newcomer: illness and weight loss

[lagan]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum. I was counting calories and exercising lots over Jan/Feb and lost 13lbs (I'm now 169lbs) but spoke to my doctor about it, as the ONLY way I could get any results was to cut my calories drastically and exercise a lot. I was cycling 6 miles a day, and limiting myself to 800 calories a day (I wrote everything down, so some days it was more like 900, some it was 700). Not good I know, and I was hungry and tired. The doctor had no solutions for me, all he did was agree that I couldn't sustain that for a long time. I had thyroid tests, and apparently they are normal.

Talk about frustration! Then at the end of February I submitted my Master's thesis, got 2 new jobs, and promptly got sick with a flu virus. After having it for a month already, I went to the doctor because my asthma got really bad. I had stopped exercising on the bike, and stopped counting calories although still tried to eat sensibly to try to get well. She gave me some asthma drugs and told me it was just a virus. Well, another month down the track I went back as things have not improved at all. Now she thinks it's mono.

I am so frustrated and upset. I haven't gained any weight, but I am way too tired to do much exercise, and feel like I need to eat to try and get some more energy, especially at work. I am a therapist with kids who have severe developmental disabilities, which is very full-on! I'd be lucky to get 20 mins of break-time during the day at work.

I don't know what to do. I really want and need to lose weight (I am only 5'1, so 169lbs is definitely heavy for my height), but when I feel so tired and sick it just seems too hard. Any ideas, suggestions, motivation for me?

 

[Fat to Fabulous]

Hi there, I'm new too but just wanted to offer a few words of advice and encouragement.

It seems you are trying really hard to shift the weight, perhaps a little too hard. You seem to have a really busy life, a masters and then getting two jobs requires lots of energy and if you add the fact that you are ill too, then you must be incredibly stressed.

I'm not a Dr and don't take this as medical advice but you need to start looking after yourself. 800 calories a day is nothing especially if you lead a busy life. You haven't posted what you are eating now but I guess its not doing you good as you are still ill.

I think you need to start looking after yourself. Stop worrying about weight loss for the minute and concentrate on getting healthy. Eat the right foods and drink lots of water. You don't have the energy to exercise for two reasons. One you're ill and two you probably aren't giving yourself enough fuel to fight the illness and leave enough energy to exercise. While I'm talking about exercise, remember it doesn't have to be the full on, dripping with sweat type. I'm sure you must get enough with the children you work with and if you have time try and go for a gentle walk.

I hope that helps - the ery best of luck to you and i hope you get well soon.