zella
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by zella on Sept 23, 2017 23:29:55 GMT
I'm 5'4". As an adult I've weighed everything from 95 to 195 lbs. My weight has always been connected with my health, and I've been both my lightest and heaviest due to serious illness. When I met dh 20 years ago, I was about 130lbs. I loved being that weight. But that didn't last long. I have untreated hypothyroidism (used to be on meds, but my blood levels are mostly okay and I'm on so many meds I'm choosing not to medicate right now). I had a total hysterectomy 17 years ago and have never had hormone replacement, and the weight gain after the surgery was consistent. I was on prednisone (high dose then a very long taper) for about 3 years.
When my latest illness flared up about 3 years ago I was about 185 lbs and wearing a size 14. I carry most of my weight in my belly, unfortunately, but also some spread out over my torso and legs. I lost 35 lbs within a few months a year ago just because I was so ill. I then dropped from 150 to 140 over the next couple of weeks, and bottomed out briefly at 139. At 150lbs I looked skinny. I was wearing size 8 jeans, and even a 6 in some styles. I had very little belly left, but that was still where my fat remained. I had NO butt and really tiny legs.
I went on meds for this illness in April and May. I have put on weight partly because I finally feel well enough to eat almost every day, and partly due to the intense hunger side effect of one of the meds. I'm now 166 and back in my size 14 jeans even though I'm still 19 lbs lighter than when my weight freefall began! The weight is ALL in my belly. I am so discouraged. I hate being fat. But I also hate not eating, having terrible nausea, and being suicidal. I wish I didn't have to choose but that appears to be my fate, at least for now. I don't deal well with feeling hungry and I have zero willpower. Seriously.
So I'm thinking about starting Weight Watchers. I want to lose and I'm okay doing it slowly. I need a very flexible plan because I'm vegetarian and there are many foods I won't or can't eat, and I pretty much just have to eat what sounds good on any given day. Weight charts say 145lbs at my height is the low end of overweight, yet at that weight I was a twig; what gives? I have a small to medium frame based on the size of my wrists, fingers and feet. I think I need to try to be the weight I'm comfortable with and fuck the charts, but it really is discouraging. I also have to consider holding on to some weight in case my symptoms get bad again and I start losing uncontrollably.
I do know about dress sizing, and how much it's changed, but that doesn't explain how I can look so thin at 145lbs yet that's supposedly still overweight, you know? I do have baby-birthing hips, and boobs that don't completely go away, so there's that too.
I'm sitting here crying, and just thinking about this and typing this up has put me in a flare (emotion is my primary trigger). When I have a flare I get very flushed, my blood pressure goes up (sometimes dangerously high), and if I don't get it under control the nausea will follow. So now I need to take at least 2 Benadryl and a Xanax.
I'm having a pity party for one. Care to join me? I really am glad that I'm not so ill anymore, but I just wish it wasn't such a double-edged sword.
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Deleted
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Jun 2, 2024 1:15:18 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2017 23:37:05 GMT
Weight watchers will work if you follow the plan, check out Simply Filling you might like that option. Don’t worry about their weight charts just do what you want for you! Your doc can write a letter providing a realistic goal weight and they will accept it. One step at a time!
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Post by internetmama on Sept 23, 2017 23:44:42 GMT
Try weight watchers. You can loose a little weight and see how you feel. Do it for how it makes you feel and not for how in makes you look. Aging is tough and loosing our shape to medical side effects makes it even harder. Maybe you can take up exercise too. Don't torture yourself for not being perfect or what you once were.
About the charts, I think so many of us are overweight and obese that we don't even know what normal looks like. My husband went from the obese category to the middle of the overweight category. Everyone keeps telling him how skinny he looks, which he does look good but he is still solidly overweight.
Anyway, don't get down on yourself. Put that energy into feeling better.
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johnnysmom
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Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
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Post by johnnysmom on Sept 24, 2017 0:17:22 GMT
You have so many other things going on that, IMO, you should ignore the charts. Who cares what they say. Do what makes you happy. If that means eating chocolate and gaining 10 pounds go for it. If that means fitting into those jeans you love, then adjust your diet so you can. But F the charts and what everyone else might think, don’t even give that another thought. I’m glad you e been able to eat and feel a little better.
