Obesity Discussion Forums

[Halelani]

Hello, I am a 54-yr-old woman, who was in great shape about 3 years ago. Then I had a skiing accident and was in a wheel chair for 6 mos. I was able to walk after surgery and am greatful for that. The problem is I can't be as active as I was before and have steadily gained a fair amount of weight. Then came the car accident....more weight put on. I am now obsese and ashamed of what I have done to myself. I need some serious support to get back to a healthy weight. I can do limited walking so all suggestions for exercise are welcomed. Thank you all for you support in the upcoming future. Braving a new year, Halelani.

[Audrey]

Welcome to the forums!

Looks like you've had a really tough time with injuries. You sound like a strong person though, and I'm sure you'll be able to pull through and achieve your goals!

If you have the access to a gym there's lots of low-impact equipment you could exercise on. Eliptical machines are great!

Are you planning on just upping the amount of exercise you're doing, or are you going adjust you diet as well?

[Halelani]

I'm trying to up my exercise and decrease my consumption, but somedays just seem impossible! I've started walking but motivation and purpose are stalling my efforts. I'm gonna keep trying. It will probably be much better now that the holidays are over.

[chazzyb31]

Hi Halelani,

I'm sorry to hear you've had such a tough time of it. It must have been big blow to go from being fit and active to being in a wheelchair. I can't imagine it myself, as I'm a natural couch potato, but it must have been a very frustrating time for you. It's very easy for food to become your friend at times like that. It's also a difficult habit to break once your life changes again for the better.

I'm pleased that you're up and about again. I don't know what your fitness level is like, but if walking is difficult for you, would you be able to swim instead? A lot of leisure centres run aquaerobic classes for over 50s, so you might enjoy something like that. I know that bathing suits are scary when you're overweight, but if you can find the right environment it doesn't have to be an issue. Do you have any friends with weight problems? You could start a little club and all go swimming together and support each other. Then you wouldn't feel like you were standing out in a crowd. I don't know if that's good advice or not. I've been overweight my whole life and used to be self-conscious about it, but I learned to accept myself a long time ago, so now it doesn't bother me. Sorry if you don't find that very helpful.

Alternatively, you might want to try something gentle like yoga? I know a few people who do it and find it very beneficial. There's bound to be a class somewhere near you. Or perhaps cycling is an option? If you don't have a bike perhaps you can borrow one or hire one? Then, if you enjoy it, you can think about buying one for yourself. It doesn't have to be expensive and you could save money and the environment by cycling instead of driving places?

I'm just throwing these ideas out there. Feel free to ignore them completely. Whatever you do, I wish you the best of luck with your weight loss journey. I look forward to hearing more from you.

[William Wallace]

Originally Posted by Halelani

Hello, I am a 54-yr-old woman, who was in great shape about 3 years ago. Then I had a skiing accident and was in a wheel chair for 6 mos. I was able to walk after surgery and am greatful for that. The problem is I can't be as active as I was before and have steadily gained a fair amount of weight. Then came the car accident....more weight put on. I am now obsese and ashamed of what I have done to myself. I need some serious support to get back to a healthy weight. I can do limited walking so all suggestions for exercise are welcomed. Thank you all for you support in the upcoming future. Braving a new year, Halelani.

Talk about a streak of bad luck!

Yes swimming and light walking is good like Chazzy said, and so is lifting light weights like dumbbells! I have also seen people get a great workout from hand bikes if you can find them as well.

Sometimes posting here every day can help with that motivation....a lot of people do that and it seems to keep them on track. Writing down the food you eat is also another way to hold yourself accountable and visually remind yourself to slow down. Welcome!

[Obesity Discussion]

Hello! I am sorry to hear about what has happened to you. Being that you are limited with your range of motion the best thing you can do to control your weight would be to change your eating habits around. We can help you with the eating aspect if you'd like.

Have you considered physical therapy or a trainer to help you exercise around your physical ailments?

[Halelani]

Thank you to all who have posted to me. I am looking at walking daily for starts, but my hunger level is just huge all the time. How do you get past the hunger? Or what do you eat that doesn't impact your weight as much when you are hungry all the time? Bummed in Oregon.

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by Halelani

Thank you to all who have posted to me. I am looking at walking daily for starts, but my hunger level is just huge all the time. How do you get past the hunger? Or what do you eat that doesn't impact your weight as much when you are hungry all the time? Bummed in Oregon.

Here's a great place to get started....

http://www.obesitydiscussion.com/for...-add-3689.html

Me personally, I drink a ton of water (about a gallon a day), I chew gum whenever I get cravings, I don't sit around (try to stay as active as possible), eat a lot of protein, and chew my food very very slow and take breaks in between bites.

[adalia]

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