Overweight Celiacs

[Guest Robbin]

Nicole, that chair problem will undo any good you accomplish with the exercise. Think about how many hours you are subjected to that awkward position. The company better get on the stick with that replacement or occupational injury will cost them $$ from the workman's comp. claim you will have if this keeps up. ---Can you tell I had a similar problem before? lol. I got a lumbar support cushion from the chiro that was just the thing I needed. Everyone wanted a cushion after I got one You could check with a chiropractor or online for a lumbar support cushion that fits on the back of the chair, but the height issue will have to be addressed with another chair or the stress on your knees and back will only cause bigger problems. Good luck with that safety lady.

[MtLady]

Interestingly enough the physical therapist used a "TENSs unit" on my knee and back today.. Both are so much better right now.. How long will it last???? It sounds like I might be able to purchase one???

But I've been so tired since I got home .. feel like I'd been hit by a truck????? I must be getting some glutin somewhere..The fybromyalgia seems to have a life of it's own these days..

Good thing this is not all there is to my life..

Can't tell you how glad I am to have you posting on this forum.. Thanks! MtLady

[tarnalberry]

yep, they use those TENS units a lot at physical therapy, and that's why I got mine - it was helping there. it'll probably last until you do anything strenuous with it, unfortunately, but it helps bring down some of the inflammation, so it's worth it. I acutally have an NMES/TENS, which can do two modalities for an additional purpose, so I don't know how much a straight TENS would cost - and you can get very portable ones, they're not much bigger than iPods, acutally - but they may run on the order of $200-$300 for a decent one.

as for the chair... I'm a software engineer, and I sit for eight (or ten, or twelve) hours a day in front of a computer - with my back problems (sacroiliac joints and tailbone), regular chairs were a nightmare, so I brought in what I used in college and use at home a lot - an exercise ball. I went through some trouble to get it approved at work (needed a note from my ortho and my PT - both of whom were very supportive of using such a thing to sit on), but I've used one for years, and they're fabulous.

[queenofhearts]

yep, they use those TENS units a lot at physical therapy, and that's why I got mine - it was helping there. it'll probably last until you do anything strenuous with it, unfortunately, but it helps bring down some of the inflammation, so it's worth it. I acutally have an NMES/TENS, which can do two modalities for an additional purpose, so I don't know how much a straight TENS would cost - and you can get very portable ones, they're not much bigger than iPods, acutally - but they may run on the order of $200-$300 for a decent one.

as for the chair... I'm a software engineer, and I sit for eight (or ten, or twelve) hours a day in front of a computer - with my back problems (sacroiliac joints and tailbone), regular chairs were a nightmare, so I brought in what I used in college and use at home a lot - an exercise ball. I went through some trouble to get it approved at work (needed a note from my ortho and my PT - both of whom were very supportive of using such a thing to sit on), but I've used one for years, and they're fabulous.

I've done the physioball chair too-- it's great when I have to work at the computer for a long time at a stretch. It's amazingly helpful! Much cheaper than those prescription chairs too! I work at home so only had to take some ribbing from my DH & kids...

Leah

[mylady4]

yep, they use those TENS units a lot at physical therapy, and that's why I got mine - it was helping there. it'll probably last until you do anything strenuous with it, unfortunately, but it helps bring down some of the inflammation, so it's worth it. I acutally have an NMES/TENS, which can do two modalities for an additional purpose, so I don't know how much a straight TENS would cost - and you can get very portable ones, they're not much bigger than iPods, acutally - but they may run on the order of $200-$300 for a decent one.

as for the chair... I'm a software engineer, and I sit for eight (or ten, or twelve) hours a day in front of a computer - with my back problems (sacroiliac joints and tailbone), regular chairs were a nightmare, so I brought in what I used in college and use at home a lot - an exercise ball. I went through some trouble to get it approved at work (needed a note from my ortho and my PT - both of whom were very supportive of using such a thing to sit on), but I've used one for years, and they're fabulous.

I want the same thing. My hips and lower back are killing me today and the first thing I have did was to go and get one of my fitness balls and sit on them this morning and it did seem to help. I know that this would not be an option in my current position. I work on a small room with a couple of other people and the ball would be in the way to much and a safety hazard.

Nicole

[MtLady]

The TENS unit has made a difference in my knee.. It doesn't hurt nearly as much.. I'm encouraged.. I see the PT tomorrow and I'll see if I can get one..She also uses the duel modality.. I'm going to ask her to use it on my SI and see if that also helps.. If so, it would be a wonderful answer for me..

