[Hope and Faith]

Hi, I was on this site a few years ago and lost weight and kept it off. I followed weight watchers at that time. About a year ago I was put on a medication and gained 80lbs in 5 months. I was taken off that medication and still gained another 10lbs. I feel very discouraged I don't know where to begin to lose weight. I just feel trapped and uncomfortable in this body. I can't afford to do weight watchers right now. Can anyone point me in a direction? Any help would be amazing. I don't know how to begin exercising my knees and ankles hurt. I was pretty active at one time. I would love to lose 100 lbs and get my life back.

[124chicksinger]

Hiya Hope/Faith. <---- 2 very good qualities

First issue is getting off the medication, and hopefully whatever the medication was for, the underlying issue has resolved for you. That written, if the meds were largely responsible for the weight gain, now that they are discontinued, that catalyst is gone from the equation. I hope that is what you are narrating here.

The above written, there are some positive notes in your post. That you've dieted successfully (ww) before, it shows that your body is capable of letting go of the excess weight. Also, while exercise facilitates weight loss, there is a quote that goes around here on the board that diet is for weight loss, exercise is for fitness. I hope I'm quoting that right. Exercise can be added later and gradually and something that doesn't hurt your legs.

Next, you're ready and you want some advice on how to proceed since WW doesn't fit into your budget. The obvious answer is...do you still possess your WW materials? There are many people who follow older ww programs without going to meetings, and you can get support for that in the WW section of the forum.

Alternatively, you can locate a website for weight loss, like fitday, livestrong, loseit, caloriecount, and input your current age, height, weight, etc. and find out how many calories it takes to maintain your current weight, then subtract up to 500 calories from that total and start eating according to that caloric need. You can go to mypyramid.gov and find out a wealth of info as well. Plan some generic meals and snacks that you can swap out. For instance, fruit smoothie for breakfast, or banana and peanut butter, or oatmeal and fruit, or egg and toast, etc. Plan some lunch salads with protein and dressing. Plan generic dinners, or just plan balanced dinners and have only 1 plate. For instance, pizza isn't the best, but a slice of pizza paired with a salad can go far in aiding weight loss.

Calorie counting is a great way to go. I started this year just making better choices, then joined WW PPlus at work, and I wasn't thrilled with the results, so I started counting calories totally by fluke while looking to kick up my loss efforts. It has been a successful process. I lost 20 pounds since late July. Since Thanksgiving I've been maintaining. I plan to kick up my efforts any day now....

Diet smart, not hard <--- that means don't do anything drastic, because a) it isn't necessary and b) it is counterproductive ultimately. All you need is a calorie deficit up to 500 less than your daily consumption now. When you get that figured out and create a plan, you need to follow through. That you've got a mindset to do it right now, I'd say you're motivated.

You will find a wealth of support and information here. You'll get suggestions on what diets to follow and you need to make the best informed decision that works for you.

I wish you good luck and success.

chick

[Trazey34]

Chick said it all ! You've done it before, and as hard as it seems right now, you can do it again. I'm a boring old calorie counter and have had a huge success with it - i'm a cynical wench, I'm inherently suspicious of a weight loss program that costs money, that their bottom line counts on my bottom needing them over and over and over again LOL

You just have to START. It doesn't have to be perfect. Yes, a lot of people advocate the clean sweep of the house, getting all your ducks in a row before proceeding, but I say just DO IT the next time you eat. If you would eat 3 of something, eat 1. If you would do no exercise, do some rubber band stretches over your head to save your knees/ankles, etc. Doing something is better than nothing, and good behaviour breeds more of it, believe me!

Best of luck, and we're all rooting for you

[linJber]

First - welcome back and good luck. Chick and Trazey pretty much summed up what I might have said if I had gotten here first! The only extra advice I might offer is to really be mindful of starchy foods / carbs like rice, potatoes, pasta, and bread. I found that once I cut them down to just a serving or 2 a week, my cravings for them went down, my energy levels went up, and staying on a sensible eating plan sort of fell into place.

And at the risk of sounding harsh, I want to say, "Just do it. No excuses." We are miserable when we are too heavy. If we're a little miserable because we have to cut back on something we like - well, too bad. It's all difficult. Being heavy is difficult. Losing is difficult. Which would you rather deal with? You're here, so that means you're ready to begin. So, now you have us for support and can do this successfully.

I agree with Trazey 100% about a weight loss program that costs money and relies on repeat business.

Lin

[Hope and Faith]

Thank you so much. I looked around the internet at everything mentioned. I am going to calorie count but also go lighter on the starches and carbs. I don't think it was harsh to say just do it. I really do need to just do it and I also needed to hear someone say it. Enough sitting around feeling sorry for myself. I think until my ankles and knees stop hurting so bad I will stretch and go on a walk. Thank you again I am actually now excited!

[Lyn2007]

Welcome back! Wanting to change is a great start

I like sparkpeople.com for free calorie counting. Add in some exercise, even if it is just walking, and you have a good plan. You will get lots of support here, too! I'm cheering you on!