[ 2020 ] Let’s share our journey for those of us that want to pursue a healthier lifestyle to lose weight.

[Pennytx]

Glad I found this thread
Very inspirational
I’m currently trying to work on my fitness
I don’t like to sweat
But … I’m trying to be more active, I’ve found swimming is the best on my body at this age

 

[WinniWoman]

My metabolism has to be dead because I eat 3 healthy meals per day. No snacks in between. I cut way back on alcohol. No cookies or cakes or ice cream in the house, though we do have some nachos and hot pretzels and some chocolate baking chips, but not like we eat them every day. Maybe once per week - maybe.

Don’t eat after 5 pm. Exercise 1 hour daily 5 days per week. Drink big beer mug of water before each meal and before I go to bed.

At 69 yrs old I’m so done with obsessing over it. My body obviously doesn’t want to be thin anymore. My spine surgery and resulting side effects have slowed me down no doubt. I had to start taking cholesterol meds a couple of years ago also.

Now my blood pressure is suddenly high, though it’s always been low my whole life and I’m borderline in terms of having to take medication for that so I tried it but stopped because I was taking medication for GERD- ( had symptoms of this even when I was thin), but the meds were making me nauseous so I stopped everything except the cholesterol med.

GERD meds have helped the chronic cough and mucus issue I’ve had for the past two years but I still am plugged in my throat and the ENT PA is going to have me do some allergy testing. Depending on the results she might do a CT scan of my sinuses. I have to have Mohs surgery on my face (not happy about it) next week due to basal cell carcinoma.

My husband has to have a Cat scan of his bladder/ prostate. He has to have a consultation on thyroid nodules and also a consult on cataract surgery. (Putting mine off with that until he’s done)


So this is what I’m focusing on. Seems like we are now in that age group of endless doctors appointments. Prior to these past few years I never even took a pill or had any medical issues. Meanwhile 2 doctors have told me I’m healthy! Not to compare myself with others because those people are outliers! I think I’m the outlier!


I feel I’m not aging well. I was a health nut- a Pesci vegetarian for years, organic food, tons of supplements, etc. - and where did that get me? Pardon my cynicism. On top of that my hair is very thin and fine- has been for many years. I’m afraid to color it so it’s white on top and front, but darker gray on the back end, but I am growing it longer after having a pixie for a zillion years. Just sick of it. My neighbor says I look younger , but I don’t. I look more haggy because I have horrible, straggly hair!

Hubby did have high blood pressure forever but now he’s been on 2 blood pressure pills because the one he’s been taking forever isn’t working enough. Plus he’s been taking one for his prostate and that isn’t helping him any longer so he might need surgery but have to wait for the CT results.. He does need to lose weight. He walks 10,000 steps daily , but he doesn’t push himself (or sweat) and he eats too much. He’s 71.

Glad we have no travel plans. I don’t know how some older people travel all over the world not needing medical appts..

 

[VacationForever]

@WinniWoman I can so relate with what you have written. One doctor whom I saw a few years ago looked at my list of medications and said that I am taking alot of medications and yet I am so healthy. Well "alot of medications" make my healthy.

Currently I am in a mess with a cough that is caused by GERD. My GERD came back because I was dieting and if I don't eat when I am hungry, I get gall bladder pains, not stomach but gall bladder (right side). That causes a domino effect, and I have to now eat more so that I don't immediately get pain when I am just a little hungry. Instead of losing weight, with constant eating now I have put on 4 pounds and having a horrible cough. In the past it would take a good two years for the GERD induced cough to go away. I have had 5 episodes in the past. I had seen ENT, lung specialist, GI specialist for coughs and they all shrugged their shoulders. Once my throat gets irritated/burned by bile reflux (I get bile instead of acid reflux), it takes forever for the throat to heal, and it results in my coughing day and night. People think I am sick but I am not contagious. Anyway, I cannot diet without making myself sick.

Other than drive-to vacations (timeshare), we are reluctant to go anywhere that requires flying. The best part of that is that it saves us a bunch of money because we book business/first class when we have to fly.

 

[WinniWoman]

@WinniWoman I can so relate with what you have written. One doctor whom I saw a few years ago looked at my list of medications and said that I am taking alot of medications and yet I am so healthy. Well "alot of medications" make my healthy.

Currently I am in a mess with a cough that is caused by GERD. My GERD came back because I was dieting and if I don't eat when I am hungry, I get gall bladder pains, not stomach but gall bladder (right side). That causes a domino effect, and I have to now eat more so that I don't immediately get pain when I am just a little hungry. Instead of losing weight, with constant eating now I have put on 4 pounds and having a horrible cough. In the past it would take a good two years for the GERD induced cough to go away. I have had 5 episodes in the past. I had seen ENT, lung specialist, GI specialist for coughs and they all shrugged their shoulders. Once my throat gets irritated/burned by bile reflux (I get bile instead of acid reflux), it takes forever for the throat to heal, and it results in my coughing day and night. People think I am sick but I am not contagious. Anyway, I cannot diet without making myself sick.

