[LiveThroughThis]

I am morbidly obese. God I hate even writing that. It brings with it all sorts of emotions.

ANYway, I'm looking for feedback/suggestions. While I am definitely overweight, I am also quite puffy. I think I look like I'm on a steriod, like Prednisone. Even my grandmother said I don't look like a typical fat person; I look like I'm carrying medication weight.

I've noticed swelling/retention in my face, my wrists. But my ankles rarely swell, for example, neither does my neck (in fact, recently my clavicle has begun coming out of hiding, ). I went somewhere a week ago where I had to climb a lot of stairs, and I had to take my time, I sweated and huffed and puffed so. I watched other ppl, as big as me or bigger, climb them with no difficulty. I must add too that I have quite a bit of muscle in my upper arms and thighs--underneath the fat--partly from the physical effects of major Panic Attacks, having to steady myself, etc.

So I'm confused. Is the water retention making it so hard for me to do things other people my size can do? Obviously I need to lose weight, and believe me I want it badly. But all this water--I can feel it's not just fat--makes it difficult to walk very far or anything without getting winded. I avoid salty foods best I can, don't eat sweets, I don't drink soft drinks, have tea only when out to dinner. I do drink Powerade which i know has salt in it, but I get sick of plain water (working on getting Green Tea). I refuse to use artificial sweeteners---fruit I'll do though.

I'm at a loss. I've been overweight before--several yrs ago. I wasn't on any meds, and it was sheer stress/emotional eating. I didn't balloon to quite this size, but I was severely overweight. I was able to take it off pretty easily, heathily. I am still in my 20s, so I don't buy the, "As you get older..." crap right now.

I know one of my meds causes me to retain water, maybe two of them. But this is the best combo I've found yet. I assure you I'm not afraid of exercise, or of eating well.

But this bloat---it's just, ******. It is awful struggling to get out a of a booth, other simple stuff. I am okay with the possibility I will never be at my former healthy weight...I may always have an extra 15lbs. But this, this is not good.

PLEASE be kind, please don't "tell" me what I need to go. I don't need that. I'm looking for others who deal with this or have dealt with it and figured out how to combat it. I need suggestions.

[Fresia]

I know how hard this can be. The first thing to consider is the area where you feel "puffy" if you press the skin with your finger, and it indents, if the skin bounces back, this is a good sign of just water retention. If the skin does not bounce back, and leaves the finger's indent, see a doctor! The other side is even with out the indent, if you have a lot of fluid retention from the meds, it can be important to talk to your doc about it telling him/her exactly what you've explained above. There may be some tweaking of meds or some other suggestions to help, truly. Talk to your doc.

When I have had water retention in the past from meds a couple of things have helped that may sound contradictory, 1. drinking more water with added lemon juice as it acts as a natural diuretic (no sugar added as the contradicts the effects, will retain the water); 2. as you mentioned, green tea as well does the same; 3. and as much as I hate it, exercise, especially starting off slow with something like walking really helped, on a level surface to start out or something low impact, such as bicycling, swimming, etc., helps to balance out the "fluid system" in the body as it needs to stay hydrated.

I hope you find the answers that you need and that you have some relief soon. Hang in there!!!
(((((((LiveThroughThis)))))))

[Sierrarose]

LiveThroughThis,

Sorry, I don't have any advice. My guess is that you have tried and tested all the wonderful advice you've received in the past. I just wanted to give you a hug. It takes guts to post about real struggles. I wish you well.

retaining fluid can indicate heart problems. several years ago, i started retaining fluid and now see a cardiologist regularly. it cleared up when i started getting daily exercise - walking a couple of miles a day did the trick. i worked too much and was too sedentary, and my diet was not the best. if walking is not possible due to your size, i suggest a stationery bicycle. i have seen stories where people bought stationery bikes and built up their stamina gradually, eventually riding them for hours and losing hundreds of pounds. (walking will help with the fluid retention / congestive heart failure problems but does not burn many calories.)

[ryuken]

I am still overweight but bought static gym cycle last month and doing the exercise. I got some pounds off my body and now I have to watch calorie and other stuff too.

I am avoiding anything with cheese, butter and too much oil. Like pizza, burgerr, hotdog and other stuff.

I am sticking with fruits and salads. I do however eat oats or corn flakes in the morning to get some sufficient calories.

See if you can do something similar but healthy for your body. Also as your problem is related to fluid, have to ask dietitian and gym instructor how things can help.