I loaned my exercise bike to a man who had open heart surgery .. It came back this afternoon.. and I spent a few minutes on it.. Have to watch that I don't overdo on it ..as it can make my SI worse..

I'm very encouraged this evening.. Now, I need to get my diet back on track and see if I can get some of this excess weight off..( about 60lbs..YI!!!) Will start with 10.. HELP!!!I probably need to rotate too but I haven't a clue how to go about that.. Breakfast?? What does one eat??? ..if we don't eat some sort of grains???( I dont mean gluten.. I've been gluten free for four years.).. but ..somehow veggies for bkfst??? Anyone want to share their food plan with me/??

You are so appreciated.. Blessings MtLady

[plantime]

For breakfast, I like to eat the previous night's leftovers. I think advertisers and cereal manufacturers are the ones that decided we had to eat cereal for breakfast! I enjoy a good steak and baked potato any time of day!

I have an appointment to see my doctor in August, so I will be asking her for a prescription for a TENS unit then. Since I had to have pt, maybe my insurance will help cover some of the cost of one.

[scrunt]

Hallo, I'm new to this board and to this thread.

I've found my greatest issue with trying to lose weight are my cravings for sugar and my level of energy. No matter what I eat, I get tired. I get tired, I crave sugar. I eat sugar, I get a bit of energy, but usually just to digest the food I've just eaten. Repeat.

I've been concerned about PCOS in the past while, and am undergoing some investigation to find out exactly what on earth is going on down there. If it is PCOS, my weight gain could have been understandable, because of my cravings for sugar and mild insulin dependence because of eating that sugar. With that being said, I've heard that the only way to get rid of the weight is to do at least 40 minutes of exercise a day - every day. That exercise actually controls the hormone levels in your body and allows your body to combat the insulin dependence.

I wouldn't be surprised if I have PCOS, because it has been really really difficult for me to lose weight. Sure, stay away from junk foods is one thing, but I've found that eating sugars,and craving sweets, has gone hand-in-hand with my gluten intolerance. I guess the light at the end of the tunnel is that I'm craving less sweets; hopefully in a while all those cravings will go away.

And if anyone has ever told you that they are on a gluten-free diet so can't eat junkfood hasn't done enough investigation! I'm able to find pretty much whatever I want to eat, with it being gluten-free. :-) Where there is a will there is a way, I guess?

Ive been gluten free for 9 weeks now. I haven't been tested for celic disease, not sure i even have it. i thought i would try not eating gluten to see if my gut feels better. I have fybromyalgia and with that people can have problems with gluten.

I havent had a problem going gluten free. I just have to make better choices on the foods i eat and less junk food. gluten free is easy compare to cutting out sugars, fats or junk foods.

I went to my doctor cause my gut was still bugging me and i needed a little input. (I've had the same Doc for 25yrs.) he told me i have a ulser and gave me some pepcid samples to see if it helps. he also told me i lost 11lbs. (i was about 220 or 80 lbs over weight) i dont look like i lost an ounce. if i really have lost weight then i finally found a way to lose weight. i've tried eating less or just eating less junk with no luck at all. so for now im gluten free for 70 more pounds.

If anyone has problems with food cravings. I've have really good luck with accupuncture. works with any kind of cravings.

Hey - I'm new here too, but have been on a gluten-free diet since October of 2005.

It can take a long, long time to heal your gut - 9 weeks isn't long enough if you are truly gluten-free to see if it is doing you good after all.

The food cravings, I've found, tend to diminish the more that you get into your diet.

//I havent had a problem with going gluten free//

Ah, are you sure your diet is completely gluten free? No thickeners in soups, no unidentified starches, etc? I found gluten-free to be terribly difficult, not for the omission of breads and pastas, but for the omission of the little things that are hidden in packaged, especially health, foods.

[MtLady]

For breakfast, I like to eat the previous night's leftovers. I think advertisers and cereal manufacturers are the ones that decided we had to eat cereal for breakfast! I enjoy a good steak and baked potato any time of day!

I have an appointment to see my doctor in August, so I will be asking her for a prescription for a TENS unit then. Since I had to have pt, maybe my insurance will help cover some of the cost of one.

Thanks Dessa, I'll also ask my GP for a prescription. I'm on Medicare and I'm finding that it helps with a lot of these items..

