum. She’s a psychologist who specialises in emotional eating.
It is possible for you to lose the weight. Hold on to that thought.2 -
Thank you!! Yes, I am going to get a bigger bike seat and take baby steps so I get more comfortable cycling. Right now it’s really hard. I’m out of breath and need to stop after a minute of cycling. It’s discouraging and I feel like I can’t really do it. I guess even 1 minute is better than nothing?
Yes, food is very emotional for me. I feel my feelings very strongly and food is the only way I know how to cope. Especially sweet and sugary stuff.
It was really hard to make my update post and basically tell everyone that I made zero progress and gained even more weight.
I feel like people think I’m not trying. But I am trying. So. Hard.
I have trouble focusing and I get distracted easily so logging consistently is really hard for me.
I feel very overwhelmed all the time and food is what soothes me so I allow myself little treats for my emotional health but I realize that I lose track of what I eat.
Like I thought I had “a few” Oreos but when I counted them up it was over 20. Or “a few” M&Ms ends up being the whole “family” size bag lol.
It’s worse when I watch TV because I get really mindless with food. But if I don’t eat anything I feel so bored and restless.
It’s like I need something sweet in my mouth at all times to feel safe and comfortable. It used to be soda but 6+ bottles per day is too much sugar so now I am being smart and drinking a LOT of the super sweet tasting flavored water and maybe the extra water will fill up my big tummy so I won’t eat so much food.
I don’t know, I feel like even when I’m full I still get these intense cravings to eat. It’s not physical, it is emotional, I don’t know why I’m like this that I just crave sweet stuff constantly, like unless I’m really distracted by something I can’t turn it off and it feels totally overwhelming. Why am I like this?
Guys, I want to lose weight - I DO want it so bad, and I. Am. Trying. I am trying so freaking hard.
I’m crying as I write this. Why is this so hard for me? Someone make it easier.2 -
No one can make it easier for you. Make one small positive change at a time. Do that for a month. Then make another change. Do that die a while. Keep adding small changes. You can’t change every overnight. Sustainable changes are what you want.1
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A minute is better than nothing! Try to do a minute, take a break, go for another minute. Next week try 90 seconds instead of 60. You can get there but it'll take time. You'll get stronger and you'll start to feel better. Just keep at it.3
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A minute is better than nothing! Try to do a minute, take a break, go for another minute. Next week try 90 seconds instead of 60. You can get there but it'll take time. You'll get stronger and you'll start to feel better. Just keep at it.
Thank you!!! I feel too big for the peloton I’m afraid I’m gonna fall off lol. Maybe I should get a treadmill and just walk instead? I’m not used to peddling so my muscles feel like they’re on fire after just a few seconds
I kind of freaked out the first time because I felt uncomfortable but I’m gonna try to push through and peddle over a minute straight without stopping. I feel embarrassed that I’m so weak but I’m like a big baby when it comes to exercise lol this is my baby step!
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I read this thread https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10876801/sugar-addict right before coming to yours and think a lot of the advice there might help you as well.
While I am a huge proponent of exercise and agree with the "minute here, minute there" advice above I think far more important for you is to get the food part under control. I earned almost 1,000 exercise calories yesterday and STILL went over my calorie budget by eating too much.
Prelogging would be a great aid to both of us
Also - are you in therapy? I lost my therapist in July and this was a huge setback
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kshama2001 wrote: »I read this thread https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10876801/sugar-addict right before coming to yours and think a lot of the advice there might help you as well.
While I am a huge proponent of exercise and agree with the "minute here, minute there" advice above I think far more important for you is to get the food part under control. I earned almost 1,000 exercise calories yesterday and STILL went over my calorie budget by eating too much.
Prelogging would be a great aid to both of us
Also - are you in therapy? I lost my therapist in July and this was a huge setback
I’m scared to do therapy tbh.