[LiveThroughThis]

Originally Posted by unhappyguy

retaining fluid can indicate heart problems. several years ago, i started retaining fluid and now see a cardiologist regularly. it cleared up when i started getting daily exercise - walking a couple of miles a day did the trick. i worked too much and was too sedentary, and my diet was not the best. if walking is not possible due to your size, i suggest a stationery bicycle. i have seen stories where people bought stationery bikes and built up their stamina gradually, eventually riding them for hours and losing hundreds of pounds. (walking will help with the fluid retention / congestive heart failure problems but does not burn many calories.)

I haven't had my heart checked, but I do get my bloodwork done yearly or more--per my meds--and everything, including thyroid, is always normal. I've had my blood pressure taken a lot lately (diff. doctors) and it's always fine as well. I know that's not a heart check specifically, but I feel like those are good indicators that otherwise my internal system is ok.

I believe my Lithium is a big factor; I've looked it up, and it's literally a mineral, a salt (stuff added of course). Upon starting it I had an insatiable appetite, which didn't settle down for months. I'm on an SSRI, but this one has caused little if no gain (hadta change from a previous one cause it caused immediate gain).

Admittedly, because i cannot drive/go shopping, I do take the easy way a lot with eating. I'm not a big salad/fruit eater because within an hour I'm hungry again, no matter how big the servings. I tend to think because of the meds, whatever unhealthy I eat automatically causes faster and more gain than if I was on nothing.

I love the idea of a stationary bike. In fact, I prefer exercising in my house to a gym. I like walking, but the street I live on has no sidewalk, lots of ditches, and speed limit is 45mph, I love walking though, just isn't anywhere close by. I am going to look into a stationary bike. We don't have much room for me to exercise indoors (long story that will hopefully change soon); surely my bf would be willing to make some compromises, space-wise. Can you recommend a place to get a reasonably priced but well-made stationary bike, unhappyguy? My savings have diminished significantly recently, so I wouldn't be able to spend hundreds of dollars.....

[LiveThroughThis]

Originally Posted by ryuken

I am still overweight but bought static gym cycle last month and doing the exercise. I got some pounds off my body and now I have to watch calorie and other stuff too.

I am avoiding anything with cheese, butter and too much oil. Like pizza, burgerr, hotdog and other stuff.

See if you can do something similar but healthy for your body. Also as your problem is related to fluid, have to ask dietitian and gym instructor how things can help.

Static gym cycle? What is that?

I do my best to not eat pizza, bready stuff (though I'm ok w/wheat bread), and as I'm Anemic I crave burgers from time to time but eat half the bun and only have burgers at a restaurant (I've noticed w/fast food places those leave a weird aftertaste/coating in my mouth). Not a big oil fan, fried chicken, taht kind of stuff. I have eaten fries a lot lately--no salt--but I can easily cut those out, they're not a craving.

[LiveThroughThis]

Originally Posted by Fresia

When I have had water retention in the past from meds a couple of things have helped that may sound contradictory, 1. drinking more water with added lemon juice as it acts as a natural diuretic (no sugar added as the contradicts the effects, will retain the water); 2. as you mentioned, green tea as well does the same; 3. and as much as I hate it, exercise, especially starting off slow with something like walking really helped, on a level surface to start out or something low impact, such as bicycling, swimming, etc., helps to balance out the "fluid system" in the body as it needs to stay hydrated.

I hope you find the answers that you need and that you have some relief soon. Hang in there!!!
(((((((LiveThroughThis)))))))

I did your press-skin test, and all my skin bounced back, lol. If I posted a pic of me pre-meds, and now, you would all say, "Yeah, she's got some fluid goin' on."

I'm trying to find things to put in my water (tried lemon, didn't taste good) that are natural. I like it but it gets old on its own.

Much of the difficulty lies in not being able to shop myself; I'm working on driving more so I can go get my own stuff and not rely on my bf so much, etc. Also a big thing is our stove has been out awhile, so can't cook anything decent. Working on that as well.

There is simply so much to tackle.....I don't know where to start...

Thank you for the hugs, Fresia. And thank you ALL for your words and your encouragement/suggestion. It wasn't easy writing the thread, i was afraid of being judged for not "trying hard enough."
I really appreciate you all.

