I’m a Pear ? the sequel part 3 - Wow!

Lovely to catch up with all your news Pears.
I really fell off the wagon a couple of weeks ago and am over my target by 5.8lbs. My good intentions were ambushed ( to borrow cornergran's apt phrase). My no.1 son in the UK received some bad news relating to his health and I've been worrying and consequently comfort eating every evening. He's OK right now but the future is uncertain. I feel as though the Sword of Damocles is hovering and there's nothing we can do.
I live on the west coast of North America and have booked a flight to visit him in a couple of months time.
So any advice on how to curb the comfort eating will be much appreciated. I'm currently trying to distract myself with crocheting/ knitting.
Have a great week everyone.

cornergran , your not an abject failure, human like whif says. Least you know and are trying to cut down, you will succeed , stick with us, we are in the same boat. Like you say, with other life’s worries it is difficult to stay on track. Hope your health and family concerns improves.

I’ve lost 2lbs this week I’m pleased to report….I’ve now got covid but not as bad as my d/h, so I’ve not been too active to say the least….(still have an appetite though) I’ve had BritBox on and watched all of ‘above suspicion’ and kavanagh QC lol….and yesterday I rented on prime ‘king Richard’ with will smith, anyone like a good film that is one to watch……I now have square eyes and a square bum ?

I like Turkish delight whif, bet you enjoyed tucking into those, that lb will soon come off….well done on everyone else’s losses….weather on the change again I see.

…….coco sorry to read about your son, sending you my best wishes and hope he improves . I’m afraid I’ve no advice on curbing comfort eating , I’m sure a few on here will have some good advice . x

It must be hard being so far away from your son coco. Wishing you and he better times.

Comfort eating is my downfall too, also being tired and rushed. When I manage better than I have been recently distraction helps me, a walk, pottering in the garden, any gentle activity. This may sound odd but I ask myself what I really want and most of the time it’s not food. It can help to acknowledge that what I really want (like a fixed family issue) isn’t possible but there are other things such as a chat with a friend that will help. We’re all different so different things will help us all.

I’ve listened to wise people here and am being less harsh with myself. Hope you can too.

Cocopops I know only to well that feeling of having the sword of Damocles hanging over you. That's what it was like when we knew my husband had grade 4 malignant melanoma and wouldn't live 5 years . We had 3.

Being your son it is much worse for you especially living so far away. But I am sure he is having the best care . People knock our health care but I think it's wonderful. He will be under the care of caring professionals. And there is a lot of help available for whatever his condition is. Have you been able to have video calls with him I hope so as seeing him and him you will help both of you. The time will fly by and you will be here seeing him . It's April on Friday. No matter how old our children you never stop worrying. Enjoy your knitting and crocheting. Perhaps you could knit him a jumper . ??

Shirley well done with the 2lb off. Sorry to hear you and your husband have Covid . Hope you both recover soon. I have watched Holding on ITV hub the last 2 nights. 4 X 1 hour episodes it was very good set near Cork based on a book written by Graham Norton and directed by Kathy Burke. Good cast and story .

Cornernan you are sounding more positive which is lovely. Nothing worth while is ever easy and losing weight is definitely not easy. But we'll worth it.

Hello Pears, it’s been a long time since I posted but am feeling really fed up with myself lately. I can’t walk much because of pain and will have a new hip in a couple of weeks. When I knew I decided to lose some weight. That was 4 months ago and instead of losing I have gained nearly half a stone.
Ten years ago I lost 1.5 stones with SW which I maintained until this year yet now it’s all gone haywire. I know what I should do and am doing it. I eat sensibly, have cut down on portions so don’t understand how i maintained fir 10 years and in a few short months have gained so much which I just can’t shift.
I am so fed up with myself.

Silverlining you are human and look what you have already achieved maintaining for 10 years is brilliant. Ok you have put weight on but being in so much pain effects not only your body but mind. Also the thought of the operation must be worrying. Try and focus on being pain free. And don't think of dieting but eating less for life as NanKate has renamed it. Remember it's a marathon not a sprint. This is my 5th year of eating less for life. Had plenty of blips but I am still at it.

I have been in pain with my left arm and leg for 34 years. It has just become who I am. I tolerate the pain with painkillers and suppose over the decades I am in more pain now that when it started. It bugs the hell out of me when I have a pain flare as it slows me down and I have a battle with myself not to comfort eat.

Once you have had your hip op doing the exercises is something you have to do so you don't end up with a limp. My brother had his done after a bike accident 13 years ago. He had to wait 2 years for the op as the fracture was hair line and because of his age. He is a tough guy but he cried everytime he did the exercises but after a few weeks they didn't hurt to do. He had to lost 6st for the op but over the years put 3 on.