It’s pretty obvious that I overeat for emotional reasons. I don’t know if it can be solved without therapy I just feel scared to face my feelings so food is my distraction and comfort place and coping mechanism, it’s really really hard to let go of that
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kshama2001 wrote: »I read this thread https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10876801/sugar-addict right before coming to yours and think a lot of the advice there might help you as well.
While I am a huge proponent of exercise and agree with the "minute here, minute there" advice above I think far more important for you is to get the food part under control. I earned almost 1,000 exercise calories yesterday and STILL went over my calorie budget by eating too much.
Prelogging would be a great aid to both of us
Also - are you in therapy? I lost my therapist in July and this was a huge setback
I’m scared to do therapy tbh.
It’s pretty obvious that I overeat for emotional reasons. I don’t know if it can be solved without therapy I just feel scared to face my feelings so food is my distraction and comfort place and coping mechanism, it’s really really hard to let go of that
I think I may have read this like 25 times trying to formulate some advice....
When I was on Jenny Craig years and years and years and yeeeeeears ago, I remember my counselor type person telling me she had clients who lost the weight but couldn't lose their mindset. Losing weight didn't make them suddenly happy.
I REALLY think you should talk to someone or maybe someone has a suggestion for a good book for you to read because how are you going to lose the weight you want to lose if you can't lose what's going on in your mind that's making you use food as a crutch?2 -
I'm going to run through a few things that have helped me over the years. I have been losing extremely slowly for a long time, which is fine by me. This is just life.
I don't log things very consistently but have done so enough to know what are better choices.
I measure out my oats for porridge in the morning, and I have a sweet tooth so often put cocoa in it and top it with fruit. An apple cooked with a bit of cinnamon is a joy on a damp winter morning.
Lunch is veg soup plus bread, or a robust salad with grains/roast veg.
I drink tea all the time, some of the fruity ones help with the sweet tooth. Fruit does as well, a bowl full of grapes keeps me out of the biscuit tin.
I cannot buy some food because I will eat all of it immediately. So have to just not get them.
I have to have a plan for what I am eating and not get to hungry, or will scoff everything.
I've stopped eating after dinner, there's no magic but it cuts out all the extra I was eating for no reason.
I am lazy and not disciplined. I do things because they are habit and easy, so I just need to make the easy choice the better one.
When I gained a lot of weight in the first place it was part of a response to stress and depression. Finding ways to manage that helped me.
Exercise was part of it. I would encourage you to find some yoga classes on YouTube to try at home. It really helped body and mind.
I've always been a swimmer and never quit that, love being in the water and no-one can see you anyway. But I know many people are far to self conscious, which is sad.
Walking and eventually running, being outside is great for mood. If there's a friend you can convince to go to a park at the weekend that's great. Just short to start with, no special kit required.
Having something else to think about. At one point I decided to try to learn to knit. I'm still awful at it but it worked a treat, I was so focused on trying to do it that everything else just melted away. It doesn't matter what really, something new to learn that interests you, that you are in charge of.
Lastly, and for me most important. I stopped beating myself up. I wasn't on a diet because the size of my backside made me bad. I was eating better because I want to live better for longer, and do more things. I don't care what size trousers I wear, I do care if I can hike up the hill.
It isn't punishment because I'm bad, it's love because I'm brilliant and worth it, and so are you.