Also thanks for telling me about eating left overs.. Duh!!! You are right, I was in the "gotta have eggs and bacon" mode..

I miss my oatmeal!!!! Whine and cry!!

My knee woke me up a little while ago..major pain.. So.. I guess the effect of the TENS unit did wear off.. It's hard not to be discouraged..However time in the Word helps. (It's still the best medicine I've found for any of my ailments.).

Something my PT told me is that the bags, filled with rice, buckwheat, or what ever..(that heat up in the micro wave) can be used as "moist heat".. I thought I'd pass that on..as it really feels good on a sore spot..

Blessings, MtLady

[plantime]

Prayer works wonders when the pain is overwhelming.

[MtLady]

Prayer works wonders when the pain is overwhelming.

Yes, He works when I let HIM!!

I just discovered that a pill I've been taking daily for "joint health" doesn't say "gluten free".. only "wheat free" I've got a call iinto the company..I'm hoping that maybe this is the culpret.. I have to be getting gluten somewhere.. The only problem is..I think I was feeling bad prior to taking it.. And I was under the impression that I had checked it out.. I usually do..

My PT used the TENs unit again today and I have some relief..

` Thanking the Lord and looking for the blessings in my life.. So many! MtLady..

[plantime]

What are you taking for your joint health? Many of them are gluten-free, using rice and corn for their bases, or plant cellulose. Something I have noticed and am wondering about is that since I started the strengthening exercises for my upper back and chest, my buxom has gotten larger! I have increased almost an entire cup size, while the rest of me is getting skinnier. Is this because of the exercises? I am not understanding how it could be possible, but after a lifetime of being flat-chested (except when pregnant!), it is quite shocking!

And no, I am not pregnant!

[penguin]

I am not understanding how it could be possible, but after a lifetime of being flat-chested (except when pregnant!), it is quite shocking!

Thank the Good Lord and don't ask questions!

I'm guessing it's the exercises and/or being gluten-free regulating your hormones.

[evie]

Thank the Good Lord and don't ask questions!

I'm guessing it's the exercises and/or being gluten-free regulating your hormones.

Hello all; I am new here, just found this thread...very interesting!! Some may think I do not need your help but am sure some have been in same boat at sometime. I have been dx'd about 6 months and trying to be gluten free. Just before dx (gluten free) and awhile after I had so much 'D' I lost nearly 30 pounds, last few months I have been gaining some of that back. I got on the scales today and found I had reached my goal, plus 1 pound. I have fibromyalgia (many years), back problems but do some walking. Tried ex. bike but hurt my back, this time of year is when I have problems outside because of allergies so cuts down on my walks. Just now am having bladder infection + sinus problems..probably caused from pollen allergies, have to be taking antibiotics for 10 days for those, anyway I am interested in help to keep me from gaining any more weight. I also plan to take acidophilus to keep down other problems, just hope does not upset my stomach.

I am so happy for many of you who have been successful in losing weight!! I am 5'4" and would like to stay @ 140 pounds if can. I still have some tummy problems and seem to cope with them by keeping it full. I was amazed when I found how high calorie gluten free grains are. I also have done some baking but I suppose I should limit that subbing. I do like the alternate grains for breakfast along with protein. My energy got almost non existent while I was so sick and just a little of it has come back. Like ChelsE said "thank the Good Lord" and just be glad I do not have more serious problems! Wondering about the hormone thing, my Dr. is not very well up on celiac. I do know thryoid gland has a lot to do with celiac problems, mine has been low a long time and needs to be upped more than 1 time per year.

Will be thinking about the rest of you here and hoping for the best for all. Have a good day. evie

[azmom3]

A couple tips that helped me....

Keep a health journal and plan ahead. If you can plan a week at a time, that's best. Write down what you'll eat and when as well as what exercise you'll do and when. You can get all your groceries for the week, do all your chopping, etc. to have things ready for the whole week. We would even grill up a week's worth of meat, portion it out and freeze in individual bags to be taken out and thrown in a salad or microwaved. Have your journal somewhere handy...mine was kept next to our water cooler on the kitchen counter. I would try to eat as close to what and when my journal stated and note next to it what you actually had and when. I also made a tick mark for each 8 oz. glass of water I had...really helps in trying to hydrate yourself and getting at least 8 glasses a day, if not more.

