Pre-op weight loss; how to?

I feel like I have so many forces working against me when it comes to weight loss. I feel like it sounds like I'm just making excuses, but I just don't know how to overcome some of my barriers... I'm sorry if this seems long, I just need somewhere to talk it out I suppose!

For years after my middle child was born (2006) I maintained my weight around 260. I had my youngest child in 2011 and went up to 275 after that. Fine. Shortly after I had him, I went on Depo-Provera birth control, which caused another 10 pound gain. Shortly after, I quit smoking: +10lbs. So I was around 295 when I really started feeling awful - I never realized how 20 extra lbs at that point would cause so many new aches and pains. It appears that over the winter, I've gained another 10, which puts me now over 300lbs. Aside from the emotional crap that I feel about my weight gain, I have physically never felt so horrible in my life. Every movement seems to take extra effort, my legs constantly ache and my back is headed that way also. I must have crossed a threshold in appearance as well, because even my hubby is commenting that he is concerned and noticing how clothes aren't fitting, etc (not in a rude way).

 

So again, I'm trying to be more concious to not put on anymore weight.... I just don't know how to start LOSING it; I've never been successful at losing weight (obviously). My eating habits aren't terrible; I'm not a junk food nut or pastry lover. My biggest problem is probably portion sizes and the fact that I'm a carb addict.

We are a 5 person family with 1 income. My husband is a long haul truck driver, so really its just me and the kids at home most of the time. We live rurally and the closest gym to our house is 45km away. My oldest son (11) has ADHD and some other behaviours that make it difficult for me to find a babysitter for him. My youngest is 3 with suspected developmental disorder (either autism or sensory disorder), which also makes it hard to find a babysitter for him. Both of my older kids are in soccer, which works out to 4 days a week. Away games are in other rural communities, which means more money spent in gas, rushed dinners and more time spent away from home. I am a stay at home mom, and once the kids are in bed (usually around 9pm) I am exhausted, mentally tired and ready to nothing but sit and have a glass of wine. During the summer we are all naturally more active; we spend alot of time at the beach swimming, or bike riding the area. During the school year, I have no idea how to motivate myself to be more active; between the stop and start of housework and entertaining my 3 yr old, I'm not sure how to make any more time for myself.

I try for the most part to cook healthy balanced meals. More often than I like though, we eat quick kid friendly convienence meals (KD, hot dogs, chicken fingers, etc)... processed crap.

I know it's a big lifestyle change; I know there are some people here who have had to lose weight before they could have their surgery, so I am curious how you did it? What kind of diet should I be following, and how did you start? There are so many different eating guidelines and strategies now, I feel so overwhelmed! (no card, low card, gluten free, sugar free, low calorie, low fat, high protein, etc....)

Thanks in advance for replies!

 

In my day (2010), we didn't have to lose weight pre-op until the 2-week pre-op diet. That meant two weeks of nasty shakes with nothing else. I got through it only because I couldn't get the surgery without following that plan to shrink my liver.

It would have been very difficult for me to have to lose weight in order to qualify. I mean, the reason I needed the surgery in the first place was because I hadn't been successful losing on my own.

If you need to lose weight in order to be accepted, then let that be your motivation. See the goal clearly in your mind and do yourself the kindness of making your own health a priority.

As to what diet to follow, trust your own instincts. I am sure you have tried many before (as we all have). Do the one that you had the best success at. If it is only for a short time and your goal is clearly in your mind, you will have the power to succeed.

I wish you the best of luck.