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@littlegreenparrot1 Thank you!! I am trying some gentle yoga I found on YouTube although I can’t do most of the poses and I can’t usually keep up with it, which feels really discouraging. I haven’t tried to swim in years. I don’t currently have a swimsuit that I could fit into and even if I did, I don’t think I’d be able to swim anymore. I’m severely out of shape at this point so I really need to start small/gentle with any new activity or it’s just way too much for me. My body is very much used to a totally sedentary lifestyle and I don’t want to create too big a shock. If anyone can recommend any videos for gentle exercises suitable for a plus size female body please post them!4
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Hi there. Read through your posts and I definitely feel your pain. I was a healthy 165lbs for my height at 5'8. I gained over 100lbs. I didn't realise I had got so big until I stepped on the scales. Its very scary. I weighed in around 250lbs last December, but somehow in the last year I've gained another 25lbs. I've been off and on and off this weight loss journey. Ive started again from logging all my food and water intake. I'm down about 8lbs so far. Also got a new fitbit. I am walking mostly 5,000 steps a day. That's a lot for me because I don't work (sick) and when I don't do walking as my exercise I don't get many steps in. But I'm moving house early December and will have a garden to walk around in and a new area to find new routes 🙂 I will add you if that's ok. Keep positive ♥️2
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@littlegreenparrot1 Thank you!! I am trying some gentle yoga I found on YouTube although I can’t do most of the poses and I can’t usually keep up with it, which feels really discouraging. I haven’t tried to swim in years. I don’t currently have a swimsuit that I could fit into and even if I did, I don’t think I’d be able to swim anymore. I’m severely out of shape at this point so I really need to start small/gentle with any new activity or it’s just way too much for me. My body is very much used to a totally sedentary lifestyle and I don’t want to create too big a shock. If anyone can recommend any videos for gentle exercises suitable for a plus size female body please post them!
I've had 200 hours of yoga teacher training and there are plenty of classes that I can't do 100%. Heck, I'm dealing with injuries and likely don't do 100% of gentle/beginner classes. It's a "practice," not an "already perfect"
That said, post the link of the video and I will take a look. I've found plenty of non-yoga things labeled as beginner which shouldn't be.
I'm a veteran and getting most of my yoga/tai chi free from Om Practice. Employees at certain vet centers can access this for free as well. https://app.ompractice.com/veteransaffairs
I can't say enough nice things about this teacher and this class: https://app.ompractice.com/class/peaceful-flow-deep-stretch-and-deep-relaxation-reggie-hubbard-friday?classId=10733
Oh, they just changed their pricing - it's $25/month for unlimited classes, which I think is a great deal!
I am not recommending the following for you - just sharing my experience - I was laughably PATHETIC when I first started doing it. My chaturanga had devolved into a belly flop. I had to modify tons of the poses. But, I kept at it, and improved considerably. I pulled out the individual exercises and did them in between strength training. Then I hurt my wrist and had to switch gears
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIdAPUA3GY4&list=PLUXvX9BaxgqG9yO5XWB3gA_QshvrrcjVr&index=8&t=77s
^^^"true beginner" LMAO!
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Hi there. Read through your posts and I definitely feel your pain. I was a healthy 165lbs for my height at 5'8. I gained over 100lbs. I didn't realise I had got so big until I stepped on the scales. Its very scary. I weighed in around 250lbs last December, but somehow in the last year I've gained another 25lbs. I've been off and on and off this weight loss journey. Ive started again from logging all my food and water intake. I'm down about 8lbs so far. Also got a new fitbit. I am walking mostly 5,000 steps a day. That's a lot for me because I don't work (sick) and when I don't do walking as my exercise I don't get many steps in. But I'm moving house early December and will have a garden to walk around in and a new area to find new routes 🙂 I will add you if that's ok. Keep positive ♥️
Wow that’s a lot of steps!! I’m not in shape enough for that. I average about 1,000 right now.
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kshama2001 wrote: »That said, post the link of the video and I will take a look. I've found plenty of non-yoga things labeled as beginner which shouldn't be.
Is this good for me?
