The Rest of My Fabulous Life Challenge

[Time Lady]

Thanks Gemma, yes I think I may well see the GP - there is no way I wnat to stop taking the tablets but I would like to understadn the effects they maybe having. I have realised afer some research that Body builders actually use them as an alternative to anabolic steroids, in order to gain weight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh no you wouldn't want to stop the tablets considering how much better they make you feel, unless there is an alternative they can give you maybe.

Thats interesting about the body builders taking them to gain weight. Well they aren't exactly unfit are they so they probably use it to gain mass to turn into muscle? (just a thought really) So perhaps you can still gain muscle tone, to burn off the fat on the tablets, but just guessing really. Its a good idea you are thinking about going to the doctor, put your mind at rest.

 

[19y/omummytummy]

Hey, Barb

Wanted to congratulate you on the 2lb off this week; Well done!

I had a similar experience regarding the scales-thing recently: I had a few people round this week, and when they weighed themselves at first, they were saying things like "Oh, I've lost half a stone!" or "Wow, I've dropped 7lbs!" ... but when everyone started to come up 7lbs lighter, even my sister who had weighed herself that very morning, we began to piece it together that my scales were in fact wrong So, all that while I had been thinking I was 12st 4lb when I was actually 12, 11!). I know it's disheartening, but the thing to remember is that, although it feels like it, you are no more than you were before finding out that your scales were wrong, and you have still lost a total of 4lbs! Go you!

Keep up the good work,

love Tasha

 

[KD]

Hiya Barb, long time no speak.

It seems that those pills are also given to people with a wasting disease as they are also an appetite suppressant

Definitely need to go back to the Drs with a "Houston we have a problem" (assuming his name is Houston

They may be able to give you something equally as good without those side effects.

Meanwhile, I would really recommend you record everything you eat. Even if you don't add up the calories, you'll be able to refer back and see if it really has increased your appetite.

Well done for the loss though. Just got to keep going with it :clap:

 

[clarri]

Hi Barb
I have just been reading your diary. it really strikes me that we are all so alike, in our happinesses, upsets, grievences(sic) etc. Boy do we beat ourselves up for just being human. But when it boils down to it, we all make choices. I think if you are on a very heavy duty med like you are, it is bound to affect your metabolism, so a consult with the doc is definitely on the cards. I also have a goal - I am 40 at the end of August, and while last Nov I made the decision not to go into my 40's being fat, here I am still the same weight!!!!lol!!, so my goal has reduced to trying to get to 13st by then, but by God, if I dont get my arse into gear, I wont even get to 14st!!! (hope my use of arse doesnt offend ).
So I will be coming by to see how you are doing as I hope you will for me. It is great to have such great support on here.
Best of luck, and keep up the good work, 2lbs this week is fantastic.
Bye for now.
xx

 

[Barb]

Thanks everyone, good to have this positive input. KD - i have never read anywhere that ketotifen is used as an appetite suppresent, all the evidence from scientific research that I have seen shows very clearly that even in a 'placebo' situation the ketotifen takers were the only ones who gained weight. When i was originally given the tablets I remember the specialist saying that there would be some weight gain but that other side effects were negligible compared with steroids - which had been my previous main 'drug'.
Whatever the result weight wise I can never stop taking them - they have literally saved my life and for that I am very grateful.
If I can chip away at the weight despite them I guess it will feel an even bigger achievement. I'll do my best!

 

[Time Lady]

Hey Barb, how you feeling today? Have you managed to make an appointment with you doctor to find out more about your concerns yet?

Just keep up the good work and your spirits happy and you will be fine

I hope you are having a great day so far.

Love Gemma xxx

 

[Barb]

Hi Gemma

thanks for checking on me! You are lovely.

I am ok, feeling fairly chirpy really. Haven't made an appointment yet, but have done some more research. It seems that ketotifen is sometimes used by body builders in conjunction with other drugs, which maybe what KD had spotted.

Honestly, I am not too worried, if anything it does make sense of why I am struggling with small erratic losses. It also sort of takes the pressure off - if it's not entirely my fault then there is no point in being impatient with myself. I spent some time this morning trying on evening clothes for the cruise and was surprised at the fact that i have quite a lot of suitable stuff that fits nicely. If I lose a few lbs they will just look nicer. So I will stick with my healthy eating plan and see what happens. I feel less pressured now though.