Another section in my journal that really helped me was writing down my emotions/thoughts every time I ate. I realized that I ate not only when I was hungry, but when I was bored, tired, had a headache, angry, stressed, etc. I realized after a week or so, that every day around 1pm, all I could think about was how tired I was and I tended to eat more at that time. Knowing this, I would either take a little nap, drink extra water the hour or so prior to this, make this my favorite meal of the day, be out of the house, go to the gym, etc.....something to change the pattern I was in.

I would track everything. Whether you use a scale, the way your clothes fit, how you feel...it doesn't really matter, but track this somehow in your journal so you can gage how you're doing. I did a weigh-in a once a week as well as measured my inches once a week. I know not everyone would agree with doing it this way, but it's what worked for me. My goal was to feel better and be healthier, not a specific weight, but it helped me to see I was at least making progress in a way that was measurable. (I hope that makes sense.)

Also, in big letters at the top of each page I had the following quote..."Eat to live, don't live to eat." Every time I would eat, I would think about this and it made me appreciate whatever I was eating that much more. I just thought of it as fuel for my body to have the energy to do everything. I also thought about all the people who go hungry and how much they'd appreciate what I was eating. Then, I felt a little selfish wanting something different or a larger portion.

Find anything that will motivate you....watch the Rocky movies (his exercise regimen), Forrest Gump (the running scene), a new work out video or any inspirational movie about someone overcoming great odds to accomplish something huge. One of my big motivations was my little brother. He was born with cystic fibrosis, but never let it get in his way of accomplishing anything and everything he wanted. At the age of 7 or 8, he ran his firtst 10K race and completed it in 54 minutes. He went on to play basketball, baseball, and golf. He made the all star team for baseball, despite being 1/2 the size of almost every kid on the team. He made the varsity golf team his freshman year in college. He even beat Randy Johnson (yes, the major league pitcher) in a putting contest once. Three weeks before his 21st birthday, he was hospitalized and in intensive care for several weeks due to his disease. He was given almost no chance of survival. We told him we weren't ready for him to go yet and could he please give us one more year to do all the things that we had talked about doing. He gave us almost one year exactly before he passed away. Through all this, I don't remember ever hearing him complain or making an excuse. Whenever I would get on the treadmill and feel like stopping, I would think of him and keep going. If he could do it with severe health issues, I should be able to do it through a little fatigue and aches and pains. I would feel guilty for making the excuses. Find your motivatioin and think about it during your tough times when you don't think you can do it. It's amazing how it can get you through it. Good luck!

[Carriefaith]

This is our weightloss thread. If you have any tips, encouragement, or need to tlak about the struggle to be glutenfree and lose weight, this is the thread to post on.

My advice is to eat less carbohydrates (rice, potatoes, corn) and more vegetables and lean protein.

[azmom3]

DO YOU NEED SOMETHING TO MOTIVATE YOU AND INSPIRE YOU? GOOGLE "CAN WORLD'S STRONGEST DAD" AND CLICK ON THE FIRST ONE YOU SEE. THERE IS A STORY AND VIDEOCLIP THAT WILL GIVE YOU GOOSEBUMPS AND MAYBE A FEW TEARS. IT IS PROBABLY THE BEST STORY I'VE EVER HEARD....TRULY AMAZING...WHAT A DAD WILL DO FOR HIS CHILD AND VISA VERSA. YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED! I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO ANYTHING RIGHT NOW.

[evie]

For anyone interested in yoga, I *highly* recommend finding a teacher (at a studio, in someone's home, at a gym, at a community center, somewhere!) who can work with you. If money is a proble, do one class a month - $15 a month isn't a huge outlay. The thing is, a tape cannot look at you and correct your form. You *can* hurt yourself doing yoga. You *can* hurt yourself fairly badly. Please do look into working with a teacher. It looks relatively straightforward, but after five years of practice, and starting to train to become a teacher, I can tell you that it is not that simple.

I've known too many people to get hurt getting into the practice not taking it seriously. It is a wonderful exercise, a wonderful practice, and can be a wonderful addition to life, but it isn't 'just any ol' thang'.

Earlier you said you would not reccomend a tread mill for exercise, I am wondering what the reason is? Do you think people move too fast on it or could lose their balance? I was thinking about getting started on ours

in order to keep the pounds from coming back on, do not want to gain back the rest of what i lost, do not need it, am about right now for this age, would be keeping just a bit extra in case of more D. The price of gas keeps me from going to exercise place and hae not gotten that much energy yet.