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RosieKat
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Post by RosieKat on Sept 24, 2017 0:39:20 GMT
I would talk with your doctor. I'm also 5'4" and did WW successfully several years ago. If I went below about 142, I looked overly thin because my body type is curvy. (In other words, I was always going to have a good chunk of weight in the boobs and butt, so there wasn't that much left to spread over the rest of me.) Several years have passed and I definitely need to lose weight again (and am working on it). But my doctor who has known me for about 14 years says that an ideal weight for me would probably be around 150, even though that's not what the charts say. So it might be that a higher weight than the charts is more appropriate for you. FYI, WW will accept a higher weight than the charts say for your goal weight if you have a doctor's note saying that's what s/he recommends.
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RosieKat
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Post by RosieKat on Sept 24, 2017 0:43:33 GMT
I would also encourage you to remember what WW and lots of weight-loss advocates say - that a loss of even 10 pounds or 10% of your weight can have significant health benefits. It isn't all or nothing. I just went for my annual physical, and even though I have only lost about 10 pounds, my cholesterol was better (wasn't a problem before, but better is always good!) and my A1c dropped by 0.3 points. I imagine any little bit can be helpful with your health challenges, too. Don't be overly daunted or discouraged before you've really begun. You have been dealing with so much, and maybe this could be something to help you feel like you're taking charge of all your health stuff, too. (I hope that makes sense.)
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RosieKat
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Post by RosieKat on Sept 24, 2017 0:47:31 GMT
And one more thing, lol.
Those charts are pretty much BS. They don't take your body type or activity level or anything into consideration. According to charts, my 9 y.o. son is obese. He does 4-hour gymnastics workouts 3x per week, plays and practices baseball, walks to and from school every day, and has pretty active PE, recess, and play outside of school. The doctor (you know, that medical person who actually knows him and his lifestyle and can see his build) is actually concerned that he isn't eating enough, as he hasn't gained any weight since the beginning of the year. Yet he triggered the automatic handout from the pediatrician's office on how to lose weight.
Do it for yourself, but don't do it for the number some chart says is right.
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Post by pondrunner on Sept 24, 2017 13:49:57 GMT
My opinion as someone whose weight has been up and down all of life is that a person with weight that fluctuates would do well to focus primarily on wellness and healthful eating and consistent exercise. I think that for those of us who have been ill and struggled with weight, when we take care of our bodies the scale may not reflect it the way we might wish but our bodies will respond.
As a child we did not have access to the types of salt/fat/sugar processed foods that are readily available today. I find myself quite susceptible to overeat those foods. As a result I returned to eating as much whole and nutritious food as I could and creating delicious food with spices and cooking techniques. I monitor my weight a little but no longer find it a good indication of progress. I am still seeking for a doctor who will understand my journey in life and understand what health means in this body with this history.
That is my thoughts on weight and charts.
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Deleted
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Jun 2, 2024 1:15:18 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2017 3:47:40 GMT
Ooh me!! I could answer this!!!!!!!! I've been really thin my whole life (well, the first 27 years). I weighed a constant 88 lbs. Then I had 2 kids and eventually got up into the 168 range. I'm barely 5' tall, so I was pushing the Lane Bryant line. I came to accept this weight vs. constant diets and yo-yo-ing. I tried everything. I actually got kicked out of WW for asking too many questions!!! All it did was teach me how to "cheat" and place more of a value on food.
I tried Jenny Craig 2x. Came close to my goal, only to gain it all back. I had a dream one night, and in the dream I FELT what it felt like to be thinner and healthy. I was able to run with my kids and I FELT what it felt like to actually slip a dress on without tugging it! That was it! I RAN back to Jenny Craig, much to the dismay of my (then)husband.
I had a GREAT counselor. It was more of real counseling. I took notes, did homework, researched about nutrition and the links with emotional eating, etc.......... THIS WAS IT! It took one whole year, but I did it! I went from a size 20 to a 2. I had weddings, parties, etc., and nothing interfered with my new healthy path. I made many mental awareness connections.
I continued going to be weighed in weekly at Jenny, even though I didn't have to. Then I cut back to once a month for 2 years. Finally they asked me if I'd work for them. I did. I had a HUGE following because I actually did the program and achieved success.
I have/had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid issues, chronic pain, asthma/COPD and so much more. I didn't have diabetes, which is amazing. So many issues got better with the weightloss and with being able to work out 5 days/week. Nothing stopped me.
