Metabolism is messed up...

[g001]

A few days ago there was a post on Starvation and how the body functions when it recognizes the food has been shut down. I had this experience from an emergency surgery due to a hole in my stomach caused by taking Motrin for Chronic pain due to some physical issues. Since this was a major problem which I had a premonition about, I didn't know if I would make it through the experience. What happened was something I certainly didn't expect. To save my life I was put on a 2000 calorie IV called a Milk Shake, it put 20 pounds on me in the nearly two weeks I was laying in the hospital room. I also went home from the hospital on oxygen and with very high blood pressure and at a woping 200 pounds. Since I didn't have an appetite, I thought the weight would not be an issue because my eating was cut down to practically nothing for so long. Boy, was I wrong, I didn't have a clue how this really works.

It has been two years and guess what, I still have the 20 pounds. Medication has got my blood pressure down, and breathing came back to normal... so my doctor has let me join a gym. Water exercise seems to be really comfortable for me, I'm doing an hour in the power water class plus I'm walking on the treadmill for 25 to 30 minutes and doing a few minutes on the bike. My doctor has not approved the treadmill and the bike but I do feel like I have worked up to doing this. Still, my weight is not falling very fast. I was told I needed to eat more that I am going to long without food. I have found a friend from this list who has given me some suggestions which I am going to assimilate into my lifestyle. Since I am 61 years young now, with some health challenges I am probably not going to be taking this on with the same vigor that most of you reflect. Still, I know I have to get a handle on this. My husband and I have a lot of living left in us, we love to travel and participate in life.

I am wanting to learn about this metablolism issue. Before all of this happened I use to walk 30 minutes on my treadmill everyday. It seemed to help me maintain my body at least in the condition where I could get around. I did notice that gaining a pound a year seemed to be what had taken over no matter what I did.

Now I have to pay attention to so many things going on inside. Health, fitness and attitude are all tied together, no question about it. I refuse to sit in the chair and watch television. It just isn't me. Thank you for your help. g001

[JoshDunn]

My advice would be to find an exercise physiologist in your area and with the EP working with your doctor you will get a specific and medically safe program and supervision for your journey.

I'd be careful before just starting something that someone may post. It could be a good program but might not be suitable for your exact needs. Last thing you want is to do something that will force you to act like an old person.

[BFG]

OK exercise aside as per Josh I would work with a professional hands on on that because of your health issues but use the exercise for fitness not for fat loss.

I would say we need to get a better grip on what you are eating and when (and drinking for that matter too).

It would help if you put up a sample days eating ie times and food etc. and we can then get an idea for your food preferences

As you say irregular or sporadic food intake isnt going to help your metabolism at all. Small and often is the way to go. But knowing your nutritional intake for the day is the key to success, tools like www.fitday.com or www.calorieking.com really help you start to understand this.

So post away, list down any intolerances or food preferences you have Im sure we can help you get that 20lbs shifted within 6 months tops but you are gonna need to be strict.

[I. Kay]

Is resistance training (i.e. weights) out for now because of the blood pressure issue? If not, it could be a helpful component.

Josh and Steve are right: it would help if you (and we) had a more specific picture of what you eat now.

Keep this in mind though: Metabolism is a very tricky, scientific thing, blah blah blah, when it comes down to the details. However, eating and exercising to get it headed in the right direction doesn't have to be! I doubt you or I have any intention of passing a written exam on the nitty-gritty of metabolism. But we both would like to get a grip on it in day-to-day life.

In other words, get a plan down, give it time and don't worry too much (which is a common problem).

[rookie]

g001. Welcome to the forums. Browse, read and participate. Look forward to seeing you here more often.

Fitday is a wonderful tool for tracking what you eat. Most people are amazed at how their day breaks down when they first start. Don't put it off.

Also, I have found The Metabolism Advantage to be very helpful and informative.

[Lisa~]

Originally Posted by rookie

Also, I have found The Metabolism Advantage to be very helpful and informative.

My thoughts exactly Rookie. I think this inexpensive and clearly written book, The Metabolism Advantage, would contain just the information you're seeking.

[cappuccino]

Welcome, G!