The Tonight Programme

[barry1010]

About sugar. I have cried all the way through it because I have been there and still struggle every day. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes after a lifetime of diets and obesity. Lost 8 stone, reversed diabetes and fight constantly to keep the weight off. I feel that nobody around me really understands just how bloody hard it is and how frightened I am of putting the weight on - again. Over the years I've lost 4 stone, 5 stone, 6 stone... And put it on again.
I'm at the age where I really can't put that weight on again, for the sake of my own health and to keep up with my responsibilities.
I think the big problem is that I don't know anyone that has lost such a lot of weight and has kept it off. If you are that person I would love to hear from you for mutual support and understanding. Also advice on how to cope with the excess skin. I need to live with it, not chop it off.
Is there anyone out there like me?

[eleanor2]

Barry, just to say what you’ve done is incredible!
I’m not that person you need that’s gone through what you have, there must be support groups somewhere online though. What I can tell you is, I was told I was pre diabetic pre lockdown, I’ve tried sorting it myself through diet, you’re right, extremely hard. I’m about to have blood tests (tomorrow) to rule out diabetes. I have got a lot of the symptoms, I’m hoping I’m not. But you’ve done amazingly, best wishes to you.

[granny grump]

Hi Barry I have dieted my whole life - being put on slimming tablets at primary school. Like you I have lost 6/7 stone over and over again. I have got to an age where I don't have the luxury of losing the weight and reaping the benefits of the loss - so I have decided this is it This time I am losing it and keeping it off. I have lost 61/2 stone and kept it off for 18months. I have 11 grand children and 22 (soon to be 23 ) great-grand children and I want to be able to play and get involved with them. I have done it with Slimming World and I can't recommend it enough. I have done all the diets in the past and yes they all work - if you stick them. It all depends on the calibre of the group leader but it has certainly worked for me. I am by no means an ideal weight but I am happy with my weight and can deal with everyday life. Good luck and happy to give you any support on here

[eleanor2]

I didn’t watch this programme Barry. Can I ask either of you if you suffered leg cramps?

[eleanor2]

Thinking neuropathy.

[Buenchico]

The NHS website has a link to a support forum on HealthUnlocked. (I'm a member of HealthUnlocked myself - but not that particular forum though). Perhaps you might find people like yourself there?
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/keep-weight-off/

[ummmm]

Don't think of it as a diet. Everything we eat and drink is our diet. Think of it it as a change in lifestyle....forever.

Can I ask you how old you are, Barry?

[seekeerz]

Have to agree absolutely with ummmm here - find the eating plan which suits you best and stick with it - this will be your ‘diet’ for life.
But most of all you need to have the support of family/friends to help you stick with it.
Are you able to exercise?
I’m type 2, but due to knackered knees find walking difficult I love swimming but that’s been out lately.
Good luck :)

[pastafreak]

I was just thinking exactly what ummmm has written.
"Diet" is what you eat, and what you eat has to be a life style, not something that is done for a while to lose some weight and then back to "normal" eating.
I'd recommend low carb, but I know you've said it's not worked for you. It won't if you still think about, and crave bread. Getting rid of those cravings can be a huge battle as the brain keeps reminding us how nice some foods are.
May I recommend the books of Jason Fung...he's a doctor who has both written extensively about diabetes and has treated many patients. Also Dr Bernstein, a type 1 who has written about keeping blood sugar in normal ranges.

[ummmm]

Food doesn't have to be boring.

Tomorrow I'm having sea bass with a char grilled pineapple salsa, a few new spuds and tender stem broccoli. Once I've chopped the salsa it's a 10 minute meal.

[Fairlight]

My mouth is watering already ummmm :)

[Sqad]

earlenor2

/////Thinking neuropathy.///

Then don't think it.

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy is a complication of poorly controlled blood sugar in Diabetes.

[Sqad]

I agree with the three contributors above who have commented on "diet".
Last night's programme was about refined sugar and not about carbohydrates per se.
If you're fat....your fat and always will be for a variety of reasons.
Are you going to spend the rest of your life worrying about a plate of fish and chips or the odd packet of crisps?
If so, that is your choice.

[pastafreak]

Once carbohydrates get into the body, they are converted to sugar. It doesn't matter much where sugar comes from, it's still sugar. Yes, added sugar is bad, but there are plenty of foods with very high amounts of equally damaging natural sugars. So anyone concerned about how much sugar they ingest, needs to learn to read labels and do a bit of research. I'd rather do that than take medication forevermore for a condition that can quite possibly be controlled by diet.

[barry1010]

Thanks all, feeling not so down this morning.
I put on weight very easily and as soon as I put on as much as half a stone my glucose levels shoot up.

I've kept the weight off for three years by eating a very restricted but varied diet - restricted in the sense I eat only 2 slices of bread every 10 days, that is all the bread I eat. I eat porridge every morning and still enjoy it. A huge salad with protein (fish, meat or poultry) and no carbs every day except when I have the sandwich. A dinner with lots of veg, protein and limited amount of carbs. One portion of fruit a day. That's it. I really enjoy the food I eat and accept that this is it for life.

Granny grump , no slimming club would accept me as I am within my 'normal' weight range although I did lose weight with WW years ago and found them supportive.

Thanks for the link, buenchico, looks interesting. Will investigate properly.

I do exercise every day and have just bought a cross trainer so that should help immensely. I do a form of yoga to help me keep flexible.

Seekers, you've made me realise how incredibly lucky I am. Despite carrying so much weight for so many years my joints are fine, no aches or pains in that respect. I've got off lightly.

Thanks for the book recommendations, pasta - I will investigate those, too.

My diabetes nurse is incredibly supportive and tells me I am her best success story but she cannot understand the difficulties of living with stretched skin. Apart from being unsightly it can be uncomfortable. I also burn much more in the sun than I did. I have to keep covered up in the summer and use high factor sun screen. Maybe that's an age thing.

Thanks again for your kind words and encourgement. I very much appreciate it :)

[ummmm]

My mother has always been slim but was diagnosed with diabetes a few years ago (the mild form) she gave up sugar. She looks a picture of health.

Takes getting used to but it becomes the norm quicker than you think...

[pastafreak]

I am pleased you have a supportive and well informed diabetes nurse, Barry. I've heard that's half the battle sometimes. It's a shame that the discomfort and appearance of resulting loose skin is not taken more seriously. I think it's seen as cosmetic and not important.

[barry1010]

Thanks, Pasta, I could of course get it surgically removed but it would be a huge series of operations and I'm not prepared to risk it. Also I can think of many better ways to spend upwards of £60k. It would involve every bit of me apart from my feet and genitals. I have other health problems that could make any operation risky so I've ruled it out.

[pixie374]

You've done brilliantly well, Barry. I have a friend who lost 6 stone in her 20s (now 40s) and has kept it off ever since. She says it's partly easier because mobility is now. It sounds as though you just need to continue how you are.
As others say, there must be online support sites, which should help. She does have excess skin, and decided not to get it removed. She now just says it reminds her how well she's done.

[barry1010]

Ummm, sorry but there is no such thing as a mild form of diabetes. The majority of diabetics who have to have lower limb amputations are type 2. Other complications of type 2 include eye damage, kidney problems, heart and blood vessel disease and all sorts of nerve damage.

[pixie374]

My dad had those with Type 1, Barry. He had a foot amputated in the end.