As far as the height/weight charts, Jenny Craig takes into consideration your sex and your age, which helps. I reached my goal in 2002. I have NEVER gotten close to my high weight again. It's never been an issue. I have gained up to 15 lbs, but I had to get my thyroid meds in check and then it evened out.
It's a blessing to have that worry and concern off of my shoulders. I don't even think about it anymore. My stats are always great and I'm living healthier and healthier each year. YOU COULD DO IT. It doesn't matter which diet you do, but you DO need the real will to want to make it work. A counselor worked for me.
Good luck with whatever you do! As far as your goal weight, you really can't tell until you get closer. With Jenny Craig, I could choose that weight. I'm almost 57 and I weigh 121, and that's perfect for me now. It changes with age. You'll know the weight you should be at when you truly plateau for a few weeks at it. Don't go too low. Leave 5 lbs to "play with" because things change.
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peabay
Prolific Pea
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Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Sept 25, 2017 11:20:13 GMT
I've battled my weight my whole life and after my mom died, it sky rocketed. It took being diagnosed with high blood pressure for me to say "oh, enough of this shit" and I rejoined WW in June. I'm down 20 pounds, my bp is routinely 100/70 and I feel great. Better than I've felt in years. I've been on and off WW for 30 years too. This time I said to myself: I'm either all in or all out. I used to just go weigh in and not go to the meetings and only half track etc.... This time I'm really paying attention to points and going to meetings and it's working.
You can do this. Seriously - if I can (and I'm a sugar junkie and I'm lazy) anyone can.
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breetheflea
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Post by breetheflea on Sept 25, 2017 13:49:14 GMT
I'm 5'4 also, and 175 lbs and according to the charts 140 would be a good idea... I'm a size 12 pants and have been from 140 lbs and up but recently XL shirts are too small (in the shoulders/arms) even though most of my fat is in the belly area. I was 130 pre-kids (4 of them).
I recently triggered something at my doctor's office (went in for a UTI) so that they called and told me I needed a physical and to "talk about my lifestyle" which is embarrassing and I haven't gone yet... Thank you for the responses in this post that maybe I can lose the 35 lbs... although I'd be happy to be 160 again!
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Post by birukitty on Sept 25, 2017 22:19:13 GMT
I would encourage you to have your hypothyroidism medicated. I have hypothyroidism and if it's not medicated my weight goes up. Hypothyroidism has so much to do with balancing the weight in your body because it controls your metabolism. You won't have to diet at all, and not choosing to medicate it means you are probably putting up with other symptoms that are caused by hypothyroidism. I take a medication called Nature-Throid which is what is known as a natural desiccated thyroid medication vs. a synthetic one. Many patients do far better with this version than the synthetic version because it treats all of their symptoms rather than just one. To find out more you can go to this website www.stopthethyroidmadness.com and it is filled with lots of information such as what kinds of tests you need to have (not just the basic TSH test) so you can be properly and thoroughly treated. It is a fantastic website. If your metabolism isn't controlled all of the diets in the world won't make a difference. I completely understand not wanting to take a ton of pills. I myself take pills for hypothyroidism, 3 different ones migraine prevention, a special for of B12 because I have a defective MTHFR gene, another for my adrenal fatigue, primrose oil to stop hot flashes, and one for allergies. It sucks but it keeps me healthy. As far as weight charts I follow the BMI charts and I asked my physical therapist (when I was recovering from rotator cuff surgery) what weight I should be. I'm 5 foot 3 inches. He said 125. I felt great at 125, the best I've ever felt (I'm 57) but my face looked a bit gaunt. According to the BMI charts that is where I'm supposed to be. I hover between 125 and 127. It took me a long time to get here. I started at 186 but after cleaning up my diet in 2012 and then changing to a whole foods plant based diet in 2014 (healthy vegan) I finally hit goal weight around mid 2015. The weight came off very slowly. First I dropped soda, then fast food, then processed food (lost the first 18 pounds that way) then became vegan and lost the rest. BUT and this is a big BUT, I was being treated for my hypothyroid the entire time. The weight wouldn't have come off as easily if I hadn't been. |
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Post by cmpeter on Sept 26, 2017 1:21:45 GMT
I'm 5'8" and WW has my range between 132 and 164. I'm also 51 and feel that 164 is more realistic. But, I'm playing it by ear for now. You do t need to pick your goal weight until you start to get near the high end of your range. I've been doing WW since Nov and still haven't officially picked my goal weight.