Originally Posted by LiveThroughThis

I love the idea of a stationary bike. In fact, I prefer exercising in my house to a gym. I like walking, but the street I live on has no sidewalk, lots of ditches, and speed limit is 45mph, I love walking though, just isn't anywhere close by. I am going to look into a stationary bike. We don't have much room for me to exercise indoors (long story that will hopefully change soon); surely my bf would be willing to make some compromises, space-wise. Can you recommend a place to get a reasonably priced but well-made stationary bike, unhappyguy? My savings have diminished significantly recently, so I wouldn't be able to spend hundreds of dollars.....

I am planning on getting a stationery bike for the winter myself. I am considering a fan bike because they provide upper body exercise as well. Here's what I've been looking at: http://www.sportsauthority.com/produ...entPage=family
If you plan to exercise daily then you have to purchase something that will last with daily use.

[missbelle]

Yes lithium causes weight gain, but as they said in the posts, check with Doc.....your medical Doc. Also drink MORE water. That flushes out the toxins etc. I always loved the group Overeaters Annonymous which uses the 12 step program of AA. I went for awhile years ago and its excellent. You might want to see if there are any in your area. There are no fees and you do not get weighed!

[bebop]

I think you should see your dr about this. maybe a simple diaruetic would take off some of the water weight. another thing is tea is a natural diaruetic.

[Moodmuse]

Weight can be a result of heart disease, diabetes, or hypothyroidism. Are you on meds that my your blood sugar rise? I am so my dr gave me meteformin to combat that and it caused a 60 lb weight loss. Also topomax will cause weight loss as well. Good luck!

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[Moodmuse]

Has anyone ever used light therapy? Does it work?

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[LiveThroughThis]

Originally Posted by missbelle

Yes lithium causes weight gain, but as they said in the posts, check with Doc.....your medical Doc. Also drink MORE water. That flushes out the toxins etc. I always loved the group Overeaters Annonymous which uses the 12 step program of AA. I went for awhile years ago and its excellent. You might want to see if there are any in your area. There are no fees and you do not get weighed!

I see him next week, we'll see what he says...

Yes, I am familiar with OA. THank you for the suggestion. But I spent almost half my life in 12 step programs; I've had my fill.

[LiveThroughThis]

Originally Posted by Moodmuse

Weight can be a result of heart disease, diabetes, or hypothyroidism. Are you on meds that my your blood sugar rise? I am so my dr gave me meteformin to combat that and it caused a 60 lb weight loss. Also topomax will cause weight loss as well. Good luck!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

My heart is prob the one thing I haven't had checked. As stated in my OP, because of my meds I get bloodwork done yearly, and this spring my glucose, AIC, comprehensive metabolic panel, etc. were all perfectly normal. Also had my blood pressure checked several times in the past 2 months--all normal.

I do believe my just-dxed Sleep Apnea has played a role---it's kind of a nobrainer; if your brain doesn't get adequate sleep, it can't function normally, i.e., ridding my body of excess fluid, etc. Also, my sleep dr says research is being done on a couple of hormones that are affected by sleep; I forget their names, but he said one affects the brain in telling it when a person is full, and the other affects brain activity in regards to appetite...apparently in many S. Apnea patients there is enough of a correlation with the imbalance of these hormones to take a look.

Truthfully, too, I know some of it is I haven't picked the best foods to eat for a while; I'm working on it, but it's hard to do when I can't drive and our stove's broken. I have had severe stress of one kind or another since January of this year, so I know that has its own effects.

For a long time now my P-doc's main concern has been getting my moods stabilized and my anxiety/Panic Attacks under control (the latter of which has taken much longer than either of us anticipated). I think once all of that is more even keel, he's going to bring up my weight. But, too, he was the one that was so worried about my sleep issues, as well as my hormonal stuff---he suspected they played a part in a lot of what's going on.

Anyway, now that I've been dxed Anemic and on my Iron med I think my energy level will start improving substantially---I think it's been a huge part of my energy problem/lack of want to exercise for eons.

[LiveThroughThis]

Originally Posted by unhappyguy

I am planning on getting a stationery bike for the winter myself. I am considering a fan bike because they provide upper body exercise as well. Here's what I've been looking at: http://www.sportsauthority.com/produ...entPage=family
If you plan to exercise daily then you have to purchase something that will last with daily use.

Great, thanks or the suggestion!

