Judy51's Journal, 01 August 2017

You can do this Judy!! 

I was there but Keto has taken away all the pain. You can do it and it is a look worth it. 

I 2nd Bluper... I'm trying hard to stick to the keto diet and It's helped a lot... no more acid reflux/heartburn, my knee joint pains feel a lot better after dropping some weight. You can get yourself out and everyone here can keep you motivated :-) It's helped me a lot to come here daily for advice and inspiration. 

Welcome! You have some work cut out to do, but this is the place to share the burden and let others help you! 

Good luck. Kudos to you for taking responsibility! I see people all the time blame their lack of health on other people. I too am at a point again of now or never. I let myself gain back 12 to 15 pounds of the 21 I lost two years ago. I do not know your age or situation, but I do know it is considerably harder as we approach menopause and go through that challenge. We tend to get less active as we age no matter our gender. That certainly is NOT helpful. I do not know how to underline on this computer so CAPS for emphasis. Let your motivation to not become wheelchair bound get you to the other side. My girlfriend's father was told to get out and walk and swim or he would not be able to leave the house. At first he was signing up for swim classes and all. He then did not continue. He was home bound and is now deceased. You can do this!  

Just one small change can lead to many! Baby steps...This is an amazing support group! 

Hi Judy, we are here for you! You can do this!!! Welcome Welcome!! 

I too am at the point where I have to do. But, do the small steps. They do work!! 

Spend some time getting your mind in the game. This is for YOU. It's not because of how you'll look, it's because of how you will feel. 15 months on keto for me, and all my aches and pains are gone. No medications, and I'm 61. There is something important you're here for, and only you can do it. We have your back! 

I'm in the peanut gallery here. Rooting for you😉 

More penut gallery support, from my experience its best to make changes you can live with in the long term or that yo-yo effect takes over!! suggestions: sparkling water with fruit slices instead of soda or juice.  

I am like Mskestrela, started in January, aches pains and sugars real high. I've been on Keto 7 months, last months sugar - NORMAL, aches pains minimal, lost over 30 lbs and feeling better then I have in years. A LOT of decisions every day, eat this, don't eat that, but it's day 7 no insulin shots and I'm never going back. When I think of that my decisions get easier every day!! Good luck, if you need to vent or talk, you can post or e-mail me. We used to be called buddies and not followers, I think buddies was a better title. :-) 

Oh miss Judy! I so wish I could give you a big ole hug right now. Honey, I know exactly how you feel! I let myself go until I was 430 lbs. joint pain and body pains all over. I have to use a cane, and if we go anywhere that requires a lot of walking, I have to use a wheelchair. But I remember still trying to work, struggling so much as I tried to hide my pain. Didn't want anyone to know how bad it was. Using walls to lean into when no one was looking leanin to take some pressure off my joints. Crying when not able to do the things I used to do so easily (and still want to do) It seems so overwhelming to lose the weight, but I tell you honestly that it doesn't have to be! Start with little things that you can change now. Like drinking water instead of soda or sweet tea (my vice lol). Less junk food and more real food. For long term success..fad diets won't work. We have to make a life change. Figure out what type of eating would be best for you and what you can do long term. Then take it one step at a time. Such great support here and I think that no matter which way of eating you choose to go with, folks here will help and support you! Feel free to message me anytime! We can and WILL do this!! ❤️❤️ 

Hang in there....one step at a time 

Hang in there....one step at a time 

Judy, I am over 65 and thought that I was to old to change my eating habits. Then doctor told me I had developed pre T2 Diabetics, and my whole world changed. I realized that even though I had heard that I was obese from different doctors for years I didn't think there was much I could do but accept the way I was and continue eating all the good stuff (cakes, etc.). The doctor sent me to another doctor who specializes in diabetes and I paid attention to what he said about what was in store for me if I didn't get my eating under control. Being a person who likes being in charge, I became focused on becoming healthier. I started a water aerobics class, cut out deserts, white colored foods (potatoes, breads, etc.) cut my carbs to 45 carbs per meal and 15 per snack, started using a smaller plate so I would feel I was getting more food, and ignored the deserts being passed out at the senior center. I learned patience as it was a daily fight to keep strong with the diet. In about a year I reached my goal weight of loosing 70 pounds. Once I reached the goal I started to slacken up and relax the diet. I realized that I could never feel full and could never get enough sweets and craved all the stuff I had been missing with the diet. I decided to go back on the diet to get back to my goal weight but not as harsh a diet as I was before. I found substituting fruit for deserts and filling my plate with cooked vegetables and lean proteins filled me up and I feel better everyday. I have been maintaining my weight for over 2 years, my joints no longer hurt, have more energy, and best news, I have been able to get my A1C within normal range and have my heart meds reduced because I didn't need some anymore and others the prescription strength was cut in half. My cardiologist is thrilled with my progress (in my 30's I had 3 heart attacks, in my 60's I had two stints placed and I had a mild stroke) now I only see him once a year instead of twice. My regular doctor is very pleased with my success and uses me as a good example for her patients who are older to show anyone is capable if they put their mind to it. The whole reason for sharing this information with you is to let you know there will be times when you want to give up but to hang in there because the benefits are so worth it. Another benefit is I got to get a new wardrobe out of it. 

I like your post very much! I am older, but am where you were...189 lb. Need to drop about 40-50 of it. Am trying to not push myself with an extreme diet, but make wiser choices about the food and quantities I eat. This week was great and I lost 2 lbs...but that's not my total focus. I have already seen a change in sleeping and generally feeling well. Do you walk for exercise? That's what I'm doing. Some days I do great,..some days not so great. I live in Texas and lately it's too hot for outdoor activities, so I walk in the house. I can get a few thousand steps inside. I shopped with my daughter and my 2 teen grand girls one day...and I walked 8042 steps!!! (fitbit) Not fast and not contiuous. I sat once in awhile. But I did it!!! 

Judy - you can do this. Fight back all the thoughts that say you can't. You've got this. One foot in front of the other babe, and make every meal count. The Whole 30 meal plan is a fantastic place to start. Some days the cravings and the sore muscles from exercising will make you cry, but on those days remember your goal, and that's to keep the wheelchair away and get your health back. If you ever feel like you're alone in this, check out this 600lb guy's journey to reach his goals - https://www.instagram.com/jumokehill/ I think you should also tell someone who you know will hold you accountable and not let you think negative thoughts. You could really use the offline support. Know that we're all rooting for you. Much love. 

what kind of exercise are you doing? I've been doing walking and water aerobics myself. I like how little impact the water aerobics have on my joints. you make an analogy with swimming, do you think maybe water aerobics could be something for you? I have a local community swimming pool that hosts them several times a day most of the week. maybe that could be something that could help you? I have a lot of people in my swimming classes who are seniors, and it's very gentle. but can burn quite a lot. 

Judy, I've had doctors warn me similarly. It feels awful, in so many ways. I refocused on this fight on July 1st. Success seemed so distant. But now, the month is passed and I look back on my hard work. It's working. And my doctors are so pleased this week, beside themselves with happiness that I determined to get well and have presented positive changes. You've fought against your body for so long, but she is just bursting with hope and excitement at the thought of rescue. Your body will cooperate. You can be her hero! Only one step, one pound, at a time. You have *today*! Carpe diem!