How Do You Lose Weight

sharmaine

Hi everyone

I joined a slimming club 8 weeks ago and have only managed to lose 4 pounds! It is pouring off other people who joined at the same time. I'm being so good writing everything down and eating what I should be eating. Most of them are able to do rigorous exercise and with my knees I'm limited to short walks and stretches. Everything has to be low impact ... exercise cannot be strenuous.

I often wonder if I've got a huge supply of fluid in my knees that needs draining off - my legs feel so heavy.

There's no way I'm risking the swimming pool - too many slippery surfaces and my legs are so bent that I would die of shame.

Any dietary tips welcome! I'm thinking of just eating once a day so the weight falls off quickly! Mind you I don't think I could manage it!
I'm seriously thinking of giving up the slimming club as I'm not doing as well as I thought and I'll try something else. Any recommendations welcome.

Sharmaine

barbara01

Hi Sharmaine

Along wih my meds I have just started following the Margaret Hills curing your arthritis the drug free way and one of the things you do is take honey and cider vinegar in water(sounds worse than it is) 3 times a day, the cider vinegar regulates your metabolism and is a diuretic so rids the body of excess fluid as well as supposedly preventing a build of of uric acid which is what ra sufferers have. I have lost several punds already without altering my eating patterns and I am not particularly overweight, so might be worth you giving it a go, cant hurt and might help on both counts. Good Luck and keep us posted.

Barbara xx

elnafinn

Hi Sharmaine

How long do you do your stretching exercises for every day? How limited are you doing them with your knees? Are you able to do stretching exercises standing up ie lots of stretching on the upper torso.

What about hula hooping? I do that for 15 minutes a day. It does play on my knees a little by the end of it. But you do not bend them you just stand there and hoop! A little boring but I put music on and enjoy it.

I think it is good that you go to the slimming club but if you feel that is not going that well, then perhaps it is time to stop. But it does give you that little bit of incentive when you know you will be weighed every week but I suppose it is not such good news to hear the others are losing the llbs quicker than you are, but I am sure that there some who are not. We are all different. Sometimes it is best to to lose it slowly it stays off longer so I hear.

I wish you well with losing the pounds - you certainly sound determined and that is a big step forward to accomplish your mission.

Luv
Elna x

woodbon

Hi, Last year I managed to get to the weight I wanted to be! Then along came xmas :? We had all sorts of sweets and puddings and drinks, and I put a lot of the weight back on. So I started to cut down and do what I'd done before, small portions, no puddings or cakes, and it is very, very slowly going! By Christmas I may be down to my perfect weight, well more likely, just above it, but not too much. Then its Christmas again This year I'm going to be sensible, only a few sweets, etc. Well, I can try, willpower, thats what I need!

I hope every one on diets and trying to cut back on food will at least manage to loose a bit of weight, as it does make you feel better, if nothing else, because it helps you get about more easily and people make nice comments and its gives arther a kick on the bum!!! :oops: Good luck, love Sue

bailey27

Hi

I was diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis about 9 months ago and know how difficult it is to keep weight off or lose it especially when you have difficulty moving. Some days I am as fit as a flea and some days I can barely move.
My job can be difficult at times too. I work as a personal trainer and have started to work with people with arthritis as I have arthritis too and believe I can offer advice based on personal experience. My job can be dificult as times but it is about learning to manage what you can and can't do.
Most people come to me for weight loss.
There are so many diets out there that people try, but what it boils down to energy input v energy output.
In other words the energy you consume (food) should be less than energy output (walk you burn off throughout the day).
If you burn off 3500 calories more than you consume you will lose 1 pound.
I tell people to try to reduce calore intake by 500 calories a day so over the course of a week it will lead to a 1 pound weight loss.

If you are unable to burn off the calories due to the arthritis you need to be more careful of the 'types' of food you are eating.

** Stay away from white bread, rice and pasta, these are bad for you! Opt for wholegrain versions instead.

** Do not consume slow release carbs after 3pm, for example bread, potato, rice..etc. Eat plenty of fruit and veg instead. - Reason or this is that your body isn't able to burn it off before you go to bed especially if you are fairly inactive already. These type of carbs release energy slowly into your body hence why you can't burn it off before bedtime. Eat plenty of veg and fruit instead which will give you energy faster.

I AM MORE THAN WILLING TO HELP ANYONE ON THE FORUM FREE OF CHARGE ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS SEND ME A PERSONAL MESSAGE AND I WILL DO MY BEST TO HELP. THIS FORUM HAS REALLY HELPED ME SINCE I GOT DIAGNOSED AND THIS WOULD BE MY WAY TO REPAY EVERYONE.

ninakang

Hi Sharmaine

As well as all the excellent advice above (did I really expect anything less?!), I was wondering how much weight you have to lose, don't answer if you don't want to. But people who have more weight to lose will lose it quicker than those who only want to shed a stone or so.

