Looking for support

My name is Caroline. I am to have TVH and A/P repairs in October. In the meantime, I want to lose some weight. I though it would be good for the surgery to weigh less, besides the fact that I just feel fat and tired all the time.

I got the South Beach Diet book at the urging of my cousin. It appears to be something that may work for me. I need to have my blood sugar levels more stable as I have almost no chance of avoiding diabetes ( 3 grandparents, both parents, and I have gestational).

My problem is eating when not hungry (boredom or watching TV). I also eat way more than I should at meals because it tastes so good. Then I feel horrible and ashamed for stuffing myself. Also, would like to start walking but the weather hasn't been cooperating lately (either raining or way too hot).

I look forward to any help you guys can provide and will certainly share my finding with you.

Thanks for having me.

Caroline

Hi Caroline!

I also eat when I'm bored. Many years ago I was told (or read somewhere) that one should only eat in the kitchen. That stayed with me and now I never eat while watching TV........I just make numerous trips to the kitchen in the evening!

I've been losing weight slowly for the past year or so. I did it by watching my calories and fat and doing some exercise most days. I went to the gym in the winter and walked outside when the weather was better. Not a marathon walk....just 30 - 60 minutes.

The weight loss has stalled lately so just last week I started on the South Beach Diet. I can't say much about it since it's only been a week, but I can say that I don't feel hungry at all and don't have the cravings I normally get. I have lost about 8 lbs but I do know that with low carb there is usually a big loss the first couple of weeks as the body lets go of a lot of fluid.

I will suggest that whatever you decide to do that you make sure it's healthy. You want to be as healthy and strong as possible for your surgery. Walking is great exercise. Do you live in an area where you can walk at night? I live in a residential area and I love to start my walk at dusk so I can look into homes and see how they're "done". I often walk with someone else, I always bring the dog, and I always bring a flashlight so the motorists can see me once it gets dark.

Check out the Daily Thread here at BEST. We have a great group of ladies who support each other. Some are trying to lose weight, some trying to maintain, some just trying to eat healthy. Come join us if you'd like!

Hi Caroline,

It's a great idea to prepare for your surgery by eating better and exercising more. Em's suggestions are great. I also like walking early in the morning before it gets hot. Right now, a little after 6 am, it's 73, which is a fine temp. Also, I love the Leslie Sansone walking tapes, Walk Away the Pounds. You can do them in the comfort of your living room in front of the TV. They are lots of fun because you walk in place, do kicks, side steps, etc. They come in 1 mile, 2 mile, and 3 mile tapes. Each mile is 15 minutes. You can order them from Amazon or get them at stores like Wal-Mart or Best Buy.

I have friends who have diabetes or are predisposed to diabetes who have done very well on the Sugar Busters plan. It has kept some of them from having to take medication at this point and they feel wonderful.

The other thing I want to mention is the possibility of celiac. I was just diagnosed with celiac, an autoimmune digestive disease caused by an allergy to gluten. Celiac is the cause of all of my medical problems over the years, including being overweight and feeling fatigued often. Gluten is what is in flour, bread, pasta, beer, etc. I mention it because celiac can be the cause/precursor to many illnesses including diabetes. The idea is that if your body is fighting this gluten allergy full time, it can't fight other illnesses successfully so you may end up with diabetes, cancer, lupus, RA, MS, or other illnesses. A new test has been developed for gluten sensitivity. You can check it out and read about celiac and gluten sensitivity at www.enterolab.com. The test is the sixth one down on the list of tests. It's $99 and a 10% discount is given if more than one test is ordered. (Celiac is genetic so they are encouraging family members to take it.) Check out the FAQ (including list of symptoms), lecture info, and testimonials. The doctor who developed it did so because the current tests used by doctors, blood test and biopsy of small intestine, are not accurate. My doctor says that the new test is 100% accurate. You can order it from the website and take it yourself without having to convince a doctor you should be checked. Check out the website and email me if you have questions.

Like Em said, come join us on the daily thread if you'd like! We are always looking for new members. Everyone has something to contribute and the group is a nice mix of ideas, encouragment, etc.

Best of luck to you,
Shirley

Hi Caroline

Welcome to BEST......I am so glad that you found us!!!

One thing I can suggest and I don't know maybe you already do this, but drinking lots of water is very important on ANY diet! I have a 32oz insulated mug that I carry around with me most of the time and I normally go through at least 2 of those a day....sometimes up to 4 of them when it's really hot out!

I have been hearing a lot of good things about the South Beach Diet and am considering giving that a try myself. It sounds like something I think I could live with.

I am definetly an emotional eater too. For me evenings are the worst time, thats when I feel like I need to snack on everything in sight! Sometimes I do OK and other times....well.... not so good. Thats were BEST comes in.....it helps knowing that I am NOT the only one. And that with the support from my friends here at BEST I do occasionally win the struggle to not give into my cravings. Without this group I can only imagine what a nightmare my life would probably be!

I look forward to seeing your posts on our daily threads to see how you are doing.


ONE DAY AT A TIME!!!!


Take Care, Dawn

Welcome Caroline!! For me, portion control was the key. I use a scale, measuring cups and measuring spoons. I could not trust myself to just eyeball it. I've since tried to go to the theory of never eating anything bigger than my fist (or the palm of your hand), and that's a pretty good portion.

Like Em, I learned to only eat at the table, and while doing nothing else except maybe talking. (no reading, no working, no TV, etc).

Now exercise ... I live in the southeast so there is NO WAY I am walking outdoors. If it's not 90% humidity then it's raining or cold or too much pollen. After my last surgery I bought the Leslie Sansone Walk away the pounds tapes (spoken quite highly of on this site by other sisters). I hate walking as a form of exercise, but found those tapes wonderful and definitely tided me over until I could resume my regular exercise routine. In just a month of the 1 & 2 mile tapes I had great results. I used the 1,2 and 3 mile set that had 2lb hand weights.

Hope this gives you some ideas! And hang around the dail threads for even more great ideas!

BSQ

Thank you all for your ideas and support.

I am almost finished reading the SBD book and plan to go shopping later this week. In the meantime, I am trying to eat better with just what I have on hand. I do drink water, and pretty much nothing else except a couple of cups of tea a day. I started doing that some time ago.

The walking tapes sound like something I might try. I'll let you know.

Thanks again and I'll be back.

Caroline