https://youtu.be/zUnjJdJitPw
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Where to start, you ask? IT STARTS WITH YOU!!! You have to decide when you want to seriously make a change! For me, I had to split my pants to make the committment to make a change. I had to put the excuses aside and start logging everything and start substituting the overindulgences of tons of snacks with fruits, vegetables and healthier snacks that will fill you up and not add up so quickly. As for not cooking, it doesn't take a master chef to put some lettuce and veggies in a bowl with a serving of precooked chicken or protein or add to a wrap or taco. My grocery store sells bags of frozen, pre-cooked chicken fajita or beef fajita etc. that just needs to be microwaved to warm up. Or a pre-cooked mini sliced ham or turkey etc. Hydrate! Water fills you up too. The APP works....It is foolproof. Use the app honestly and log everything you consume and the exercise you do to burn calories. You will begin to see positive changes. Take it one day at a time. Be kind to yourself. You don't need a gym. Start with walking and then build on that first. Then you can incorporate exercise you enjoy as you build back your stamina. Then you can search for You-Tube or online videos have a million options that you can do in the comfort of your own home. Good luck to you. Here to support in any way. If I did it, you can do it too!5
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Hi there. Read through your posts and I definitely feel your pain. I was a healthy 165lbs for my height at 5'8. I gained over 100lbs. I didn't realise I had got so big until I stepped on the scales. Its very scary. I weighed in around 250lbs last December, but somehow in the last year I've gained another 25lbs. I've been off and on and off this weight loss journey. Ive started again from logging all my food and water intake. I'm down about 8lbs so far. Also got a new fitbit. I am walking mostly 5,000 steps a day. That's a lot for me because I don't work (sick) and when I don't do walking as my exercise I don't get many steps in. But I'm moving house early December and will have a garden to walk around in and a new area to find new routes 🙂 I will add you if that's ok. Keep positive ♥️
Wow that’s a lot of steps!! I’m not in shape enough for that. I average about 1,000 right now.
Ok, time for some straight talk: on Saturday, two days after major open abdominal surgery where I got a 13" incision and had my huge fibroid uterus removed, I did 500 steps while carrying around a catheter bag. Later that day, the catheter was removed and I got an additional 2,800 steps over several more walk periods.
I'm currently living with my mother and she was emotionally abusive yesterday, and over the last 6 months I've also dealt with abuse from my sister, brother, aunt, and cousin.
I have therapy (with a newish therapist) in an hour. It's going to be unpleasant and I will probably cry. However, I will feel better afterwards.kshama2001 wrote: »I read this thread https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10876801/sugar-addict right before coming to yours and think a lot of the advice there might help you as well.
While I am a huge proponent of exercise and agree with the "minute here, minute there" advice above I think far more important for you is to get the food part under control. I earned almost 1,000 exercise calories yesterday and STILL went over my calorie budget by eating too much.
Prelogging would be a great aid to both of us
Also - are you in therapy? I lost my therapist in July and this was a huge setback
I’m scared to do therapy tbh.
It’s pretty obvious that I overeat for emotional reasons. I don’t know if it can be solved without therapy I just feel scared to face my feelings so food is my distraction and comfort place and coping mechanism, it’s really really hard to let go of that
I think that you avoiding therapy is like slapping a Band-Aid over an arterial wound and hoping the bleeding will stop on its own.
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Hi there. Read through your posts and I definitely feel your pain. I was a healthy 165lbs for my height at 5'8. I gained over 100lbs. I didn't realise I had got so big until I stepped on the scales. Its very scary. I weighed in around 250lbs last December, but somehow in the last year I've gained another 25lbs. I've been off and on and off this weight loss journey. Ive started again from logging all my food and water intake. I'm down about 8lbs so far. Also got a new fitbit. I am walking mostly 5,000 steps a day. That's a lot for me because I don't work (sick) and when I don't do walking as my exercise I don't get many steps in. But I'm moving house early December and will have a garden to walk around in and a new area to find new routes 🙂 I will add you if that's ok. Keep positive ♥️
Wow that’s a lot of steps!! I’m not in shape enough for that. I average about 1,000 right now.
We all start somewhere 😊 I started around 1,00 steps and slowly over time did more!2 -
kshama2001 wrote: »Ok, time for some straight talk: on Saturday, two days after major open abdominal surgery where I got a 13" incision and had my huge fibroid uterus removed, I did 500 steps while carrying around a catheter bag. Later that day, the catheter was removed and I got an additional 2,800 steps over several more walk periods.