I am going to stick with my Tuesday weigh-ins and hope that a lb or 2 a week disappears.

 

[KD]

KD - i have never read anywhere that ketotifen is used as an appetite suppresent,

oh barb. Big booboo there I meant appetite stimulant for those with suppresed appetite Whoops.

That's why I thought it might be an idea to take note of what you eat (to make sure you weren't eating more than usual).

Anyway. Good to hear you have outfits for your holiday. Doing brill Barb.

 

[Barb]

Thanks KD - was a bit confused. TBH I think I am a hungrier person than I used to be - I've been on these tabs 6 years and really have only just realised (DOH) that it is since taking them that I struggle to lose. Of course after years on steroids it has been a very, very long time since I have had what I would call a 'successful slimming' campaign. Still, I feel sort of happier because if I do lose I know it's against the odds so thats even better in a way. Also, for the first time ever I am making a real effort to drink more water. i've got a 330ml bottle in the fridge and I try and drink and refill it at least 4 times a day. This is amazing for me as I a sooooooooo lazy about drinking (unless it's wine, obviously!) but having that little chilled bottle to enjoy I am really getting on with it. Makes me wonder if that has helped with the 4lbs loss over 3 weeks? Maybe.

So thanks, as always for the encouragement KD, watch this space, I'll keep on trying!

 

[Time Lady]

Hey Barb, excellent your drinking more water thats a good thing. I'm lazy when it comes to drinking too, I just don't think about it until my mouth is as dry as a desert which is bad, lol. It does get easier to drink more water the more you do it, and its really healthy and excellent for flushing your body through apparently. (sorry you probably already know this, )

Keep up all your hard work, it will pay off in the end.

 

[Barb]

Thanks Gemma, nice to know I'm not the only one who is lazy on the water front. It's good to feel I am making a real effort in that direction.

Had a few naughty days though; 'girls night' at a friend Thursday which involved quite a lot of wine. Then yesterday a group of us went to Brighton Marina for the day, lovely lunch and then wine all day and into the evening, finished off with a nice chinese!!! OOPs!

Oh well, back to the effort making today - except I've got a bit of a hangover and feel a bit nibbly!

 

[hopefilly]

Hi Barb havent been on much but wanted you to know Im thinking of you hugs xxx

 

[Barb]

Thanks Mandy, nice when you drop in!

Well amazingly a lb off this week. Expected STS as has been a very 'social' week, so very chuffed.

Not so much going on this week so should do a bit better!

 

[KD]

Well done Barb!

 

[JEM]

Hey Barb

Well done on the 1lb loss, it's amazing how quickly they add up.

Did you talk to your GP about the medication - losing weight is a big enough nightmare without drugs making it harder for us! Hope you get it sorted.

Jem x

 

[Time Lady]

Thanks Mandy, nice when you drop in!

Well amazingly a lb off this week. Expected STS as has been a very 'social' week, so very chuffed.

Not so much going on this week so should do a bit better!

Hey Barb, thats brilliant, a pound off, yay.

Keep going hun, still got plenty of time before your cruise,

Love Gemma
xx

 

[clarri]

Congrats on the 1lb. You must be delighted. Keep up the good work.
xxx

 

[Barb]

Thanks for the encouragement ladies, much appreciated!

Yes, I have spoken to my gp - her honest opinion was that any weight loss would be very difficult, but not impossible. She suggested that I aim at a healthy eating plan rather than a diet and be satisfied with a 1-2lb loss a month at the most. She does not think it possible to lose more than that on the tablets without going dangerously hungry, which she would obviously discourage. She is certain that I will need these tablets for the rest of my life and said at least there are no other nasty side effects, unlike the steroids I was living on.

So, I am happy with that, I have 8 weeks to the cruise, so could be another 3 or 4lbs lighter by then. Better than nothing!

 

[Time Lady]

Well thats good, at least you have an answer. So it might be a little tougher for you to lose it, but now you know that it can happen just a little slower thats all. I am pleased that you are staying positive about it hun, good for you.

Keep it up.

Love Gemma
xx

 

[Barb]

It's not easy Gemma, I do feel a bit p****ed off if I am honest. Convinced this water thing is helping though. Still being good about that and I am 5lbs down after 4 weeks so thats pretty good. Just got to try to stay focused and not get too down when the results are disappointing.