Hello, all.

I'm here because, as my thread title says, it's not about appearance anymore. It's about health. I've been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, and the extra weight is making a HUGE, negative difference on my health, quality of life, and ultimately my longevity.

The doctor said I need to reduce inflammation in the body to reduce my autoimmune disorder and joint pain. Sugar = inflammation in the body. So I don't need to drop ALL sugar, but I need to drop most of it--along with simple carbs. I don't eat a lot of simple carbs (ah, well, potato chips ), but the sugar...I have such a passionate love affair with the freaking sugar!

So starting today, I want to lose 58 lbs. I turn 38 in a few days, and I don't want to be like this when I am 40...45...etc. 119 is my ideal weight. I want to reach it.

I don't have specific weight goals. I do have specific health goals, like adding enough water, enough exercise, reducing sugar, etc.

So that's my long-winded intro!

Well, good luck to you. Of course, 119 is possible. Is that your healthy weight?

I've got health issues too: blood pressure. It's borderline high and 10% more off would be great.

Rhonda

Thanks for responding so quickly! 119-124 is my healthy weight and the weight I need to be at to remove the pressure on my joints that exacerbates my psoriatic arthritis.

My first "mini goal" is 155, because that was my pre-pregnancy weight. The "baby" turns 6 in a few weeks. Er....time to drop the "baby fat"

After 155 it's 146--which is what I weighed when I met my husband. Then 136--what I weighed in high school. THEN 119.

I don't have high cholesterol or high BP, so I'm fortunate in some ways. Good luck to you!

I've confirmed after many observations with myself that refined carbs and sugar cause me to have SEVERE hip joint pain, and aggravate my ulcerative colitis. It took me a long time to connect the two, but when I'm on a low carb diet, the inflammation seems to go away.

You are making the first step. Well done. I am just starting today also. I haven't joined a group yet, but everyone here is very helpful. Good Luck.

Hiya 119

With a few small changes at a time you can definitely take the weight off! You might like to check out the 30-somethings area, or the Low Carb section under Diet Central. If you have any questions, don't hesistate to ask

Best of success!!!