As we get older losing weight is harder and especially if you have family at home. Once you are recovering from your op set yourself self some goals but don't limit yourself with a time limit. Time limits have never worked for me hence still trying to get too my target weight . But the main thing is if you have a blip that's all it is and everyday is a new start.

Look forward to being pain free once you have healed . You have already changed your eating habits. So you have already made a start. Just keep going. And go into your operation with a positive attitude it will help you get through it . I wish you well and look forward to hearing how you are . ?

Thanks fir the support Whiff. Its just one if those days but will start again tomorrow, I can do this. I know 10 years maintaining a loss is simethimg to be proud of and once the op is over I will definitely do the exercises and look firward to being able to get out and about again. Wishing you all the best.

Coco, sorry to hear about your son, doubly hard being in another country, but as Whiff said about the treatment he will get here, he’s in the best of hands. Two months soon pass but know how time seems to stretch when you want something too much, then all of sudden it’s happening.
Silverling, it’s quite understandable that you’ve gained a little, being in pain and with little activity, just try to reign in for the few weeks before your operation, think how wonderful to be pain free. You will have a new lease of life. Plan things you will be able to do once more.
Loads of things been happening which meant my diet went, however some of the positive changes I made, portion sizes and not buying any cakes, biscuits etc meant over the month I did lose a pound, very little I know but the right direction albeit slow. Put a packet of butter in the shopping trolley, it’s sitting in the fridge, I will have to freeze it like the cheese, the thing I do like is mini hit cross buns with butter and a sandwich with butter, cheese and chutney, I can eat a packet very quickly, so if it goes in freezer in 1ozs portions, it will make me think about what I’m doing, the rate I’m going I won’t reach my target weight for 8 months. ? posting on here shows me it can be done however slow it is, we all give in to temptation now and then.

Allsorts it takes a lot of will power and work to lose a pound. But you have done it. I am happy if I lose quarter of pound a week which is a pound a month.

I love hot cross buns. Have you seen the different varieties Aldi are selling this year. So much temptation. Wish they would sell them in ones. As I can't buy a pack of 4 or 6 they would be gone in 2 days with lots of spread . ?. It amazes every year they come up with different Easter eggs . Don't buy them for anyone so not tempted to eat one them replace it. Which sad to say the old me has done that and with Christmas chocs brought as gifts.

I find setting goals and time limits don't work for me. The only goal I have is to get to 11st if it takes me a year so be it. The exercise class is doing me good and noticed my calves and wobbly thighs are tighter. But of course still wobbly. Getting heart points on my step counter now so am walking quicker.

My neurologist will have a surprise tomorrow that I can walk without wobbling all over the place. Got my note book ready to write down what he tells me . I know he will send a letter but it's so I can tell people what he said. And get it clear in my mind. First glimmer in 34 years. But not getting my hopes up for a name .

Very frosty here this morning and bitter cold. Hope no one has snow. Keep warm everyone.

Good afternoon pears,
Another 1lb down this week. I spent two days running after my very active 4yr old GS and his (just as active) 9m old brother this week which has brought some good benefits! Harry said ‘It’s good to have you back Grammy but I wish mummy could join in our fun too’ which just made my heart melt. I was shattered when I got home Tuesday evening.
I hope that you are all doing well, keep on the downward track.

Sarahmob very well done 1lb down.

We are privileged to have grandchildren, but they don’t half wear us out.

We’ve just got back from a short holiday, tomorrow when I jump on the scales a recorded message will say’One at a time please ‘ ?

Lost 1.2lb this week - at last a loss. I have been really strict tho so I was hoping!
Floor covering being laid tomorrow in the kitchen/diner so next week we will be returning chairs etc. from all over the house back to where they belong - yeh!!!
No doubt there will be faffing to do as I will probably change my mind about what goes where but hopefully will continue the downward slide next week!
Good luck everyone as we continue our mission!!!!!!!!!

Stayed steady this week which is a first step after putting some lbs back on

Pain is a real barrier silverlining, you’ll find life so much easier once you’ve recovered from surgery. Before my knee surgery last year the consultant said he’d never tell anyone to lose weight as he knows how hard it is when pain and mobility issues are constant. His advice was to concentrate on being as strong as I could be pre surgery Of course he followed that by saying every little helps and most weight loss occurs after surgery. He was right, I lost about half a stone initially and am now aiming to get back to it. I do have a chronic pain and energy condition which means activity has to be paced. I’m well used to that and can organise my days sensibly. Perhaps focus on being as well and prepared as you can be before surgery silverlining, the weight loss will come.

Thank you all again for sharing your stories. Congratulations to those with weight loss to report, we’re all on a marathon for sure. There are bound to be times when we need to walk not run. I feel so much more positive now I’ve stopped being so hard on myself.

