I am 37 years old I live in the UK and I’m slowly killing myself. I’m embarrassed and ashamed to admit what I weigh but I’m going to do this.😳 I NEED to do it so any help and support is appreciated. I’m 5’3 …just and weigh 18 stone 7 pounds. Just writing it down makes me feel sick. It’s the one thing I don’t tell anyone. I secretly keep it to myself to hide the shame. I’m a size 20 and my BMI is 45.8 😨. I suffer with asthma have done all my life but my breathing is laboured and I fund just walking my daughter up to school from the car difficult. I have had chest pains since Christmas and my fasting blood sugar is 6.6! I have tingling in my limbs and if i stand for too long my left leg goes numb. I have an amazing husband who is doing this with my as he too wants to reduce his weight and I have two beautiful daughters who need their mam in their lives. There’s a history of high cholesterol, angina and high blood pressure in my family bit no one yet has type two diabetes. I think as I’m in the pre-diabetic state I am seriously concerned for my health. My Dr’s are appalling still dishing out the eat less exercise more rubbish and telling me not to exclude important food groups like carbohydrates. Thankfully I’m not listening and have signed up to this in a bit to change my life. I want to be able to play with my girls to go horse riding and get on that rollercoaster without worrying whether I’ll fit or sit in a BBQ and not worry that I may break the chair. Writing this has made me see how bad things are and how I must change. Please help me achieve my goals.

I’m on day three so far and ive stuck to it like fat to my organs. Constantly on the toilet guess that’s the water going. Cmon mrs u can do this….

Well done you – and welcome! You have a supportive hubby and the determination – can’t wait to hear your progress. You may fall off the wagon (you have a long haul to go) but if you do pick yourself up and re read the post above and straight back on it. Sending you good wishes.

Big hugs to you and I applaud your bravery.

I am in week 3 and the weight does seem to start to come off quickly which will motivate you. I’ve also spent a lot of time trawling through success stories (there’s a whole section for success stories in the My Fitness Pal forum, if you’re using that) and they keep me inspired, and more importantly they keep reminding me that big weight loss is achievable and I can do it too. Also really enjoying the food, and enjoying a way of eating which doesn’t make you feel like you can’t enjoy the food. Luxurious things like full fat yogurt, or the delicious lunch I’ve just enjoyed (scrambled eggs with chorizo and broccoli) don’t leave me feeling deprived like other weight loss tactics have.

You can definitely do this. Stick to the rules, don’t snack (already I can see that tiny snacks, even within the calorie allowance, really slow down my weight loss), be imaginative, and you will soon start to see changes. Very best of luck to you ❤

Go for it, Maccy! You’ve already got loads going for you – You know you need to change, you have a supportive partner, and two gorgeous girls to provide all the motivation you could need.

You CAN do this, you know, and here you’ll find all the info and support you’ll need. wishing you the very best of everything – it’s not about luck – you do it all yourself. Look around the site – there are lots of big losers. MKx

Maccy,
well done for taking the plunge, keep plugging away. I am on week 5 and have found an appetite for cooking again especially cooking everything from scratch. My husband is also eating the same food and also my 15 year old son, I just add a small amount of rice or potatoes to his meals. I have combined this drastic change of diet with exercise and have to say I feel great even in just 5 weeks. No tiredness and much more energy. A few ups and downs with my stomach over the first couple of week but no cravings and my stomach soon settled down.

5 weeks in my weight loss is 30lb and I do not feel as though it has been a struggle but I have stuck to it 100% including excluding alcohol.

Good luck and keep going.

Regards

Sue

Maccy, you’re in good company here. Some of us have got more to lose, some of less. I’m in the more category, so’s you know. There are lots of really friendly, supportive folk here, all willing to share stories and experiences. Any questions you have, someone is sure to have the answer or know where to find it. The fact that there are so many people here, some who have been following this diet for a very long time, just goes to show that it works. If you do stumble from time to time – it happens, we’re human – just pick yourself up and start again where you left off. Very best of luck and best wishes to you and your husband and your daughters.