Do you think you could take swimming lessons to see if you can still swim? My sister has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair but still enjoys swimming, there's all sorts they can help you with if you ask at your local pool.

One thing that really works for me is pilates. I posted about this the other week. It's fantastic gentle exercise and because I've told the instructor I have arthritis and what my limitations are, he will often give me alternatives or easier things to do.

I would stick with your slimming club too. At the end of the day, even if you're not losing as much weight as you like, at least you're learning good eating habits.

Nx

elnafinn

Hi Bailey

What a generous offer. Wow, you will probably get inundated with pm's now! I remember that you have offered before. That is really kind of you to help others in this way. You are a star.

It is great to hear that the forum has helped you so much since your diagnosis.

All the best with your good work as a personal trainer both helping others here and in your daily life.

Luv
Elna x

sharmaine

Hi Barbara

I've got honey and cider vinegar in the cupboard so I'm off to make a drink and will do it 3 times a day. Anything to help me shift some pounds and regulate my diet.

Thanks for the tip.

Sharmaine

sharmaine

Hi Elna

I try and stretch before I make my way downstairs only a few minutes. I do most of these on the bed. My knees are so bad that I can't tolerate too much time standing in one place. However, I'll borrow my niece's hula hool and give it a go. Even if it's 2 minutes it'll be something. I've just bought one of these small peddling machines which I peddle whilst sitting upright. It's very low impact but I feel as if I'm doing something.

I'll continue with the slimming club - I suppose with my limitations on exercise I'm bound to lose it slower than others. The tortoise did win the race.

Thanks for your advice - it's most appreciated.
Sharmaine

sharmaine

Hi Bailey
I'm mainly vegetarian so all rice/pulses/pasta feature a lot in my diet. I will make an effort to eat more whole grains. I normally eat at 7.00 pm because my hubby doesn't get home until late. I could always eat before him. I do eat chicken and the odd bit of fish but only once or twice a week. I couldn't tolerate it anymore than that.

For example my meal this evening will be: Rice and a vegetarian chilli made with peppers, onions, garlic, chilli, tomatoes, mushrooms, courgettes (from the garden) and other veggies and herbs. I will not be using any oils or fats.

I limit my bread intake to one slice a day.

Feel free to give me free advice I would be delighted to receive it.
I eat lots of fruit and may have the odd bit of dark chocolate once a week. We tend to eat our food as fresh as possible as my hubby has food allergies.

Thanks so much for your reply it means a great deal to me.

Sharmaine

sharmaine

Hi
Ideally I would love to lose 3 stones and yes like you I thought it would drop off me. I've stuck to the diet plan and I'm so down about losing so little in four weeks. I'm going to take the advice on board and eat more wholegrains rice/pasta and not to eat late at night. I'll also try the cider vinegar and honey it may help to get rid of the toxins in my body. I'm sure there's a lot of debris in my worse knee.

I don't think I'll be going to the swimming pool until I lose some weight I'm just too self-conscious and my knee is swollen and bent - it looks horrid.

Thanks so much for your advice.
Sharmaine

elnafinn

Hi Sharmaine

There is a saying isn't there?

"breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and supper like a pauper"

Make sense doesn't it?

I don't do that though :oops:

I know the little peddling machine you mean. Better than nothing I say, it is exercise and keeps those thigh muscles going which is good when the knees are cranky! You can do that whilst you are stretching your arms out and back and above your head if your shoulders allow. Would you be able to do the stretching exercises for longer on the bed before you got up perhaps?

I know you are really serious about all this and wish you well with it.

Luv
Elna x

bailey27

sharmaine wrote:

Hi Bailey
I'm mainly vegetarian so all rice/pulses/pasta feature a lot in my diet. I will make an effort to eat more whole grains. I normally eat at 7.00 pm because my hubby doesn't get home until late. I could always eat before him. I do eat chicken and the odd bit of fish but only once or twice a week. I couldn't tolerate it anymore than that.

For example my meal this evening will be: Rice and a vegetarian chilli made with peppers, onions, garlic, chilli, tomatoes, mushrooms, courgettes (from the garden) and other veggies and herbs. I will not be using any oils or fats.

I limit my bread intake to one slice a day.

Feel free to give me free advice I would be delighted to receive it.
I eat lots of fruit and may have the odd bit of dark chocolate once a week. We tend to eat our food as fresh as possible as my hubby has food allergies.

Thanks so much for your reply it means a great deal to me.