[Sierrarose]

I’m back. Not sure I can really help but when you said you try not to eat pizza I just had to post. I found allowing myself a bit of whatever I fancied helped rather than trying to cut it out altogether. I also found that I enjoyed my food more when I just had a very small helping. I can enjoy one slice of pizza with a small glass of wine much more than I enjoy stuffing myself with a small pizza. And two chocolates out of a box of chocolates with a cup of coffee Mmmmm. Don’t deprive yourself, treat yourself to a bit of whatever you fancy. You might still feel a little deprived to begin with but stick with it and you’ll begin to enjoy your food again instead of having to count calories.

Since your body is mostly made up of water, drinking water more often can actually help with weight loss - and it’s good for your skin.

[LiveThroughThis]

Originally Posted by Sierrarose

I’m back. Not sure I can really help but when you said you try not to eat pizza I just had to post. I found allowing myself a bit of whatever I fancied helped rather than trying to cut it out altogether. I also found that I enjoyed my food more when I just had a very small helping. I can enjoy one slice of pizza with a small glass of wine much more than I enjoy stuffing myself with a small pizza. And two chocolates out of a box of chocolates with a cup of coffee Mmmmm. Don’t deprive yourself, treat yourself to a bit of whatever you fancy. You might still feel a little deprived to begin with but stick with it and you’ll begin to enjoy your food again instead of having to count calories.

Since your body is mostly made up of water, drinking water more often can actually help with weight loss - and it’s good for your skin.

It's funny; I'm the type where once I stop eating a certain food after a week or two, I can take it or leave it; I don't crave it (except for PMS, ). I have a sinus infection, so my appetite's diminished. I've cut back even more on the fried food, mostly soup (reduced sodium), and find myself lately craving water. I have my bf get me a tea on his way home because it's hard to take some of my meds with just water (don't ask me why, no idea). But I don't keep it at home. I am going to get Green Tea soon, but I hate all those w/the citrus, so looking that up.

Also my bf's brother has a degree in exercise physiology, so I'm getting his feedback on cheapest/most efficient stationary bikes.

Since I'm sick I sit at home thinking, and I realized that I've not wanted to drink water--at least to an extent--because the bottled water my bf buys doesn't taste filtered (I can tell the difference). His parent's refrigerator water has a filter (they live very close to us), and the water tastes twice as refreshing.

I may be jumping the gun, but I think I've lost a little weight. Either way i'm not giving up this time. Being so out of shape during my trip in Atlanta really made it hit home.

Thanks for all the encouragement, everyone. Keep bringin it!

[LiveThroughThis]

I talked to my bf's brother about one I saw online, and he said it looked good, and it was only $115 on Amazon--free shipping--so I feel like I really couldn't beat that. It should arrive end of this upcoming week.

I'm not giving myself high expectations for now....I haven't done regular exercise since probably last fall or this early spring. But it's an indoor bike so don't have to worry about the elements--or being around ppl--and I can watch what I want, not have to worry about anyone seeing me sweat buckets. I know the seat will be uncomfortable at first (what bike seats aren't?), etc. But I think this is a good, gentle first step.

I also realized I like my bf's parents' filtered water from the refrigerator door way more than the "filtered" bottled water bf has been buying. I find myself craving it lately and been drinking lots of it.

I am still getting over my sinus infection which I'm trying not to let drag me down (I'm too dizzy to clean, be on computer long, etc.), trying to remember it takes about 10 days for an S.I. to go away.

Tonight my bf and I are going to a Halloween party. I doubt I'll eat many sweets, if any. I told him if there was anyone there smoking I would have to just go outside or something; I know it was the trigger to this damn infection and I'm not gona let it happen again.

Anyway, wish me luck tonight; I've not been out and social in a couple weeks , and these are ppl I don't know. I'm not worried about anxiety really, just that I still feel under the weather (though improvements per antibiotic/decongestant) and don't want to overdo it. *wish there was a finger crossing smilie*

----Oh, also want to note that I've been getting my blood pressure checked at my dr's visits and checking it at home. It was a little high from being sick, from what I was told. Otherwise my bp has been good if not perfect. So I think that's another good sign my system is doing pretty well.

Thanks for the support everyone, I sure as hell need it.

wonderful news about the exercise bike! I am a big fan of drinking lots of water. I have been a big water drinker since childhood.

[LiveThroughThis]

Thank you! I used to be a huge water drinker myself but got out of it being on meds and craving sugary drinks. Also though we've bought plenty of different filtered waters none of them have that clean taste the fridge filter has. HUGE difference. I was researching water filters for awhile, think I'm gona start again.....it'd be worth the investment. Anybody recommend one for a girl on a fixed income?