[tif]

Hi all,

I'm so tired of running on the same proverbial treadmill and getting nowhere fast.

My highest weight was 289 lbs. I'm now about 240 lbs, as I have been for about a year. I lost about 30 lbs within 4 months, then 20 more lbs over the following 6 months, then gained back about 10 lbs over the next year and a half. I had metabolic syndrome after being on some nasty medications, and my BG, cholesterol, BP, and weight were all through the roof. As of my last blood test, my BP was 121/79, my cholesterol was normal except for slightly elevated triglycerides, and my BG went from a high of 7.4 to 6.0.

I have some unique challenges, in regards to my health. Aside from the diabetes, I also have a cystic disorder. I was told I have PCOS, but I also have periodic bouts with severe sinus polyps and have been told that they are not related... How skin cysts, cystic acne, rectal bleeding in accordance with my extremely-irregular cycles, vaginal cysts, and sinus polyps can all occur randomly and unrelatedly in the same person is beyond me. I don't believe in coincidences. I also have short achilles tendons and s-curve scoliosis with two twists, so ongoing exercise can be difficult because of the risk of injury.

I want to lose weight, but I'm afraid of all the excess skin. I'm also afraid I won't be able to lose weight again. I've fallen so often because of my leg and back problems that I'm somewhat discouraged about my ability to continue in an exercise program. I don't think I can lose more weight without exercise.

So, that's why I'm here. I hope I can find a way to lose more weight. I want to be healthy. But I need help. I don't know what to do anymore.

[penmage]

[Mozzy]

Welcome and good luck on your journey!!!

[tif]

Thank you both!!

[Quack Addict]

Hi, tif! I understand how you feel about the exercise component. I had a hip replaced this past summer, have another hip in need of replacement, and a knee that is extremely painful. (The ortho doc suspects arthritis there as well, but I don't even want to THINK about a replacement knee at this point.) So exercise is a challenge -- I can't even take a walk due to the pain.

Swimming is about the only exercise I can handle and I admit that it's not cheap. I sucked it up and joined the local YMCA, and realize that my hair will quickly become gray again as the color is bleached from it. (I can't afford the hair dresser AND the Y membership.)

It's frustrating and I can relate to your problems. I read here that you can lose weight on diet alone, and I'm hoping beyond hope that this is true... and I also have my fingers crossed that as the excess weight comes off, I will have less pain in my joints and be able to at least take walks. Regardless, I am watching my food to see how far diet will take me.

Stay the course on your food, tif, and I wish you success!

[tif]

Thank you, QuackAddict. It's tough--I'm not even 30 but I have a large amount of cartilage missing from my knee joints. I know I need to do something by way of exercise, I just can't figure out what to do that won't cause injury. The Y might be an option... It's not close, though, and I work FT and am a student, so unless it's open till 11 PM it won't do me any good.

I've been walking without many problems, as long as the walks aren't too long. I should probably look into more strength exercises.