Chronic Pain

Hi, I have been struggling with my weight off and on my entire adult life. But, in the past year since Chronic Pain Syndrome has taken over my body and my schedule I have gained almost 50 lbs! My problem is that I can't walk very far, do go to PT 2x a week but can't do more than that. My eating habits to be honest are terrible. Some days I don't eat at all, and some days I will eat snacks, or maybe 1 meal a day. I need some type of program that will help me increase my metabolism and lose weight. What I find is that I am physically unable to spend much time preparing food. My arms and legs are the most painful part of my body right now besides my lower back and I would rather not eat than to use the small bit of energy I have to prepare something. (I am a stay at home mom and am home alone most days).
Any suggestions? Anyone else having this problem? Your results?

Hi Myra, I know exactly where you're coming from. I've had fibromyalgia for 18 years. For the first 17, I gradually gained weight, adding a total of almost 80 lbs. I've also had the same problems with not being able to stand long. And living alone, I find it difficult to get the motivation cook just for myself.

About a year ago, I decided things had to change. I knew if I tried to make drastic changes, I wouldn't be able to stick with them, so I've tried to make one change at a time. When I was comfortable with one change, I'd add another. One thing I learned is that not eating at all or going a long time between meals was only causing my metabolism to get worse. It was slowing down and storing more to fat because it didn't know when I would feed it again. It's much better to eat small amounts less frequently. For me, breakfast was the hardest part. I've never liked eating breakfast, but when it comes to boosting metabolism, that's the most important meal of the day. Once I realized I didn't have to eat breakfast foods––I just had to get a little something on my stomach, I did better. Gradually, I've tried to cut down on junk food, get away from processed foods and add fresh natural foods to my diet. I'm not where I want to be yet, but over the past year, I've lost 30 lbs., which I'm thrilled about. It hasn't come off quickly, but then I didn't gain it quickly either. I'm hoping I'll continue to lose a little at a time until I get back to where I should be.

If you can afford it, you might try something like Nutri-System or Jenny Craig––where they offer pre-prepared foods. That way you'll always have something nutritious on hand and won't have to cook. If those are too expensive, try keeping some Lean Cuisine, Weight Watchers or other frozen diet meals in your freezer. The main thing is to eat regularly––even if you don't eat much. And try to keep healthy foods on hand, like fresh fruits and vegetables, for snacks so you're not tempted to snack on junk food.

As for exercise, the best and gentlest exercise is warm-water exercises (sometimes called water aerobics). They're often advertised as classes for people with arthritis. YMCA's often offer them. Or call your local Arthritis Foundation to find out where the nearest classes are held. If you try the classes, don't feel like you have to do everything the class is doing. Do what you feel comfortable with, then stop. You may be a little sore after the first few classes, but if you can hang in there, you should eventually be able to do more and feel better. If nothing else, try to do a few gentle stretches each day. It's important to keep your body moving as much as you are able because the less we move, the stiffer we get and the more pain we have.

I hope some of this has been helpful. Just try to make small changes as you are able and don't get discouraged. You're not alone! There are a lot of us out here in the same boat. I wish you the best in your efforts!

Thanks so much. This is encouraging for me. I have actually been looking into water aerobics. I do stay as active as possible, I do back stretches that I learned from my physical therapist. I will try either the Jenny Craig thing (if I can afford it) or Lean Cuisine/weight watcher meals might be good also. I have gotta stop keeping junk food in the house too. My family will just have to deal with it for me. I am sure they will, they know how important this is to me.
Thanks again.
Myra

You're very welcome, Myra. Don't hesitate to write anytime you have a question or just need some encouragement. We're all here to help each other.

quote:

Originally posted by Myra:
Hi, I have been struggling with my weight off and on my entire adult life. But, in the past year since Chronic Pain Syndrome has taken over my body and my schedule I have gained almost 50 lbs! My problem is that I can't walk very far, do go to PT 2x a week but can't do more than that. My eating habits to be honest are terrible. Some days I don't eat at all, and some days I will eat snacks, or maybe 1 meal a day. I need some type of program that will help me increase my metabolism and lose weight. What I find is that I am physically unable to spend much time preparing food. My arms and legs are the most painful part of my body right now besides my lower back and I would rather not eat than to use the small bit of energy I have to prepare something. (I am a stay at home mom and am home alone most days).
Any suggestions? Anyone else having this problem? Your results?

Hi Myra!
Glad to meet you! I know exactly how you feel, and also just wanted to agree with what Karen said as well. Her points are so true.

I've gained weight as well over the years. I was never over 110 or so (being 5'4 and a small boned person), but once I went on medication (and also especially when my jaw was wired shut or when I can't eat regular foods) I noticed drastic weight gain.

The key (for me, and it sounds like it might be for you as well) is to eat CONSISTENTLY. That is the hardest thing for me. All of Karen's tips are awesome too. Jenny Craig worked wonderfully for me and I am thinking about going back on it. It's just funny because I learned that my body didn't necessarily want LESS food - it wanted a bigger quantity of food and more often... which is weird to get used to.

As far as exercise goes, I also find DVDs really helpful because you can throw them in on your schedule in your own house (and not be embarrassed what you can and can not do). There are several websites I would check out for that:
http://www.collagevideo.com
http://www.amazon.com

hope this helps!
keep us updated!
Sincerely,
Stacy

Hi Myra,

I remember the first time I was hospitalised, I put on 50lbs in one month. I managed to loose about 30 of those in the past 4 years, slow progress yes, but progress indeed. I haven't particulary followed any weight loss program or done anything for that goal, but what I did change, and that is when I noticed I started losing weight, is I started drinking LOTS of water (big min. 1 litre a day) and getting out of the house every day.

Getting out of the house was hard at first, but you start small, whether it's just going to sit in the yard at first or walking to the corner. Then, you find you can make it around the block, but don't push yourself, just get some fresh air, take a breather, enjoy the sun. And if some days you just can't get out, don't beat yourself up over it. It just feels good to get outside.

As for the water, well, often, when we want to nibble on something, our body is just thirsty, so filling it up with fluid will often fufill that craving. Our bodies need lots of water too. They it for circulation, for digestion, etc. etc. At first I hated drinking water, I was more of a juice person. Now, I drink almost solely water. At the restaurant, friends', at home... and there are much less calories in water. So, drinking lots of water, helps your body function better, helps give you energy by keeping you hydrated, and helps reduce food/sugar intake as well. I can no longer leave the house without my water bottle now

Oh, and one last suggestion. I found this great excercise DVD, it's actually a therapeutic fitness video for muscle pain, fibromyalgia, MS, Parkinson's, stroke recovery, weight problems, diabtes, well, check out the website Gentle Fitness I've really enjoyed it. There are several short routines, no longer than 18 min, most which are done sitting. It looks really easy, but it does give you a great work out.

Good luck with everything, let us know how it goes.
Take care,
Jenn

I've actually been trying to walk more, especially since I just had major surgery, and I've been thinking of buying a gently used treadmill or stair-master so that I can get more exercise without worrying about the pollen getting to my asthma right now. There are some home exercisers that are pretty low-impact from what I hear, and you might want to consider getting something like that for yourself.