Sorry for neglecting this post after inserting it here ... I jumped ship and moved my whining over to the Healthy Weight Centre :)
I do want to respond to several comments though ... thank you all for your caring and concern! :)
Lainey
[i]"You got the best advice here, Fly. Even with joint problems, you can start to walk, and its free and you will lose the weight eventually. Thats pure Junkie talk to say you might have to start smoking again, and if you can't afford exercise plans, how can you afford to smoke?"[/i]
I only paid a few bucks each week to smoke full-time, a pack each day. I purchased them from the local indian reservation for $9.00/carton.
Todash
[i]"This thread is starting to read like you are seeking an excuse to start smoking again and I'm sure that's not your intent, or is it?"[/i]
I think that it's important to keep in mind that I have no craving to smoke whatsoever. I have been incredibly lucky, in that I simply [b]can not[/b] smoke, due to the fact that the smell of it causes me to wretch ... if I put a lit cigarette near my face, I know that I'd vomit. If we could package what's happening to me to cause this reaction, we'd be rich :)
Even while I was writing this thread last week, and going to see my doctor, etc ... I knew that I would not start smoking ... that was just a threat I used in an attempt to "force" others to help me to do what I couldn't find the strength to do myself.
Now that I've found my common sense bearings, and reclaimed an iota of logic, I can see the big picture with a lot more clarity.
My biggest deamon was not cigarettes ... it was resistance to altering my eating and activity habits. Now, I have to figure out ways to wrestle that monster to the ground, and I'm just beginning to see some success, using some strategies that I've developed that fit into my lifestyle and my schedule and my budget, etc.
Re. depression ... very interesting point, Todash.
Boxerfan
I am PhatPhly at The Healthy Weight Centre.
[i]"The dumbells or resistance bands are very inexpensive and a great recommendation (thanks Todash). My grandmother has rheumatoid arthritis and I spoke with her yesterday about activity. Yes, it hurts, but she does it anyways because it helps her keep the flexibility in her hands. She would be worse off if she didn't exercise. Of course, YOU should consult with your doctor to find a plan that suits you."[/i]
I think you're right on the money with that suggestion, Boxer ... that just happens to be one of
the strategies that I've decided to use too. Fortunately, my daughter has a full set of great, little solid metal hand-held dumbells that I can use ... I'll be starting that routine today :)
PLEASE do not apologize for a long post!!! You've shown that you care about me and my issue (however whiny it got!!), and I am VERY much appreciative!
Please do look me up at the HWC ...
Patti
All excellent suggestions - thanks!! It really will boil down to using the same determination to drop pounds as we used to quit smoking ... and the activity part of it is key. I know that I panicked when I realized that I would not be able to use me time-honoured method of exercise - walking - due to the fact that these joint issues have come up since the last time I followed a regular plan of activity.