Okay, well how much do you weigh? I have to carry 280 pounds so it’s a lot harder for me than it is for you. I don’t appreciate a comparison that makes me feel lazy.kshama2001 wrote: »I think that you avoiding therapy is like slapping a Band-Aid over an arterial wound and hoping the bleeding will stop on its own.
I’ll consider it but I need to feel completely comfortable first and I’m not there yet, okay? I feel a bit judged by your comment. You don’t know everything I’m feeling and I want just encouragement and good vibes only from people on here not judgement please.
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*sigh*
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kshama2001 wrote: »Ok, time for some straight talk: on Saturday, two days after major open abdominal surgery where I got a 13" incision and had my huge fibroid uterus removed, I did 500 steps while carrying around a catheter bag. Later that day, the catheter was removed and I got an additional 2,800 steps over several more walk periods.
Okay, well how much do you weigh? I have to carry 280 pounds so it’s a lot harder for me than it is for you. I don’t appreciate a comparison that makes me feel lazy.kshama2001 wrote: »I think that you avoiding therapy is like slapping a Band-Aid over an arterial wound and hoping the bleeding will stop on its own.
I’ll consider it but I need to feel completely comfortable first and I’m not there yet, okay? I feel a bit judged by your comment. You don’t know everything I’m feeling and I want just encouragement and good vibes only from people on here not judgement please.
My question to you would be this: "It's been a few weeks now. Have you taken any of the advice given? Have you made any progress so far?" If you say you need help, but swimming--no, walking--no, the gym--no, therapy--no...... What advice would YOU give a person like yourself? You have to make changes to make progress. It doesn't have to be a lot and slow is fine. Is there progress?
If not--it's reflection time. Otherwise you'll be here next year with the same problems.4 -
snowflake954 wrote: »My question to you would be this: "It's been a few weeks now. Have you taken any of the advice given? Have you made any progress so far?" If you say you need help, but swimming--no, walking--no, the gym--no, therapy--no...... What advice would YOU give a person like yourself? You have to make changes to make progress. It doesn't have to be a lot and slow is fine. Is there progress?
If not--it's reflection time. Otherwise you'll be here next year with the same problems.
Wow. I am trying, okay? I am trying exercising despite feeling out of breath, sweaty, dizzy after just a few minutes. I have done yoga, I have walked a few times, I have even gotten in my peloton even though it’s uncomfortable.
I am also reducing my calories by reducing my coffee and soda. I used to have two Starbucks lattes to get me through the day - the first in the morning and another after lunch to get me through the afternoon without falling asleep at my desk. I also drank soda as a pick-me-up. Now that I’m not working, I have reduced down to only one coffee and 1 bottle of soda per day (trying to have a lot of Diet or seltzer but I still crave the regular really hard so I gotta indulge my self a little bit!) and I do get sleepy after lunch but rather than a sugary pick-me-up drink I just let my self nap now and I read that sleep is actually good for weight loss.
I can’t go to the gym because I have gotten big for my workout clothes. I mean, I wear them at home because they are very stretchy leggings so I can still stretch them to fit into them, but they definitely look small small and tight on my body and I feel too exposed to wear them out. I am trying to find a bigger size but it’s hard because a LOT of brands discriminate against plus size bodies and don’t offer clothes for us or if they do they are not as comfy or good. It is so wrong and unfair because every body deserves to be included but we’re not.
But, I am still trying to do some physical activity not just once but twice every day!!
Usually in the morning I will try some gentle yoga after coffee and breakfast when I have the most energy. I relax after and then after lunch take a nap. I usually watch some movies in the afternoon and evening. I can’t do anything too soon after dinner because I’m too stuffed and just need to lie down. But, I am really pushing myself to walk a bit even just around the house, or get on my bike a bit, in the evening. I feel worn out pretty quick but that helps me sleep. I am sleeping a lot now but I’m also more active than I used to be so my body needs it. I don’t appreciate people implying that I’m lazy because I feel like I’m pushing myself very, very hard.
I am trying as hard as I possibly can and nothing seems to be working. So how about a little help and encouragement?