Hello Maccy. You’ve come to the right place. There are so many inspirational people here with amazing stories to tell about losing weight and regaining health. You’ve made the decision and made contact. Read everything you can and keep coming back. There’s loads of help and advice available.

Best of luck to you. You can do this.xx

Thank you so much for the warm welcome. I’ve had few tears today at the realisation of what I’ve done to myself. However I’m determined to succeed. I had bit of a crash last night…bad head and fuzzy and dizzy but little better today although the headaches still with me. I’m so encouraged to read your success stories…well done all of you. Hopefully I can update with a good loss soon. Do you all weigh weekly and how often would you check your blood sugar?

Any symptoms in the first week are likely to be withdrawal related. Just push through it, being as kind to yourself as you can and when your body starts to adapt you will discover an amazing feeling of energy and wellbeing. You are in this for the long haul, but I have lost eight stone in two years on various diets (although this one is definitely the best, and in many ways the easiest, I just wish I’d known about it decades ago) and have gone from 18 stone 11 to 10 stone 11. It absolutely can be done, and as FiB said above, just reread your commitment above any time you waver.

Hi Maccy — well, you’ve come to the right place. You can make this happen here with the tools that the BSD gives you — it is literally a game changer and you are going to amaze yourself.
I continue to recommend the book by Gary Taubes “Why We Get Fat and What to do About It” as a good explanation of what went wrong with our bodies that we gained so much weight. It makes a great background understanding for why the BSD diet is so appropriate and is really good to calm the worries that we maybe should be eating more carbohydrate. It is also based on medical research out of the US so it is trustworthy information.
And here’s the most important thing — don’t quit no matter what — bad days, bad choices, bad-hair days — just start again, get right back to it. You will get better and better at it and you will learn how to do it — it truly can change your life. Just stay the course, until you get there.
What’s that great Chinese saying? When’s the best time to plant a tree? Twenty years ago.
When is the second best time to plant a tree?
Today.

In answer to your questions, I’m not diagnosed as diabetic so I don’t check my blood sugars. I do weigh myself daily though. It’s a contentious one because some people find it very disheartening if they have a blip. But I find it keeps me focused and motivated – I *want* to jump out of bed in the morning to check my weight. It also helps you to identify things which help or hinder you quickly – even after a fortnight I can see that my weight loss speeded up when I stopped snacking and just ate meals.

Essentially don’t worry too much about details to begin with – 800 calories, no bread/pasta/rice/potatoes/pastry etc and don’t snack. Within what you do eat choose a good amount of fat and loads and loads of veg. The recipes section will be full of inspiration – unlike most diets you can enhance the plate of salad with mayonnaise, you can top the veg with cheese and you can wash down your berries with cream 🙂

You *can* do this!

as you are not diabetic Maccy, I would suggest you check your blood sugar weekly, you should see it come down steadily. I assume you have a metre and sticks or did you get your reading from the doctor.

Just wanted to say hello and to reassure you that you are not alone. This way of eating has clicked with me. I’m doing the med plan so not counting calories but applying the principles. Lost 1st since end of November so taking it slowly. This is my way of life now so for me there’s no rush as long as I’m still going in the right direction. I’ve planned as much as possible, cooking and freezing so it’s easy when short on time. Try drinking the recommended amount of water. I’ve acquired a taste for sparkling and am drinking it instead of wine on a Friday night. If I’m going out socially I plan for that so don’t feel I’ve failed if I have a glass of wine. I also realised that other people really aren’t interested in what’s on my plate or in my glass! Having a supportive partner is great too. Good luck and enjoy the variety of foods you can eat. My taste buds are alive again, try something you’ve never had before or something you think you won’t like. We all have the power to change so it’s an exciting time of discovery ahead.

Hi Maccy

Welcome. This is doable.

At age 65 when I began this (now 66), 5′ 1″, 16 stone and size 24 (on the way to 26). I started the 800 BSD in December 2015. My trigger was being threatened with diabetes medication. But I also want to be around as long as possible, as healthy as possible, for my granddaughters.

