Hi,

My name is Ashley, and I'm here to claim my life back. I have always been severly overweight, but recently I was diagnosed with advanced Congestive Heart Failure a month after my 24th birthday. As best as my doctor's could figure, it wasn't my weight but it was caused by a virus that attacked and weakened my heart. It was misdiagnosed for months because of my age, so it went untreated and I nearly died. I've been living with heart failure for nearly two years now, and I've tried unsuccessfully to lose weight. I'm on a low sodium diet, and have tried to count calories with little success (I've taken several college health/nutrition classes so I know what to eat/how to keep a food journal). Because I'm so physically limited by the amount of activity that my body can do, I know my problem is more about not getting enough exercise. I've actually gained 40-50 pounds since getting sick. I'm desperate to lose weight because I know the extra weight is hard on my heart. I want a full life, and right now I know that my weight and health are taking that away from me. I want to build my exercise endurance, so I would appreciate any suggestions for beginning exercises. I already do Gold's Gym cardio boxing for Wii and a foot bike. I've read many of the other posts, and everyone seems encouraging, so I think I'm in the right place to start. Thanks!

wow! is all i can say.
you are in the right place
exercise, i would say start out trying what ever you can do. wii fit or boxing is good, walking is always good, working up to faster and longer walks.
i am counting calories right now, that usually works for me, i am starting over agian.
keep doing what you can do and the weight will come off.

good luck to you
till later
niki

Welcome Ashley, I'm so glad you are here. The people in the 300+ community are wonderful, they've helped me to change my life.
A few suggestions since you are new:
1. Don't be shy-jump in and get to know everyone and let them get to know you
2. Come here as often as you can, daily is best.
3. Share your feelings, your successes, your struggles
4. Join the exercise thread, it doesn't matter if you are only doing 5 minutes of exercise a day. It works if you work it, you get to contribute to something greater than yourself. I find my love and loyalty to my teammates keeps me going, even on those days I don't want to.
5. The wii is great, I use mine daily. Make sure you are having fun, are you into boxing? Get games that get you moving and that you enjoy. I have plenty of suggestions if you are interested. I'm a 36 year old who just finished All Star Cheer and I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!

Hope to see you around often and I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.

Faith

Welcome Ashley!

BTW, that's one of my most fav names of all time. I just think it says "Beauty".

Exercise stuff you are doing is GREAT! Just do that. Take it easy on your heart. You know your body best. Some people do 15 min increments.

Come join us on the weekly thread. It's a great place!

Hugs,
Ratkity

Hi Ashley! Welcome to the group!
It sounds like you're on the right track, and getting healthy for the right reasons. We'll be beside you every step of the way, to cheer you on and give you a nudge if/when necessary! I couldn't be more thankful to the 300+ Club, and the rest of the 3FC Community, this place gives me a space to let everything out. Looking forward to seeing you around the boards!

Welcome, Ashley!! Good luck with your progress! This site sure is helpful when you are feeling down!

Thank you, all! I'm looking forward to being a part of the community.

Welcome Ashley - you're in the right place! These are wise and wonderful peeps - hugs when you need them and a kick in the seat of the pants when you need that too. There's nothing more I can add that hasn't been said. I look forward to getting to know you.

Welcome Ashley! You can do it, just keep making small changes and they will pay off. Wii workouts are great, I would say do what you can. If you can only do 10-15min at a time, do that but do it 2 or 3x a day. Everyone here is very supportive! Something that has helped me recently is educating myself on what happens to food once we eat it...it put in perspective how hard my organs are working if I put the wrong things in my body, so now I'm focusing on fueling my body rather than just eating.

Good luck girl, you'll do it!

Welcome to the group..join in our regular thread anytime.

You can do this!!