Trying to be honest about my weight/weight loss journey

CraftyCyborg

2557

My weights gone up and down over the last 14 years or so, thanks to some serious medical issues. I’ve now been on low dose steroids for a decade to control my autoimmune issues a bit better. After a few years on the steroids, I was up to 195lbs. I’m only 5’3”, I looked fucking 8 months pregnant and hated it. I pledged to lose the weight.

It’s been very slow and steady ever since. At my new-lowest, I’d gotten down to 149lbs. (That took close to 4 years.) Then I gained back 5lbs right before lockdowns. I actually posted about staying accountable during losing the weight two or so weeks ago. I *thought* I was 160 lbs currently.

Yeah, no. I’ve packed it on during Covid. I’m back up to 169lbs and deeply upset with myself. But I’m holding to my promise to myself and being honest. Then I feel like I need to stick to my diet for more than just myself, if that makes any sense. People are watching and all that.

I realized I used to go mall walking multiple times per week (I use crutches, malls are safe and flat) but thanks to Covid, that’s no more. So instead I’ve dusted off my exercise bike and I’m trying to ride at least 5x per week.

I’ve also set myself a strict daily limit of 1,500 calories. I’m short, female, low activity in general, and have a shitty metabolism thanks to steroids, so this is a good, healthy number for slow and steady weight loss. I’m even counting calories now and measuring my food- no more lying to myself!

A question for Imgurians who work out- I don’t own hand weights. As my disorder causes muscle atrophy, I was using 1lb cans of soup as weights earlier. But holding them is tough and I sometimes drop them.

I came across this style while perusing options on Amazon. I love the idea- I can’t drop them! But the 1 pounders (each) only come from crazy pricey brands. If I was using a bit over 1 lb held in my hand, would it likely be okay to jump to 2 lbs each if I got this kind? Or should I cough up the extra $18 for the 1 lb option?

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Merlin1179

You’re about 105 lbs lighter than me, if that makes you feel any better.

5 years ago |

checkyesjewliet

Your highest is my goal weight. Eat healthy and focus on making a lifestyle change not the number.

If I only focus on that, it’s very easy to gain weight. I have to eat 300-500 cal less than most adults due to my botched metabolism. So it

has to be a numbers game for me. I was focusing on healthy eating when I gained the last 8lbs, for example.

whotookbearyawesome

169 Nice.

Thank you for bringing some humor to something that’s got me depressed. (Also, without this add on, my reply was 69 characters.)

carltondance

Nice

Hardestpartisfindingausernamethatisnttaken2

Conveniently nice as well

The 1lb to 2lb question is tough to answer without knowing your specific case but generally that should be fine. You could look at >>

>> ankle weights instead as they don't have the thumb loops but would work as wrist weights as they strap up the same way; maybe cheaper?

I actually have adjustable ankle weights but they’re made from a rougher fabric. I have CRPS which means that rough fabric feels awful. Plus

I like that these wrist ones, which are neoprene, have a thumb hole. Less movement = less allodynia-induced pain. In other words, fuck CRPS.

Ah, definitely will need the neoprene ones then! CRPS sounds like a rough deal....

It’s literally ranked as the most painful non-terminal illness. (It’s classed as “life limiting”.) I’m working on a post about living w/ it.

dart223

I am 5'3" and at that exact weight now too after two surgeries and staying in this year. You got this.

I’m about to have neurosurgery if things go according to plan. I’m worried about gaining weight after- I’ll be in a neck brace for 3 months.

For me its the lack of movement in winter. In spring I can go outside easier. 3 months ? Oh damn poor thing

I’m actually excited about it. I’m getting a second SCS which is a device to reduce pain. But you can’t move the area of spine it’s in for 3

months or the electrical wires can move out of position. That means another surgery. After 3 months the scar tissue holds the wires in place

But for me this is surgery #11, so I’m rather used to the routine of recovery by now. I almost always gain weight, hence my concern.

Cabreza

Depends how hard those 1lb weights were. If you aren't struggling to get through your routine 2lb is a good step up.

That’s where I’m confused. It was a bit tough towards the end of sets but I’m wondering how much of that was just the issue of gripping it.

When your grip is messed up, just holding on to something can increase the difficulty.

It sounds like you can probably do 2lb. Good rule of thumb is that if your muscles aren't shaking near the end you have more to give.

Though I'll qualify that by saying I primarily do isometric holds/routines.

Thanks!! It’s hard to discuss this with anyone around me- none of them are gym rats, lol. Your perspective is very much appreciated.

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