I am Susan-Marie 41 and I am very overweight. I recently noticed...we just got mirrors the show more than just faces....that I am really big. Post surgery I weighed 166 lbs. Shortly after I weighed 185 pounds.

In 2006 I had a large ovarian cyst caused by no monitoring while on fertiliy pills. I had it removed Nov 2006. After that I developed a really bad infection and was hospitalized for about a week. Less then 2 weeks later I was back in the hospital with a really large blood clot in my left leg. I spent several months recovering from all 3 events. I was on blood thinner for 3 months.

So I didnt do any exercising. Also during the 3rd hospital stay the infection had caused a tear in my skin below my belly button...drain....SORRY TMI! After about 4 months I started using the treadmill walking 10 min a day. The 3rd day of walking the tear opened a tiny bit and leaked. My nurse then told me to stop the treadmill till it totally healed.

The thing is its been over a year and it is now just an indent but I'm not sure its totally sealed. I am going to see my doctor next week.

I walk 2 of my daughters to and from school daily. Its a 10 min walk there and 10 back. So its 40 min. total.

I also am very flat footed so I get alot of pain in my legs and back when I walk too much. I also have a sleep disorder so I am most of the time not up to doing anything. I have acid reflux and food issues.

I've come to the point that I have had enough and want to do something about the way I now look. Right after the surgery I lost 26 pounds but have gained it back and then some...I'm sure of. I dont have a scale.

My husband doesnt look at me or act the same around me since I got so big. We've only been married 4 years...together 6 total.

I really need some help! Any and all suggestions are appreciated greatly!

Susan-Marie

Susan-Marie.

I would dare say I have about 6 things ailing me at the moment making it difficult to work out a solid meal plan, also I can totally relate with your feet issues. I have no one to blame for my condition but myself, though even after admitting that one still needs help and where do you turn. Myself I am hoping here and I am hoping that in return for what ever knowledge I find I can in turn help others.

What exactly were you looking for in mind, for help ? I would say go on Craigslist you can likely get a Cpap for your sleep issues there at quite a discount, if that would be something that would help. Another cool thing is most hospitals have great scales they will let you use in the ER for free. Also if you are a smaller person, schools have scales, as well as a ton of walk in clinics. As far as your husband, I am guessing counseling or at least you confronting him and keeping open the lines of communication. You could look like a Barbie doll and if you and he do not have good communication, how much will your relationship be worth ? If you ever need a giant to talk to, I would be honored to know you. - Xavier

Thank you so much for your advice. I do have a CPAP machine but am claustraphobic so I can not use it. The medication I have used in the past along with the machine made me gain 40 pounds. Which in turn gave me issues with breathing & my heart and had to stop using the meds. The other med I could use we can not afford.

I am going to talk to my doc next Monday. I guess what I'm looking for is someone who understands. Also someone who can lead me in the right direction for a different way to eat. Advice on programs like Weight Watchers, Curves or somethings along those lines.

Mostly for someone who understands and would support me in all of this.

Thank you again for answering my post.

Susan-Marie

Hi Susan-Marie! There are tons of good programs for weight loss, and if you stick to them, most will work. I personally am very fond of Sugarbusters because it is a very easy program to follow, and is just common good sense and healthy. You might want to spend some time cruising through the forums on here and getting an idea of what the different programs are like. On Sugarbusters, you eliminate sugar, and eat low glycemic foods. Low carb plans cut out carbohydrates, and plans like Weight Watchers are more low calorie plans. I have done all of them! I did not do well on low carb because I have thyroid issues, and my metabolism just runs better with some carbs. I do have friends who have done fabulously well on it though. I think once you decide on a plan you can love and stick to, you can get going on eating right, THEN worry about the exercise. Make sure you understand the program you choose. If there is a book, read it. You can usually find them at the library if you don't want to buy them.

To be honest with you, 40 minutes walking a day is great! With proper eating, you should see results with that level of activity. As you lose, you can increase your walking time. Maybe by going around the block instead of straight home after dropping your girls off at school.

I can identify with your frustrations on getting in exercise. I am diabetic, and I REALLY need to get in 30 minutes minimum a day to keep my blood sugar under control. I hurt my foot somehow though, and every time I think it is better, and I go walk, it kills me for a few days. I am pretty frustrated about it. I try to do other kinds of exercise- some kind of movement that doesn't involve my foot. Hard to do!

I think you will find diet buddies, and folks who can understand and help you with support and accountability here on 3FC. Once you decide on your diet plan, you can post in that forum for that plan, and find folks who can give you ideas on menus and recipes and such. I will be following your progress! You can do it! You are going to feel loads better!

TO SUSAN-MARIE AND XAVIER ~ We are glad that you both have found 3FC's, and this DIETING WITH OBSTACLES forum: it is for anyone who has any kind of physical challenges, and both you ladies would qualify.

We would love to have both of you drop into our PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED THREAD anytime; the more the merrier, we all say! I am positive that this wonderful place can be a help to both of you; the best tip is to come by often and read and ask questions. I find that coming here often gives me the encouragement and support that I need each day/week to keep working at my personal commitment to get healthy again.

I am doing a more balanced plan becuz if my sugars go to low, I get sick; and my doctor doesn't want them too high becuz Diabetes runs in my family. So far, they are staying in the normal range; so I know that I am doing something right. I also have pain issues, and I find walking is my favorite way to get exercise: becuz it is less stressful on the body and it's free.

SUSAN-MARIE ~ a lot of people who have acid reflux find that after they lose a bit of weight, that condition goes away or reduces significantly. For now, avoiding bending over too much and anything that presses on your abdomen can help some. Do you suffer from sleep apnea? I agree with Xavier that there is help for that.

Maybe you can get your husband involved in a family health plan; you all could go for walks to the parks together. Any activity that involves everyone is helpful and fun for all. I have tidied up all our favorite recipes by lowering the fat, changing to whole wheat carbs, and adding more veggies, salads, and fruits to our meals and snacks. We have a light dessert (usually fruit-based) once or twice a week. Watching my portion sizes is absolutely KEY for me.

XAVIER ~ we would be thrilled to have you join us for a chat and friendship in our PHYSICALLY CHALLENGES thread in this forum. Come on over!

We have many other groups and food plans here as our moderator, MONET, has explained already, and I so agree with her about finding a plan that fits YOU personally. You will be able to stick to it for the long-term, if it fits you and your lifestyle best. Please come back, becuz we are looking forward to getting to know you both ...

ROSEBUD