Feeling terrible because of huge weight gain - Diet & Nutrition Message Board

lauripops · 12-09-2008, 02:30 AM

Hi,
Im new to these boards, this post is a mixture of Diet, Depression and Heart problems, but thought it best to post here. Sorry this post is long, but I just really need some help.

In July I had pneumonia which left me in hospital with a damaged heart. I am still undergoing treatment for my heart, and I am virtually housebound as my heart condition means I cannot do 'normal' things like walking more than 20 metres etc.
Before my illness, I was in ok shape, around 10stone, perfectly happy with my figure, and I led an active lifestyle, and was the Supervisor of a busy high street store, running around on my feet all day!
Basically, I know my health is the most important thing, and Im sure it seems odd for me to be so upset over gaining weight, when I am so ill, but I am so so depressed.
I had depression since I was 14, Im now 23, and at times It was really serious. Over the past 5 months it has gotten worse and worse,but I cannot take any medication as it can make my heart condition worse.
I cant bear to weigh myself, I wear baggy clothes as nothing fits any more, but the worse by far is that my body is covered in stretch marks. I feel so disgusting.
I try not to eat carbs as I know Im not using the energy to burn them of, and I eat smaller portions and try and be 'healthy' when it comes to food.
I just dont know what to do. If I get better, I may be able to lose the weight, but I will be so scarred by the stretch marks, I will be permanently scarrred.
Has anyone else been in this situation? What can I do? My doctor cant help, she doesnt seem interested. I hate myself. People dont recognise me anymore because I look so terrible.
Im so low I am finding it hard to cope.
Please help

L xx

css1 · 12-09-2008, 02:45 AM

well, first off

at the very old age of 23, lol, normal skin and stretch marks are not a reality, it is understandable too worry about it, cause it is a visual thing, and if u worked in a store, sounds like youre mode of seeing life is very visual

so, it's like your mind is playing some tricks, your not busy at all doing anything, so the mind wanders, and since u r visual u see pictures, and like most we think about the future, and u see some pictures that are just yuck

maybe visualize yourself, doing some forced meditation of you moving moving moving moving and grooving, maybe dancing if u like that, or hitting golf balls, or whatever, some action oriented visual thing you're passionate about

and maybe, just maybe, that will help motivate u too go 30 steps and then 40 and then 50

it sounds like once you get back moving you will be back on track, this down time is just crappy

i don't know nudding about damaged hearts except the broken dreams and lost love types, so i'm a clueless person on any advice about that

wish u well

lauripops · 12-09-2008, 03:22 AM

Thankyou x that really hits home, I really do have nothing to do except worry! Positive thinking needed methinks x

I think I should add, Im not after a diet, I need some advice on what to eat during illness, when you are housebound. What to avoid, health promoting foods etc.

janewhite1 · 12-09-2008, 11:28 AM

As a general idea? If I were you, I would stick with lots of vegetables. You need the vitamins and minerals to restore your health, and they're low in calories. Pretty much all veggies, including leafy greens, celery, carrots, broccoli, onions, bell peppers, and others. If you eat them raw, they can help fill you up. Add in some nuts or lean chicken or tunafish or something for protein, and it can be a whole meal. The unsaturated fats found in nuts and fish can help both heart health and mental health, too.

The treatment for your heart condition--is there going to be any exercise involved? Or are your activity restrictions permanent?

I know how rough it can be getting stuck inside for a long time. Good luck with your recovery. Meanwhile, you might want to look into counseling. Are there people nearby you can depend on?