Sharmaine

Hi
If you do have to eat late then try cutting out the rice / pasta with the late meal and add more veggies instead.
Many people who eat similar to you who eat a lot of healthy 'green' food tend to have a lack of healthy fats in their diet. You need good fat to remove the bad fat so if you have veggies try stir frying them now and then with some canola oil or dry fry and add a little olive oil afterwards to moisten.
I tend to eat like a vegetarian some days just because I like the food but if I do then someitmes I may even have a wholegrain cracker or two with some peanut butter (organic type not the rubbish you get in the supermarket).
Also, make sure you are drinking at least 2 litres of water a day. A 'normal' person needs this so if you are taking a lot of meds then extra water will help any constipation problems. When you re constipated you also hold onto a lot of water which will give that bloated frumpy feeling.
Hope this helps.
xx

luckybug

I too have been and am still struggling with weight gain, I decided to ask my GP if he would give me something as I was creeping up to 16 stones and I am only 5 foot 3, I can hardly walk, he gave me xenical which makes your stools loose, and was no use to me as I couldn't get to the loo quick enough, I never had an accident, but after 2 days I realised there was going to be problems, so I went back to see him, he wasn't sure if I could have Reductil, but after getting the pharmacist to check out if I could have it while on Humira, he said yes, first week was great I lost 5lbs over the moon, second week, gained 5 pounds yet dieted rigorously, so saw GP, I wasn't feeling too good and was sure I had water on my lungs, it was confirmed, so GP put me on a water tablet and something to make my heart not work as hard, 2 weeks later I lost 11lbs, I know the meds are causing the weight gain, but at last we seem to be getting somewhere. You have to watch your blood pressure and get it checked regularly, but up to now everything seems to be working well, so maybe worth having a chat with your GP, they can help if they want to.

sharmaine

Hi Bailey
I'll aim to have at lunch time (if possible) and then have something lighter in the evening. Thanks for the advice and I'll endeavour to drink more water. I've never been a fan of white bread and keep a supply of wholegrain crispbreads on hand for those snacky moments.
I'll take on board your suggestions in the hope that some of this weight will fall off.
Thanks again.
Sharmaine

sharmaine

Hi
I'm seeing my GP this morning - I'll have a word with her. I so want to lose some weight. I think I'm more anxious because I'm seeing the specialist at the end of the month and I really wanted to go having lost at least 9 pounds instead I've lost only 4!!!

He may say I'm too fat for a knee replacement. I can't win - I've put on so much weight since having arthur as I'm not as active as I used to be. I'm trying so hard to shift it.

You don't always get what you want and I know that - even before I see him I'm getting all stressed about this weight gain.

If I was sleek and slender and in pain they would have operated ages ago!!!

I suppose I'll just have to wait and see.
Sharmaine

markc1

I can vouch for weightwatchers...point system i have lost a stone in 9 weeks,but i believe its easier for men as we don't have water retention.
There is only one other bloke goes to ours and you hear the ladies comment at how much we lose!

Best thing i ever did but you need to go to the weigh ins it encourages you to lose. :oops:

sharmaine

Hi all
I'm feeling happier. I lost two pounds last week. It's giving me the incentive to carry on with the slimming club. I have a party today so I'm going to try and eat sensibly and have all my carbs before 3.00 pm!

Thanks for your support and advice. I very nearly gave up going and it was because of you guys that I've decided to stay.

Sharmaine

joyful164

Hi Sharmaine
1st thing, see your dr to see exactly what you shouldn't be doing. Discuss stopping any medicines before embarking on drug free cures. Sounds like a commercial to me. My gran had honey and wine vinegar + epsom salts, didn't help her that much.
My physio told me that I should not overwalk - because of my hips. With PMR I haven't got the strength in my thighs or shoulders/arms for swimming or gym shop equipment. "What can I do" I asked. He told me floor based exercises and isometric exercises. I am thinking of taking up Tai Chi. A good instructor will know what you should not be doing. These will help tone up muscles. I do the isometric at the moment, the ones they do at weight watchers. They will help your equalibrium too.
I strugge with my weight, I don't get stressed about it. The meds don't help. It's a catch 22 situation. You need to lose weight to stop the pressure on your joints, but unless you can run or walk the odd 36 miles to lose the odd lb, which will only go on when you start drinking again, so I have been told. Ask the family for vouchers to your local health farm for xmas!!!!!!!!!!!
goodluck

Joy

livinglegend

bmgreenlandaolcouk wrote:

a build of of uric acid which is what ra sufferers have. Barbara xx

Untrue, while both are classified as arthritis, a build up of uric acid crystals in the joint give you Gout. Gout is a condition that causes pain, inflammation and swelling in one or more of the joints. It usually affects the big toe.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Gout/Pages/Introduction.aspx

RA is an auto-immune disease. The body's immune system attacks and destroys the joint, causing pain and swelling. It can lead to reduction of movement, and the breakdown of bone and cartilage.
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Arthritis/Pages/Introduction.aspx?url=Pages/What-is-it.aspx

The thing they have in common is being classified as just two of over 200 forms of arthritis and joint pain, but for entirely different reasons.