Sure am pleased at all the people taking of pounds, know they are too and will take away some of the possible health problems later. I had many aunts who were way overweight so I have this pic in my mind of where I do not want to be. Good luck to all of you/ weight loss and gluten free!! evie

[tarnalberry]

Earlier you said you would not reccomend a tread mill for exercise, I am wondering what the reason is? Do you think people move too fast on it or could lose their balance? I was thinking about getting started on ours

in order to keep the pounds from coming back on, do not want to gain back the rest of what i lost, do not need it, am about right now for this age, would be keeping just a bit extra in case of more D. The price of gas keeps me from going to exercise place and hae not gotten that much energy yet.

Sure am pleased at all the people taking of pounds, know they are too and will take away some of the possible health problems later. I had many aunts who were way overweight so I have this pic in my mind of where I do not want to be. Good luck to all of you/ weight loss and gluten free!! evie

Hmm... I don't remember saying I wouldn't recommend a treadmill for exercise... If I did say something that implied that, I didn't mean to. I wouldn't recommend it for someone with bad knees, feet, or back problems who couldn't find a good way to work around them. I think a treadmill can be beneficial, but I would encourage people to not rely upon it as their only exercise. Cross training is important not only since it improves weight loss, but also because it helps reduce the risk of injury and improves the overall rate of conditioning without getting boring or repetitious. But whatever you can do regularly is the best bet.

BTW, something I've learned over the past month - hiking is *very* good for getting off pounds (or body fat, if you're at a good weight and eating as much as you're burning) and resculpting. I didn't expect the results I've seen, honestly. I know many of you aren't interested in the sort of hiking I've been doing - and I don't blame you; it's not for everyone. But I encourage you to make heavy use of the incline on those treadmills if you go that route. Helps build muscle and burn significantly more calories than walking on a flat surface. (Also takes a lot more work - so increase slowly and slow down that pace until you're up for more! )

[plantime]

My only problem with treadmills and gazelles is that they promote tendonitis and plantar fasciitis if you do not stretch very well before, during, and after your workout.

[jerseyangel]

I have a treadmill, and it works really well for me. I feel more comfortable doing my excercise at home. In addition, I have a Pilates machine here, too.

I think what works well for one person, for whatever reason, may not be right for another.

I say find what fits into your life and abilities, and do it!

[tarnalberry]

I say find what fits into your life and abilities, and do it!

That is the single best piece of exercise advice ever.

(Followed closely by "If it hurts, stop doing it." )

[mylady4]

I so agree with tarnalberry and stretch, stretch, stretch. I used a treadmill and a bike in the summer to lose 75 pounds. Where I got into trouble is when I started running on it (bad bad idea). I can jog outside but not on a treadmill. I am also battling Sacroiliac joint inflammation and that sucks. It is a great way to start just to do not push yourself too hard and have fun.

Nicole

[myserenityprayer]

Thanks, Tiffany. I'm kind of afraid of overworking my heart, too. I mean, hell, my ferritin is down to 4 (taken a week ago)! I don't tolerate supplements so the dr. told me to eat lots of iron containing foods and to retest in 6 weeks, and we'll go from there. Basically, that makes me a carnivore for the next few weeks. Steak with oj and lots of it! Since I'm on a gluten challege, I'm eating cream of wheat and raisin bran as well. Pre-gluten-free that used to help me get back up to approaching normal. I would eat spinach, but it's non heme and also inhibits iron absorption.

I've done hatha yoga before and really liked it, maybe I'll look into that. Yoga centers are more plentiful than even starbucks here, and yet they still manage to be really expensive

Yoga has changed my life. It not only eases my anxiety but has helped out a lot with my constant backaches and joint pain. I love to adapt the breathing exercises I learn with my videos (I can't afford to take a class but will as soon as I have some extra cash) when I feel super anxious or a panic attack coming on. It really helps alot. Also- if you have IO Digital cabel (it might just be a NY metro area thing) they have a free on demand channel where they have a "Mag Rack" free on demand channel which offers a TON of free exercise videos including different kinds of yoga and pilates.

[tarnalberry]

I love to adapt the breathing exercises I learn with my videos (I can't afford to take a class but will as soon as I have some extra cash) when I feel super anxious or a panic attack coming on. It really helps alot.

I use pranayama in my daily life all the time! When I'm stressed out at work, of course, or having trouble getting to sleep. But also, for instance, when I was being stitched up after getting smacked in the face by a tree (the plastic surgeon even commented "practicing a little pranayama, eh?", and when hiking when things get challenging - or scary (heights, dark, noises).