Now I’m 66.5 years old, still 5’1″. 8st 6lb (lowest weight in my adult life) and size 10 My blood sugars are in the normal range. I feel better than for many years.

I’ve been maintaining around this weight for a few months – that’s never happened for me before, would lose weight then gain it all back with interest.

Best wishes for your BSD journey.

Welcome Maccy and good luck 🙂
Reading your post I could feel your pain… be proud of yourself that you’ve taken this step towards better health.
I started 3 weeks ago, had 50-58lbs to lose and have lost 8lb already (I haven’t kept to 800 cals strictly every day, but that’s another story!)
The best part for me is that I saw my specialist on Friday, and my blood tests were normal. I don’t have diabetes but a chronic auto-immune condition – she told me to keep on doing whatever it is I’m doing 🙂
After only a week I had far more energy than normal, I can’t sit still some days!
I’ll be honest I did find the first few days hard, but it definitely gets easier, so stick with it.
As to how often to weigh – some people prefer to weigh weekly, as weight can fluctuate up and down over the week, and a “bad” reading can ruin your day.
However I’m like Shrinkme, I jump out of bed in the morning (even at 5.30am) and the first thing I do is weigh myself! I’m finding it encouraging – if I haven’t lost anything over a few days I look at what I’m eating/drinking. I realised at the end of week 2 that I wasn’t drinking enough, increased my fluids and then lost more in week 3. I think you just have to work out what is best for you, – some people have 2 meals a day, others 3 for example.
I think setting mini goals is helpful too, and reward yourself with non-food related things.
Anyway, all the best and I look forward to reading about your successes in future posts 🙂

Maccy……Hi. I know how you are feeling. I felt so like that last year. I thought I was going to die if I did nothing.
So unfit, fat and way over 40…..(63 now) not able to walk very far, getting breathless on exertion, legs and feet swollen and not sleeping very well at night.
Anyway to cut a long story short about a week after I started the ‘BSD way of eating’ I started to feel positive and healthier after a few years just getting through the day.
Plan your meals and your shopping it helps to keep on track.
Please ask on here for help, encouragement and advice. You will do it if you really want to.

Thank you everyone. I’m so encouraged by your fantastic results. I’ve tried every diet going but I loose a bit and end up piling it all back on plus more. Hoping that this time I can break the cycle. I really appreciate your support thank you.

Maccy, if you ever need some moral support or encouragement, don’t hesitate to ask. Stick with this and you’re bound to succeed. I’ve been doing this since the end of August. I lose more slowly than some, but I have formed new eating habits that will stay with me for life, so no piling it all back on afterwards. Plus, I love the food I’m eating, so I don’t feel deprived either. Looking forward to hearing of your progress. Big hugs.

My motto is :

“If you don’t give up, you won’t have to start again”

I was not far off your weight. 5’2″ and 13st 10. Never have admitted my weight to my husband. I am on my 6th week and have lost 20lbs. I am feeling amazing. Watch the sugar videos on youtube….there is one that shows you why you get so hungry. That the sugar and carbs you eat go straight to fat and your body cries out for food to top up the difference. It is a viscous circle.

Crack on. Only you can do it.

I get really hungry sometimes but for some reason I don’t head to the kitchen. Havent eaten anything but my 3 meals a day. I have had between 800 and 1100 calories a day. I never crave any more and I was horrendous. I would sit on the sofa and think I’m not hungry and see my self literally get up and go to the kitchen and stuff my face till I felt sick!!!!

If I can do it anybody can. I carry around an Atkins shake meal replacement which is the lowest in carbs and sugar. So if I get stuck with nothing but bad choices I have that and it takes the edge off.

I am going through a very emotional time at the moment as my Dad is very frail and poorly and won’t last long. Last year I would have stuffed my face, knocked back the wine and smoked and smoked. I gave up smoking 1 Jan 2016. I haven’t had a drink since 31 December 2016 (or rather early hours New Years Day lol).

