January 2nd is my D-Day!

[sdbphillips]

Hello all! my name is Stephanie, and I am new to this site.

I have been dreading this day for quite awhile, but really need to do something about this excess baggage I have on my body!

I need to lose 60+ pounds to be in the healthy range.

I put on weight with my 2nd pregnancy, and due to my heart condition of cardiomyopathy, I haven't been able to get it off. For those who don't know what cardiomyopathy is, I caught a virus in 07 (shortly after the birth of my daughter) and it attacked my heart. My heart functions at 25% capacity (normal range is 50-65%). It is enlarged, and stiffened due to the rapid beating to keep the blood and oxygen flowing to my organs. I have irregular heart beats (had a defib implanted earlier this year), High blood pressure, had heart failure in 07, and am prone (very prone) to retaining water.

Before my pregnancy, I used to work out an hour a day, and was in great shape!!!

But here we go again.

I will keep looking and posting for people to critique my diet and exercise, as everything has to be done at a slower pace for me.

This site...so far is pretty cool.

Thanks

Steph!

[swanso5]

go to diet section and read "read before posting"for food which should easily get you half way if followed to the tee

how does it effect your exercise? what can you do/can't do? how long? etc

[sdbphillips]

My problem with the cardiomyopathy and all is that I tire out very easily. I mean, walking for 15 min affects me. I have to start out really slow and build up to it basically. I can't do any fast paced movements, I just simply can't take the increase in heart rate. Right now, I am just doing the treadmill and basic strength training movements.

Thanks for the tip!

Steph!

[cassiegose]

Hi Steph,

Welcome to the site!

Sorry to hear about that heart condition.... but glad that you've decided to make some lifestyle changes to work on the things that you do have control over. :)

What does you diet look like? Since it sounds like you have limited abilities when it comes to exercise, you may need to work extra hard on keeping that diet clean to get (and keep) the weight off.

Have you talked to your doctor about an exercise plan yet? If not, I would do that before starting any intense regimen to determine what is and isn't healthy for you as far as exercise goes.

Good luck on your jouney! Please keep us posted on your progress... and feel free to check in any time you need some extra motivation. Theres lots on this site!

Cassie :)