Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Hi Lynn,

Welcome to the boards!
I think the very best advice I could give you has already been given, to have a look at Shell's story on her weight loss journey and get inspired to know that you CAN do it and have a happy tummy at the same time.
I totally hear you about the anxiety and what a relief it is to have a medication that allows you to live your life. There are other medications that may make it a little easier to lose weight, but I'd tread lightly to make sure your anxiety doesn't become a problem again. The other thing is, exercise will also really help with anxiety. A few months back when I was really, really bad with my anxiety I picked up a self-help book that said that the NUMBER 1 thing you can do for yourself and your anxiety is to get exercise-regardless of weight. For you, because you are wanting to lose weight, it would be like a win-win. In fact, have a look at my post HERE from a while back about how exercise made a difference in my life.

Also, I was starting to get embarassed at the gym as well. I would look around and see thin people jogging on the treadmill and feel selfconscious - but eventually I decided that these people are #1)All people are there to get healthy and aren't going to judge me for trying to GET healthier and #2)I am never going to see those people again more than likely so if I sweat all over the place or make a funny noise when I am lifting a heavier weight, who cares? Besides, they are probably so focused on their OWN sweating and funny noises they don't even realise you are there!

If there are men there that make you uncomfortable, is there a women's only area or another gym that is just for women? I find it far less distracting without men monopolizing all the equipment!

As for food, I think weight loss is totally doable on Heather's diet. There is a lot of guessing and testing for how much insoluble fiber your body will tolerate and what fruits and veg and other things sit well with you, but once you get a good balance, you're on your way. Heather's initial suggestions of what to cut out in regards to dairy, high fat foods, etc are all things you'd probably look at cutting out (or at least down) if you were going to lose weight anyway. The most important thing is getting a healthy balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fats and you can do that on this diet.
Feel free to post a sample of what your daily menu looks like and we can always give you tummy-friendly feedback that will keep you on the right track!

We're all here for you, so let us know how you're doing.. and get to that fitness centre and be proud of yourself!

Cheers,
Steph

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~~I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell-I know right now you can't tell~~Matchbox 20
IBS-D,pain.

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