2 -
snowflake954 wrote: »My question to you would be this: "It's been a few weeks now. Have you taken any of the advice given? Have you made any progress so far?" If you say you need help, but swimming--no, walking--no, the gym--no, therapy--no...... What advice would YOU give a person like yourself? You have to make changes to make progress. It doesn't have to be a lot and slow is fine. Is there progress?
If not--it's reflection time. Otherwise you'll be here next year with the same problems.
Wow. I am trying, okay? I am trying exercising despite feeling out of breath, sweaty, dizzy after just a few minutes. I have done yoga, I have walked a few times, I have even gotten in my peloton even though it’s uncomfortable.
I am also reducing my calories by reducing my coffee and soda. I used to have two Starbucks lattes to get me through the day - the first in the morning and another after lunch to get me through the afternoon without falling asleep at my desk. I also drank soda as a pick-me-up. Now that I’m not working, I have reduced down to only one coffee and 1 bottle of soda per day (trying to have a lot of Diet or seltzer but I still crave the regular really hard so I gotta indulge my self a little bit!) and I do get sleepy after lunch but rather than a sugary pick-me-up drink I just let my self nap now and I read that sleep is actually good for weight loss.
I can’t go to the gym because I have gotten big for my workout clothes. I mean, I wear them at home because they are very stretchy leggings so I can still stretch them to fit into them, but they definitely look small small and tight on my body and I feel too exposed to wear them out. I am trying to find a bigger size but it’s hard because a LOT of brands discriminate against plus size bodies and don’t offer clothes for us or if they do they are not as comfy or good. It is so wrong and unfair because every body deserves to be included but we’re not.
But, I am still trying to do some physical activity not just once but twice every day!!
Usually in the morning I will try some gentle yoga after coffee and breakfast when I have the most energy. I relax after and then after lunch take a nap. I usually watch some movies in the afternoon and evening. I can’t do anything too soon after dinner because I’m too stuffed and just need to lie down. But, I am really pushing myself to walk a bit even just around the house, or get on my bike a bit, in the evening. I feel worn out pretty quick but that helps me sleep. I am sleeping a lot now but I’m also more active than I used to be so my body needs it. I don’t appreciate people implying that I’m lazy because I feel like I’m pushing myself very, very hard.
I am trying as hard as I possibly can and nothing seems to be working. So how about a little help and encouragement?
Good. Everyone starts where they're at and improves gradually. We are never updated on what you've chosen to do and I was curious. I've been here for 10 years and have seen people go from obese to a normal weight by just starting walking. Sometimes, at first, it's just around their living room. From there, they slowly increase distance every week. You would not know it, but some of the people giving you advice and pushing you, started with over 100 lbs to lose and managed to do it. So don't judge them either. It works both ways--only fair.
As for encouragement, I am delighted when anyone works to better themselves. I've grown up with men (5 brothers) and I have 3 sons. I push them too when I need to. I'm not an enabler or coddler by nature. I hope you're seeing progress and reach your goals.
2 -
Yesterday, I'd been home from the hospital for two weeks. We walked the cat. He was going faster than usual, so we did a mile in 40 minutes. I stopped to rest once, and probably just because my Whole Health Coach mentioned resting. She said if I'm walking for 10 minutes and need to rest 5 times, work on cutting it down to resting 4 times, 3 times, etc. I told her I was already able to walk a half mile without resting. That was at almost normal human pace, too.
My coach went on and on about how beneficial walking is, and why it is beneficial and accessible for post-surgical patients. Walking is also beneficial and accessible for people who are out of shape due to being sedentary.
It was 40 degrees outside yesterday and I didn't feel like walking, but I bundled up and did it anyway, and was glad I did.
My total steps yesterday were over 5,000 - for about an hour, I'd forgotten my FitBit was on the charger. I've come a long way since Nov 4, when 10 steps to the bathroom was a real struggle.4 -
Hi guys… it’s been 15 months since I made this post and it’s time for an update.