Before anyone on medication starts a diet or fancy mixes you should consult your doc.

As regards diets, my diet regime is easy and has a 100% success rate. Even better, it's FREE. No expensive books, No diary weighings, No costly meetings, just less food. The food you put in your mouth makes you overweight. Put in less than you need, you lose weight.
Good or what?


Joseph 8)

minky67

drinking water before & during a meal makes you feel fuller,so you dont want to eat so much.FACT.
half a pint of water before my meal makes me feel full & im only little.
some tips say vinegar with water but i wouldnt want to try that,just plain water will do it.
debs

babette

Hi I lost a stone and a half in six months just because I ate smaller amounts of what I usually ate, cut down the amount of bread I was eating and had lots of fruit instead. Oh and I stopped drinking alcohol as it was making my IBS symptoms worse. I think arthur might have helped too surprisingly, because I was so knackered I didn't feel hungry or like eating at all. I've never lost weight so easily in the past. I didn't deny myself anything tasty, cakes and puddings were still on the menu, I just had wee tastes instead of massive yummy portions. It was hard work but it paid off. 2 pounds in a week is a good start, don't lose faith, you can do it!!

B x

mistywillow

babette wrote:

Hi I lost a stone and a half in six months just because I ate smaller amounts of what I usually ate, cut down the amount of bread I was eating and had lots of fruit instead. Oh and I stopped drinking alcohol as it was making my IBS symptoms worse. I think arthur might have helped too surprisingly, because I was so knackered I didn't feel hungry or like eating at all. I've never lost weight so easily in the past. I didn't deny myself anything tasty, cakes and puddings were still on the menu, I just had wee tastes instead of massive yummy portions. It was hard work but it paid off. 2 pounds in a week is a good start, don't lose faith, you can do it!!

B x

Hi
I have to say I agree with with the above. Although I have never been really overweight, over the years I tried all sorts of diets, and before arthur 'got ' me I was also very sporty. As soon as I stopped the diet and went back to my normal eating, the weight went back on.
When I had to have major spinal surgery 10 years ago I decided it would be better for my rehabilitation and the poor nurses who would have to keep lifting me, if i was lighter. I spent 18 months just eating what I normally would have done, but less of it or a lower calorie version and the weight came off steadily. I lost 1 and a half stone during that time. I have never put the weight back on and I have remained slim since that time without any real effort. I can't really exercise much although I walk and remain as active as I can when I have better days.
Hope that helps.
Gillx

sharmaine

Dear All

Thanks for your tips and advice. All of which make damn good sense. I am being careful - I don't like carrying this extra weight. I slipped on a slight dip in the path on my way back to the car from the chemist and I'm in agony. I think I've torn something in my calf. It's so annoying I was just getting into the swing of using my little cycle machine (I can use in whilst sittting upright). I wouldn't mind but it's on my least affected leg which I relied on to get me up and about! I've got a new pain now!!

Never mind - I expect it'll get better. I've been putting cold packs on it and resting it. I hate not being mobile. :shock: :shock:

Take care folks.

Sharmaine

Hi
I have to say I agree with with the above. Although I have never been really overweight, over the years I tried all sorts of diets, and before arthur 'got ' me I was also very sporty. As soon as I stopped the diet and went back to my normal eating, the weight went back on.
When I had to have major spinal surgery 10 years ago I decided it would be better for my rehabilitation and the poor nurses who would have to keep lifting me, if i was lighter. I spent 18 months just eating what I normally would have done, but less of it or a lower calorie version and the weight came off steadily. I lost 1 and a half stone during that time. I have never put the weight back on and I have remained slim since that time without any real effort. I can't really exercise much although I walk and remain as active as I can when I have better days.
Hope that helps.
Gillx[/quote]

joyful164

babette wrote:

Hi I lost a stone and a half in six months just because I ate smaller amounts of what I usually ate, cut down the amount of bread I was eating and had lots of fruit instead. Oh and I stopped drinking alcohol as it was making my IBS symptoms worse. I think arthur might have helped too surprisingly, because I was so knackered I didn't feel hungry or like eating at all. I've never lost weight so easily in the past. I didn't deny myself anything tasty, cakes and puddings were still on the menu, I just had wee tastes instead of massive yummy portions. It was hard work but it paid off. 2 pounds in a week is a good start, don't lose faith, you can do it!!

B x

I keep saying I'm going to do this. Just have to cook less is the answer. Never was any good at measuring out ingredients. Another answer is to make a normal large portion and freeze other half.


again, will start tomorrow.
joy