Ok, I've lost lots of weight before and gained it back but that's the past and I no longer care about it - my issues are different now.
Over the last couple of years I've been struggling to deal with a chronic autoimmune disease. It is not caused by being overweight, my blood sugar is stable at 90, my blood pressure is always low, my cholesterol numbers are so good my doc said, "Whatever you're doing, keep doing it."
Ok, so the normal weight-related health problems don't seem to apply, but I've still run into a problem. I'm well over 100 lbs overweight, the heaviest I've ever been in my life right now, and suddenly yesterday, for no apparent reason, my left knee decided to buckle.
Now, this is probably due to the autoimmune thing, that does attack the joints, and I've had both my ankles go out on me before and have continuing issues with my right knee. One of the docs told me I'd be in a wheelchair in 2 years - that was about 4 years ago, so I've outlasted that prediction, but I sure would like to continue walking on my own legs for as long as possible. The doc said if I could get my weight down, that would lessen the pressure on the joints and might make them last longer.
And I didn't get to this weight by eating "normally". I've been eating compulsively to deal with stress at work, stress at home, I'm sure anybody reading this knows the story.
So...here I go again. Dieting isn't going to work, but weight loss does need to happen. Any suggestions would be welcome.
I can tell you, my knees have been a lot better since losing weight. It can't do anything but help, right?
You may want to visit a couple of places. We have the "Dieting with Obstacles" forum, for those who are facing unique challenges (like your autoimmune disease) in their weight loss. We also have a great forum, the 100 Pound Club, for those losing or who have lost 100 lbs or more. It's active and very supportive.
We don't really focus on "diets" so much here as healthy lifestyle changes...which seems like it'll fit really well with your current outlook.
Anyway, look around and settle in. I can't wait to see you around!
Last edited by mandalinn82; 08-10-2008 at 01:03 AM.
Ok, I've lost lots of weight before and gained it back but that's the past and I no longer care about it - my issues are different now.
<...snip...>
And I didn't get to this weight by eating "normally". I've been eating compulsively to deal with stress at work, stress at home, I'm sure anybody reading this knows the story.
So...here I go again. Dieting isn't going to work, but weight loss does need to happen. Any suggestions would be welcome.
First of all, !
I think you have put your finger on your weight management difficulty. Good for you! That's a very important step towards success. You know that the answer doesn't lie in a new fad diet or even in a sensible weight loss eating plan. Your difficulty is primarily behavioral.
This site has lots of experienced folks who can give you good advice. I would also recommend reading books that address your issue directly -- providing strategies for dealing with this problem.
"The Thin Commandments Diet" book by Gullo (the actual diet plan is optional -- more about mindset/behavior in general) has a commandment/chapter titled "Separate Mood from Food" which you might find helpful. You might also find "The Beck Diet Solution" helpful, which has a program focus on changing behavior through cognitive switching.
I'm sure there are other useful resources out there and I'd love to hear about them too.
Good luck... I hope you can take the pressure off those joints and keep them healthy!
I recommend The Beck Diet Solution to help you get your issues resolved that make you eat. It isn't a diet but works with any diet. We have a very active thread under General Diets.
I would just reinforce that just because you don't have some of the typical health problems from obesity - if you are overeating as a way of coping with life, you aren't getting everything out of life that you should be. That one reason alone makes it worth it.
Also, even if your BP and cholesterol and friends are good, that doesn't mean your obesity won't contribute to that changing in the future. But of course, your knees are already making the weight loss necessary.
I'd second that I think you're in a great place to focus more on changing your eating and activity habits than on weight loss itself. Those kind of changes will last.
Personally, I recommend making sure you're eating whole grains and lots of produce. I think that is a fabulous place for anyone to start. If you don't cook, this is a great time to start learning. It doesn't have to be hard and complicated.
There's an autoimmune thread here in the Dieting with Obstacles forum.
I've got autoimmune issues as well. If you're on prednisone or other steroids (there's also a prednisone thread under the Dieting with Obstacles forum), it's especially hard to deal with losing weight, but many people swear by low carb or low GI eating, at least during the courses of prednisone.
Weight loss issues are different when you're dealing with health issues, and you often have to learn not to judge your progress by what other people seem to be doing (although that's good advice for anyone). Slow progress is still progress.
Exercise can be a challenge when you have joint and pain issues, but if you can find a warm water pool in your area, I can't recommend them highly enough. The arthritis foundation used to keep a list of programs on their site, but the page was gone the last time I checked. But if you check with the hospital, your doctor, the ymca or the local department on disability and aging, SOMEONE should be able to direct you to the nearest local program.
Often you need a doctor's referrals for these programs, but it's so well worth it. I've always loved swimming, but as my joints have deteriorated, so has my tolerance for cold water. The warm water pool is so wonderful. Usually the water isn't so warm that it feels like bath water, rather it's just warm enough that there's no adjustment period, the water is just comfortable right away. I could live in that water. And it's nice to be able to get a real workout in the water - getting my heart rate up and everything, without feeling like I'm going to collapse or have a heart attack.
I've got to admit I've been feeling pretty low about the possibilities since my knee kicked up - but WOW!!!! Thank you everyone! These posts helped get my hopes and energy back up.
I'll look into the Beck plan, because I am absolutely sure it's not about food but it is about behavior. And the tip about Dieting with Obstacles board is great. I am on prednisone and it's relief to know there are people I can talk to about it.
Had a bad morning and cannot express how much these replies have helped. Sending good thoughts everybody's way!
Health Concerns
check out all the plans available and pick one that you feel you can stick too! You can do it!
