excess weight takes my breath away!

sparrer

I'm recently out of hospital after an asthma attack (have COPD), and was horrified when they weighed me...I'm 5 feet nothing and my weight is 11stone:eek: . I knew I was overweight but that's classed as obese. I desparately want to lose at least 2 stones which I know will help my breathing, but when I exert myself I can't get my breath - a catch 22 situation. MY GP just says to 'take it slowly' but doesn't say what 'it' is, so not much help there.

Eating sensibly isn't a problem but I have to do more than just that so I'd be grateful if anyone has any suggestion as to how I go about starting some sort of exercise plan that isn't going to knock the wind out of me in two minutes! Thanks in anticipation - oh and before I get a slap on the wrist from a board guide I do know that all suggestions on here are just that, and not advice

VfM4meplse

Start a walking regimen, if you walk out your own pace you shouldn't be SOB and will be able to increase your speed in time. Use your bronchodilator before you go out as it is mighty chilly this morning and you don't want to give up too easily.

Even if you take it slowly and start with just 1/2 hour a day you will see the results fairly soon. Also I would invest in Paul McKenna's "I Can Make You Thin", this makes even those of us who think we are eating sensibly re-assess our lifetyles and triggers for eating. In fact maybe I should apply the principals and ask why I am scoffing a healthy bulgar wheat salad at 4am :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: .

sparrer

Just read up about the Paul McKenna book and have purchased so I should get it in the next 5 days. As for walking it will have to be very much my own pace (snails pace) so I won't get far in 30 mins but it'll be interesting to see how many letters I can write. The post box is approx 15 mins walk so it makes a good starting target. Thanks for the tips, I'd be interested to know what the answer is re the bulgar wheat salad!

VfM4meplse

Have just seen an advert for Paul's TV show in the NY, this will be on Living TV. Will watch it out of interest as the seminars seem pricey to me.

Good luck with the walking, yo will be surprised how quickly you progress but remember to take it slowly or you may give up too readily.

UKTigerlily

Swimming is really good, it works all of the body & supports your weight too! There are also normally women only sessions if that's an issue. Even doing one width at a time would help or a few strokes then stopping, it doesn't matter if you're doing something, it'll build up!

bizywizy

If you really are determined then go for it.

Ive lost 7 and 1/2 stone this year. I joined up to sureslim which is all about eating real food and giving a balance but with low carbs - its not been as hard as you think either which amazed even me. I am now on maintenance which means I can add things in again but will have to go back on it as have eaten a tad too much over last few days and want to keep the weight off.

So I say however you decide to do it you CAN do it but you will just need to keep your willpower firmly over your mouth unforunately.

Re exercise - a small walk daily is good for your heart and will help keep you motivated.

UKTigerlily

bizywizy wrote: »

If you really are determined then go for it.

Ive lost 7 and 1/2 stone this year. I joined up to sureslim which is all about eating real food and giving a balance but with low carbs - its not been as hard as you think either which amazed even me. I am now on maintenance which means I can add things in again but will have to go back on it as have eaten a tad too much over last few days and want to keep the weight off.

So I say however you decide to do it you CAN do it but you will just need to keep your willpower firmly over your mouth unforunately.

Re exercise - a small walk daily is good for your heart and will help keep you motivated.

Congratulations what a fantastic loss! I bet you're well chuffed & rightly so! I'm going back to Weight Watchers for the 6th time in January! lol my Dr's don't want me too but I have to try!

noonesperfect

Oh and sparrer, if you're going out in this cold weather for a walk, for heavens sake keep your mouth and nose covered. Well done on deciding to take some gentle exercise, it'll keep your lungs as healthy as poss.

sparrer

Thank you everybody , I didn't expect any replies (other than criticisms as it was all self-inflicted through smoking for 40+ years) so I was really happy to see so many thoughtful ones . Btw I gave up smoking in March 07, that's when all the probs started :rolleyes:

Unfortunately I don't swim so I think bobbing up and down all over the place (it would have been the shallow end only of course!) might just cause a few tuts in the pool :doh: , however I have 2 good feet so a-shuffling I will go. I hear what you say about the weather VfM4meplse and noonesperfect, I learned the hard way that it doesn't suit. When I started the asthma attack I was desparate for air so I sat outside in the cold :eek:. Paramedics were understanding but explained why it wasn't a good idea so now I know not to do that again. I'll wrap up warm and wear my scarf over my mouth and nose bandit-style . My neighbours think I'm a nutty old woman anyway so it won't disappoint them :rotfl:

Thanks again, and a happy, peaceful and healthy as possible New Year to everyone

Sparrer

Oldernotwiser

As you have COPD, ask your doctor for a referral for a course of Pulmonary Rehabilitation. This will encourage you to start an exercise regime and give you information about various breathing techniques you can use when you get out of breath. It will also educate you in various aspects of the condition and encourage you to eat appropriately.

My husband has very severe COPD and the Pulmonary Rehab has been an absolute lifesaver for him and has enabled him to keep some mobility. I can't recommend it highly enough (and it would be covered by the NHS).

Barneysmom

Sparrer I wish you lived by me, I'd love to have another female to go swimming with, I'm about the same as yopu 5ft nothing and overweight. i don't know how heavy I am but I am flabby all round.
I just don't like to go on my own, I'm not a good swimmer, but like to have swim/walk paddle kind of thing etc.