Other than drive-to vacations (timeshare), we are reluctant to go anywhere that requires flying. The best part of that is that it saves us a bunch of money because we flight business/first class when we have to fly.

Wow. So finally someone who I can relate to with this! Sorry you have to deal with it also. It’s so weird. I don’t understand why it happens.

Meanwhile my older neighbors have all this energy and no issues like this. I’ve had to give up hiking (never liked it anyway but I always challenged myself and joined the groups here), long walks, etc. they’re all slender, and I feel like a horse. My energy level is so much lower it takes me a long time to do things and I’m exhausted from doing things like just cleaning. I have to lay down a few minutes in between and afterwards. It’s crazy! Bending is an issue due to my fused back and also my knees/legs hurting. Even swimming - which is wading for me - I can only do very short sprints at a time.

When I’m in church I can barely sing if at all now because my throat fills up. It’s so very frustrating. I take cough drops everywhere I go now. And tissues if course yo spit into. So gross.

So, as you know, losing weight is actually almost a losing proposition with all this. That said, I’m no pig out either.

 

[Patri]

If you mean add 10 lbs of muscle, then he will burn extra fat WHILE he is doing it and he will raise his metabolism with his new body. I think muscle has 3x the metabolic rate as fat has. afaik, Everyone should be happy to add 10 lbs of muscle and lose 5 or 7 lbs of fat. If "bulking" incl a lot of water with the muscle, then just less to talk about.
Heck, add 15 lbs of muscle and lose 5 lbs of fat. Unless you're a pro cyclist who has to earn a living climbing mtns, that is a good thing

Yes, muscle. He should end up quite buff.

 

[Panina]

Century Day!!

I have hit the "Lost 100 lbs" mark.

Congratulations! Heres to your achievement and better health!

 

[Panina]

@WinniWoman @VacationForever I so understand! It has been a medical challenging year for my significant other and I also.

As the saying goes, when it rains it pours...trying to age gracefully as our issues arise can be challenging at times. My mom who is 91 is feisty, over 210 lbs at 5 ft 3 inches and fully mobile. She has never eaten healthy and I hope if I live that old I have the mobility she does. Some of us are lucky to be able to eat anything we want without major health issue, the rest of us not.

Usually when one medical issue occurs others occur due to the prior one, snowballing. I always try to put my issues in perspective ultimately realizing others have it much worse. I have lost many friends this past year from cancer and heart disease. My heart hurts from these loses.

Many of you know the struggles and pain I have been through over the years from my posts. Through it all I prefer to find gratitude for all I have and try not to focus on what is wrong.

Updating the posts topic, my weight loss continues, slow and steady. I usually eat breakfast at 8:30 to 9 and stop eating by 4:30-5 eating the same way, same calories 1500 as I did before. Before I was gaining 12 lbs a year, now losing 3-4 lbs a month. In actuality my exercise now is significantly less because of the accident I was in late last year. The few days I have not stopped eating early due to meeting friends for dinner my readiness score from my Oura Ring is horrible even if my sleep score is good. This just confirms if I am digesting while sleeping my body is having issues.

 

[Panina]

I want to avoid using the weight-loss drugs. I am always worried about longterm issues related to taking any kind of drug.

I feel the same way. With all my allergic reactions I have no doubt I would have one of the rare side effects from a weight-loss drug.

 

[WinniWoman]

@WinniWoman @VacationForever I so understand! It has been a medical challenging year for my significant other and I also.

As the saying goes, when it rains it pours...trying to age gracefully as our issues arise can be challenging at times. My mom who is 91 is feisty, over 210 lbs at 5 ft 3 inches and fully mobile. She has never eaten healthy and I hope if I live that old I have the mobility she does. Some of us are lucky to be able to eat anything we want without major health issue, the rest of us not.

Usually when one medical issue occurs others occur due to the prior one, snowballing. I always try to put my issues in perspective ultimately realizing others have it much worse. I have lost many friends this past year from cancer and heart disease. My heart hurts from these loses.

Many of you know the struggles and pain I have been through over the years from my posts. Through it all I prefer to find gratitude for all I have and try not to focus on what is wrong.

Updating the posts topic, my weight loss continues, slow and steady. I usually eat breakfast at 8:30 to 9 and stop eating by 4:30-5 eating the same way, same calories 1500 as I did before. Before I was gaining 12 lbs a year, now losing 3-4 lbs a month. In actuality my exercise now is significantly less because of the accident I was in late last year. The few days I have not stopped eating early due to meeting friends for dinner my readiness score from my Oura Ring is horrible even if my sleep score is good. This just confirms if I am digesting while sleeping my body is having issues.

Sorry. Didn’t mean to hijack your thread. One thing led to another as it’s frustrating to me.