Don’t let anything stop you. keep on going xxxxx

Well if ever there was a more apt name than On A Mission, I don’t know what it would be. Just wanted to say O-A-M that your post above made me feel all warm and fuzzy – well done for kicking the cigarettes AND the booze (for now) and brilliant that you have lost 20lbs in 5 weeks – that’s amazing. You should feel very proud of yourself and Maccy, take this inspiration and use it, O-A-M is right – you can do this!!!

Hi Maccy,

I’m 37 years old. My starting weight was 17 stone 7.8 pounds and I’m 5’2. I lost 4lbs in the week leading up to the diet just by cutting back carbs and am on Day 8 and am down to 16 stone 6 pounds (so a lost off 15.8lbs). So you can totally do this…
[edited to remove personal info]

Thank you. That Atkins shake idea is a good one. I have a busy job and sometimes have to skip lunch.

Shanshu I’d love to support each other and we’ll done on your loss that’s amazing.

Wow. What a moving story.

You can now change the title of this thread to ” I’m slowly rebuilding myself”, and replace “embarrassed and ashamed” with “confident and proud”.

It is early days for you and you are still establishing your routine, but once you are slowly and steadily losing weight every week, the sense of accomplishment will make you feel fantastic.

Just read your post Maccy. Congratulations in taking step one to a healthier life. Hope your third day is going well. Warm thoughts (not just due to the heat in Melbourne) for your journey. Special best wishes.

Maccy, You have begun the process and that is the most important thing. Good luck and keep coming back to the forums because people are really helpful and supportive.

Maccy, you are far from alone! I am a lot heavier and a lot taller than you and my fasting blood was 12.8 when I was tested 6 weeks ago. Like you I felt sad and hopeless and pretty devastated, to say nothing of ashamed. After doing the BSD since that date, I have lost 30 lbs and my fasting blood glucose is down to 5.9!
I tried and failed at diets in the past, always getting fatter. The T2 diagnosis has given me a real wake up call and I know that I will stick to it until the T2 is reversed completely. You can do the same! Best of luck with it. xx

Update in Fast 800. I’ve lost 12lb. Of course I’ve done enough diets to know that most of that is water and it will slow down but I’m so happy. Blood sugar also down to top end of normal.

Great work Maccy, well done you for getting the hardest bit under your belt. Great start 😊

That’s fantastic Maccy 😊 l

*waves celebratory Pom Poms in the direction of Maccy* – so pleased for you! MKx

Keep it up, Maccy, that’s brilliant! Keep up with the forums – there’s always someone to help and inspire when needed.
Sue

Quick update. ..I’m now starting week 4.

I’m now 20lbs down which I’m so pleased about. This last week though I haven’t shifted really but keeping on.

I suffer with depression and anxiety too so sometimes I struggle and worry if im doing everything I should be….just wish I could lose weight as quick as I can put it on.

Thanks for the support!

Maccy, looks to me like you’re doing amazingly well. If you’re just starting week 4, that means you’ve lost 20 lbs in three weeks. I’ve never managed that. And I bet that at that rate, you’ve lost 20 lbs quicker than you put them on. As the song goes, ‘Accentuate the positives’. Good luck.

Welcome along and good luck, stick with it is it worth it. I would suggest getting the recipe book – Amazon have it. Much better recipes in there than the – theory book and some excellent recipes in there. We had the Chicken – Chorizo and Beans for Saturday special dinner – really nice. Chicken Korma also good. If you are craving Chips – can I suggest Swede Chips -from the oven – a good substitute. We are on week four, basically started as I was touch of 20st and the call to the doctor for my mens MOT – had them all tutting at my blood pressure etc. So four weeks later and I am about to head into the realms of 17st something…. Do not beat yourself up if the calorie count for the day rises a little bit above the suggested total. You can have higher and lwoer days and will still see results – as long as the higher days are not excessive. Weight loss for us has been quicker to begin with but started to lcow down now, need to get the exercise aspect going properly….. Good Luck