I decided I just needed to prioritize my mental and emotional health and not stress about my weight.
So I’m taking a break from work and my parents are helping me financially so I can just take care of my self and prioritize my well being first. I bought a Peloton but the seat feels very small for my butt lol. Has anyone else had this problem? I feel like it’s not designed for a plus size woman’s body and that makes me so angry. So I’m not riding it right now but I’m looking for something more comfortable for me to sit on!!
When I started at SoulCycle … (which I love!) the bike seat was torture for 2 sessions… then it was fine. My boyfriend- now husband bought me a seat cushion. That’s love I guess. Lol.
Seriously/ try a seat cushion .. it goes over the peloton hard seat. Makes a world of difference.
Cycling became my drug of choice and helped shed Lbs, boost energy and endurance.
😉👍💪🏻1 -
SafariGalNYC wrote: »When I started at SoulCycle … (which I love!) the bike seat was torture for 2 sessions… then it was fine. My boyfriend- now husband bought me a seat cushion. That’s love I guess. Lol.
Seriously/ try a seat cushion .. it goes over the peloton hard seat. Makes a world of difference.
Cycling became my drug of choice and helped shed Lbs, boost energy and endurance.
😉👍💪🏻
I got a cushion and it definitely helps! I have tried cycling a couple times now. I am still really struggling with it. I feel totally out of breath after just a few seconds. I sweat a lot which feels disgusting. I definitely don’t feel any energy boost. I feel totally drained after only a couple minutes and I need to just lay down. I’m not built for cycling and I don’t have the muscle strength for it. 0 -
I don't know if anyone's brought this up but you don't need to exercise to lose weight. You just need to eat less than you burn. Calories for weight goal, exercise for health (and more food)
Maybe work on getting your calories under control and then, once you've figured out what you can eat and still be somewhat satiated, start walking or something? That's always been my exercise of choice. It's cheap, I can go at your own pace, I can listen to music I like, I can swear loudly at all the inconsiderate drivers... Actually, that last one not so much a perk as me thinking I need good drugs to deal with those people better.
But, yeah, exercise isn't a requirement for the weight loss portion.3 -
I don't know if anyone's brought this up but you don't need to exercise to lose weight. You just need to eat less than you burn. Calories for weight goal, exercise for health (and more food)
That’s a relief!!! But the “eat less than you burn” thing is really hard. My baby step goal is to try to eat 3,000 calories per day. It’s still more than I burn because I’m completely sedentary. But I’m finding it really hard to get under 3,000 right now
Someone said start with liquids so I’m replacing soda with diet soda and I’m having fewer Starbucks drinks. And that’s actually brought my calories down a lot! Because I used to have so many cans of soda every day and the calories really added up.
So that helped but for my actual food I’m having trouble eating “low calorie” stuff and still feeling satisfied. I have a big craving for meat and fried foods! I really crave calorie dense stuff so I just don’t get completely satiated from anything else. I am trying “healthier” stuff that has more vegetables and if I eat enough I can get physically full but I still crave more meat, so I really don’t feel completely satiated!! So I always end up eating what I’m used to after to satisfy my cravings.
I think I need to focus more on snacks instead of meals. I eat pretty large portions but I think a lot of my calories just come from mindless snacking throughout the day. I watch a lot of TV, like 6 hours a day at least. I always snack on something when I watch even if I’m full. I really need the stimulation. Like, if I don’t snack on something I feel bored!! I end up eating a lot more than I expected/planned because I lose track of the food and time. Like “a few” Oreos turns into the whole container. I need healthier snacks so I can still keeping eating something while I watch but not add SO many calories. I have tried vegetables like celery with dip but they really don’t feel satisfying at all because I have a big sweet tooth and I need something sweet. Fruits like strawberries are better but I get a chocolate craving. Maybe some low-sugar dark chocolate with the fruit could be okay?
It’s like a puzzle to figure out how to completely satiate myself with less calories but it’s hard because I’m really used to eating a certain way so anything different feels very very… off.1
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