But for sure I always say I’m grateful to be alive and able to walk and breathe and enjoy life, even with some minor limitations. I too know things could be a lot worse. I could have cancer or some other awful disease. Several people I know have passed the last couple of years as well.

I think it’s great you’re able to lose weight. For myself 1500 calories is just too low. Just not sustainable long term. Been there done that.

Restless sleep is another one of my problems. I just am uncomfortable no matter what. Gone are the days of hitting the pillow and conking out for 8 hours. I just hurt a lot.

Anyway carry on and congrats on finding a weight loss solution that works for you!!

 

[Panina]

Sorry. Didn’t mean to hijack your thread. One thing led to another as it’s frustrating to me.

But for sure I always say I’m grateful to be alive and able to walk and breathe and enjoy life, even with some minor limitations. I too know things could be a lot worse. I could have cancer or some other awful disease. Several people I know have passed the last couple of years as well.

I think it’s great you’re able to lose weight. For myself 1500 calories is just too low. Just not sustainable long term. Been there done that.

Restless sleep is another one of my problems. I just am uncomfortable no matter what. Gone are the days of hitting the pillow and conking out for 8 hours. I just hurt a lot.

Anyway carry on and congrats on finding a weight loss solution that works for you!!

You didn't hijack this thread. Medical issues are so related to weight issues. From what I have read often inflammation can contribute to weight difficulties and pain. I just joined a facebook group to learn more about a low inflammation diet for my leg pain. I also found for myself going to sleep earlier rather than later has helped.

 

[rickandcindy23]

I feel the same way. With all my allergic reactions I have no doubt I would have one of the rare side effects from a weight-loss drug.

I started Optavia again and have some foods left. I may finish that food off to give myself a little boost for losing weight.

I keep seeing Wonder Slim advertised on Facebook. It's probably the same thing as Optavia, but it's much less expensive at half the cost.

I did the Bamboo Falls hike and made it to the first bridge with the falls, an 800 feet uphill hike. I am 70 so felt pretty proud of myself, but then there is Rick, who is like a mountain goat, helping me up the trail with encouraging words (annoying), and he finished the hike in 15 minutes and came back down to the beginning of the bamboo forest and bridge to head down with me. Took me four hours.

The next day, instead of feeling pained and overly tired, my body was rested, and I was fine, aside from mosquito bites. Even when we got back that night, though I was exhausted from the hike, I was walking just fine.

The Good Feet insoles have served me well over the last 15 years. I really think these are the best invention ever.

 

[Panina]

I started Optavia again and have some foods left. I may finish that food off to give myself a little boost for losing weight.

I keep seeing Wonder Slim advertised on Facebook. It's probably the same thing as Optavia, but it's much less expensive at half the cost.

I did the Bamboo Falls hike and made it to the first bridge with the falls, an 800 feet uphill hike. I am 70 so felt pretty proud of myself, but then there is Rick, who is like a mountain goat, helping me up the trail with encouraging words (annoying), and he finished the hike in 15 minutes and came back down to the beginning of the bamboo forest and bridge to head down with me. Took me four hours.

The next day, instead of feeling pained and overly tired, my body was rested, and I was fine, aside from mosquito bites. Even when we got back that night, though I was exhausted from the hike, I was walking just fine.

The Good Feet insoles have served me well over the last 15 years. I really think these are the best invention ever.

We all have our own pace and you indeed should be proud of your achievement.

Last time I looked Optavia took away all the gluten free bars that I liked. It was an easy program that I had significant weight loss with but I think it was what made my metabolism unhappy ultimately making me gain a pound a month after the program.

This time I did it with all real food, no food programs or diet aids. Harder? initially yes, Slower weight loss? yes but once I am at goal I will be eating exactly the same, no transition, so hopefully this time my metabolism will like it.

 

[VacationForever]

I cheated this week, seriously.... cheated. So, I have been pre-diabetic for about 20 years and have controlled its progression through diet and exercise. But since my weight has crept up because of my stomach/gall bladder issue, I finally broke down and started taking 500mg of Metformin. Starter/low dose Metformin is often prescribed for people who have high risk of becoming Type 2 diabetics. My mother was diabetic, my sister is diabetic... genetically I am dispositioned to develop it at some point. I have read enough about Metformin to know that not only it is good for keeping blood sugar down, but it also acts as an appetite supressant, which typically results with a 3% weight reduction. Since my BMI is 22, I do not want to be on GLP-1 drugs but could use a bit of weight loss. So far, it is working. My food cravings have been greatly reduced, no more food noise for snacking outside of meals. My next appointment with my PCP is in October and I will ask him to "officially" put me on Metformin. Don't ask me how I get my hands on Metformin, please don't turn me in!

 

[rickandcindy23]

Is Weight Watchers with in-person meetings still a thing.

 

[Panina]

Is Weight Watchers with in-person meetings still a thing.

yes they have in-person meetings