Thanks Cornergran. You are right about pain affecting activity. Am it giving up of course and still trying and this morning got a small it very welcome loss which gives hope. Onwards and downwards

Just remember it's not all about the scales.

If you managed to do bit more walking or housework or dance in the kitchen more or fit into a favourite dress.

My non scale victory, I can do my winter coat up again!

Sarah, Four and Silver well done with the lose I have joined you today lost 1.5lb. Which I am happy about. Cornernan maintaining is an achievement.

Kate you do make me laugh. My brother says at the moment if he steps on the scales they would say only one at a time.

Saw my neurologist at Friday and after 34 years know have a name for what's wrong with me. But I was so shocked I didn't ask any questions. Then yesterday spent most of the day crying because I wanted to tell my husband and couldn't. But back to my usual self today. Have a good week everyone. ?

Whiff it’s been a long wait at least you know now, but sorry you have had a shock.
Do try to avoid Dr Google, which always gives worst case ( and always terrifying) scenario. Talk to your husband. Talk to us if that helps.

I’ve been AWOL as I have totally lost the will to eat sensibly. I have had far too many indulgent weekends (which have been lovely apart from the weight gain!)
I look at my clothes and wonder if they will ever fit comfortably again. I have bought a few basics in a bigger size just to get me through until I lose enough to wear my existing wardrobe.
On a more positive note though, as a family, we gained 7lb 9oz in the form of grandson number 2 on Wednesday.
DD had trouble conceiving him and had pregnancy induced hypertension which has been worrying and involved lots of overnight stays. We were so relieved when they brought her c section date forward as they couldn’t risk her BP increasing any higher. Yesterday DD was concerned about his breathing and after being checked out by the local midwife unit he was taken by ambulance to hospital for oxygen. He looked so tiny on the enormous trolley
Luckily he’s doing well now and they were discharged this afternoon.
I looked after his big brother yesterday and was so exhausted after my SIL picked him up that I drank a bottle of wine and comfort ate.
I am now off for a week to be with DD as SIL is self employed and needs to get back to work.
What are the chances of me not picking at DGS leftovers and chocolate stash !!
I need to find some motivation from somewhere !!!
Coco, I am so sorry to hear about your son. I am not surprised you are comfort eating. Please don’t be too hard on yourself through this stressful time and feel free to offload on us anytime.

Hope you are feeling better today whiff
As silverlining said, please avoid Google unless it’s NHS or approved websites. It must feel very lonely not being able to share the news with your husband, but we are all here to offload to

Silver I talk to my husband everyday unfortunately he never answers . He died 18 years ago aged 47. He was my rock and because of the type of man he was we lived a normal family life. He said we will alter our life to suit what you can do. Our children grew up with understanding that people do have health problems and my grandson's are growing up the same.

To find my condition Dr Google would know about my condition. Had to read up about it in books meant for doctors as it's rare.

Flaxseed congratulations being a nannie again. Glad both mother and baby are well after the scares. Don't worry about putting on weight as you will be running after your grandson and helping your daughter with his brother while she rests. Back to my normal self thank you. ??

Whiff I am sorry, I didn’t know, 47 is cruel, but my goodness your husband was such an example to your family.
He sounds a wonderful man. You must miss him, especially now. x

Congratulations on your new grandson flaxseed. This weight loss lark isn’t for wimps that’s for sure. My guess is you’ll be too busy to over eat during the next week. Enjoy being with the young family, it’s a very special time.

I’m pleased you’ve got a diagnosis whiff while being sorry it’s a rare condition. I wonder if your neurologist or his nurse would know of a support group for sufferers, even if it’s an on line group with people out of the U.K. may be worth asking. Easier not to experience anything alone. Hope you have a decent week ahead.

Sending you a non COVID hug Whiff. We are here for you. ?

Silver I forget there are new pears who don't know I have been widowed a long time. Also I don't tend to say late husband as he was never late for anything in his life. I hate that term and past on is other one I hate. Also he is still my husband and I am still married . I know I am classed as single but hate it. Still go by Mrs still wear my wedding ring. We started courting when I was 16 and he was 18. 29 years together married 22 when he died. He was my one and only .

My condition is so rare the main genetic centre my blood was tested had only found it in one other person. I emailed a group for rare disease's hopefully they will reply. My neurologist had never had a patient with it.

I know what my husband would say trust you to be bloody awkward and then he would have cried.

Lot of people have things wrong with them . Over the years I have met some people with terrible things wrong who had no one who cared about them. I was lucky I had loving parents and lots of extended family. A husband who loved the bones of me and was able to have 2 children and now have 5 grandson's. We have one life and we have to live it to the full. No what if's .

Thank you all lovely pears for your support. ?