Like others have said you can tailor your goal weight with your doctors input.
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Post by Scrapbrat on Sept 26, 2017 11:34:57 GMT
I do not do WW but I know that it's a good program so I don't think you can go wrong there. Plus, you'll get lots of support from people on here, and that's great. I think of weight charts as generalizations -- it doesn't mean they reflect what is exactly right for everyone. I find it astounding that at your height, you weighed 150 lbs. and wore size 8 jeans. I am quite a bit taller than you, and at 150 lbs., I still need to lose a few pounds and I can assure you I'm not wearing size 8 jeans! So don't rely too much on the weight charts, obviously. But just a piece of unsolicited advice from someone who has lost a lot of weight -- I have come to realize that pretty much the ONLY way to lose weight for good and keep it off is to include serious, consistent exercise in your plan. Exercise is what will help keep the fat off your belly, and exercise will help you normalize your life as you get close to your goal weight (whatever that turns out to be for you), because you will be able to eat more normally and not gain the weight back.
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zella
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,884
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Post by zella on Sept 26, 2017 22:59:41 GMT
Hi everyone. Thank you so much for all your thoughtful words.
Well, the last four days sucked. I had major flares on Thursday, Friday and yesterday. Saturday wasn't bad, but I was anxious. I had to use IV fluids yesterday and multiple doses of my IV medication on those days too. It's about 3:45 pm and I haven't left my room today other than to get cold water. I've had water to drink and a glass of ginger ale. I'm too scared to eat or drink anything else even though I have pretty bad hunger pains. I don't know what foods are safe for me, won't cause a reaction. There is no testing that can give me this information. I can try foods on the "low histamine diet" list, but knowledgeable doctors will tell you that different people react to different foods and it doesn't make sense a lot of the time.
So I may be back on the "too sick to eat" weight loss diet.
I refuse to even attempt exercise (which I've always hated with a passion except for dance) for now. If I get overheated I have a flare. And I run hot to start with. So until or unless I know I can exercise without making myself ill, I'm not doing it. It's funny because I've been saying for years that exercise makes me ill; now I have proof!
If I can figure it out, I'll post a photo of me at 145ish wearing those size 8 jeans!
Thank you everyone, as always. Sorry I'm not responding individually today. Still planning on doing WW IF I can get these flares under control and am able to eat somewhat normally. I'm just so depressed with this downturn in my health.
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Post by peasapie on Sept 26, 2017 23:05:25 GMT
I have hypothyroid, had a hysterectomy and now am on cholesterol meds and boy do those things all pack a punch! I also take anxiety meds, which doesn't help.
If it makes you feel better, I have to watch my weight all the time, and usually I'm between 135 and 145 at your height. I hardly ever eat bread or pasta anymore, and if I do it is mixed in with salad or veggies and protein. I think WW seems like a really good way to get on a lifelong habit of eating healthfully, because I truly believe no "diet" really works, because diet implies starting and ending.
But first, accept who you are and where you are at, whatever that weight is, and you can only do better from there. Love yourself and the choices you've made and vow to yourself that you will do a little more for yourself in this area going forward.
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Post by ghislaine on Sept 29, 2017 17:28:07 GMT
I'm 5'1" and at 150lbs I was in a size 8 too. I am big boned so that's part of it but I was working out at the time too. Muscle weighs more than fat so you can slim down without losing weight. Toss the charts and do what works for you because in the end you are the expert on your own body!
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Post by needtime2scrap on Sept 30, 2017 13:43:25 GMT
I'm with you on those crazy charts! I'm 5'1 and at my lowest was 132lbs and wearing a loose size 8. Right now I need to loose some for sure but at 154lbs I'm still an 8. Course that could be some crazy clothes sizing too. To be in my healthy range I need to be between 101-115lbs and I can assure you that I would look awful and sickly! I am planning to loose weight again, just waiting on my doctor on the go ahead to start exercising (the food is in process already) Honestly my goal is 145lbs. zella you were saying that exercising is not good for you and it gets you too overheated amoung other things, but would yoga being an option? Maybe not power yoga or anything like that. But it sounds like yoga could be something that would be great for you. |
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