Hey everyone,

My name is Michelle. I am 36 years old and married with 7, yes you read that correctly lol, beautiful daughters. I love spending time with my family but I am now having a hard time keeping up with my very active family. I was small, 132 lbs when I got pregnant with my first daughter. I had complications durning pregnancy and due to bed rest and steroids I was 230lbs when I delivered her. Never really lost it since then and that was 16 years ago.

In January 2013 I was diagnosed with stage 3 thyroid cancer. It had already spread to my lymph and lungs but the time it was detected. I have had 2 surgeries, 18 radiation treatments and 11 rounds of chemotherapy. I still have 3 rounds of chemo to go. As if that wasn't enough in December 2013 I was involved in a head on collision by a girl texting and driving. I had a concussion, broke foot in 3 places, severe nerve and tissue damage to knee, 4 broken ribs, broken nose and cracked cheek bone. I have had 2 surgeries on my foot and have another one the end of July.

Since I got sick January2013 I have gained nearly 50 lbs. I currently weight 262 lbs and am only 5'5" tall. I know I need to get this weight off and really want to do it. I just do not know where to start. I am not able to do most exercise because I am, and have been, on crutches since the accident in December.

I would love some tips and advice. It just seems so overwhelming. I love food. Coke cola is my addiction. And diet soda is not an option because I'm a cancer patient. I love sweets. I will eat just about anything. Looking for advice and support. Thanks Michelle

Hi Michelle and welcome. You have quite a story. I'm sorry for all that you have been through but I am sure that it has made you into a very strong person. You made a great choice in wanting to make a change. Here you will find people looking to do the same as you so take advantage of the support system.

Although you can't be active, you do have the opportunity to alter the way you eat and that, alone, can assist you in where you want to be. As much as you like coke, you could see changes in your weight by cutting it out of your diet. Have you tried iced tea or other beverages allowed with your health history? I love sweets, too, but I have cut down ALOT on my intake of sweets by only have some sweets and not as much as I did in the past. It's all about moderation. Have you thought about a diet to pursue yet? There are tons out there to suit anyone's needs. Depending on what you can and cannot eat, I'm sure there is one out there for you

Good luck and I look forward to getting to know you!

First off Wow. I can't imagine what it must have been like to go through all that. it sounds like it was definitely a challenge. for weight loss, though I always believed a majority of it is what you eat and drink. it is what you put into your body. exercise would help but since you can't do that right now just focus on your diet. I think a good first step would be to at least cut down on the soda and sweets. believe me though I know how addicting sugar is. I crave it every day. its like a drug. but going cold turkey on that wouldn't be the best idea, but cutting back would be a good idea. also cut back on the processed food. try to eat more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, low fat versions of some things like milk and ice cream and cheese. I hope this helps and Welcome to 3fatchicks

Michelle! You've been through so much! I hope you will find this place to be as helpful as I do. You've gotten some great advice already (I've only skimmed it because I"m short on time). I recommend keeping a food journal and then finding ways to make small, gradual changes that lead to big results. For me, the biggest thing has been to quit sugar (except for fresh fruit) and wheat flour. It has really changed my life and it was something that I was dreading doing for many years. Sending you !

Michelle....You have so much going on and have been through a lot. I think you are off to a good start by just joining up and voicing the challenges you are facing. I am sure you will find useful good advice from this community:-)

Hello Michelle and welcome to the forum! you are very strong woman. You have been through a lot of bad things. But you stayed strong and want to change your life for better! we are always here to help and support you! cme to talk any time;-) Best of luck to you. I am sure with such a strong will you will achieve all of your goals