Is an 800 calorie a day for a woman enough to survive on?

I'm 5'2" & weigh about 235. I also have: Diabetes (Type !!-insulin dependent), Metabolic Syndrome, MS (Secondary Pregressive), Oesto-Arthritis, Hyper-thyroid, Fibromyalgia, Graves Syndrome, very low blood pressure & a few other things that I can't remember. As you can see the list is quite long. Most of my meds cause weight gain. I am eating about a 1,200 calorie diet now & its tough. I can't really exercise due my lack of movement. How can I lose weight without exercise? Help!

Please see a dietician and doctor (one should be able to recommend the other if they are good) and talk about a healthy diet and your meds. Make sure both of them know what the other is saying and advising at every stage of the way. Make sure both know what meds you are on.

What you eat, rather than the amount you eat could probably be key here, to avoid water retention for a start. The meds you are on will not help, I know thyroid meds can cause problems, as can the illness itself, as can diabetes. Perhaps they could do a review of your meds too, or your combination of meds may need to be looked in to, there may be some that are ok on their own, but with others might have side effects such as weight gain.

Take notes during appointments and take a friend along with you to also take notes. The doc/dietician won't mind in the slightest, and it will help you to keep them both informed, as well as help you to remember what is said after the event. I'm awful for not remembering what I was told just 10 minutes earlier by these people.

800 calories is *not* enough to live off. 1200 probably isn't enough.

I would suggest you also see a homeopathist and or acupuncture therapist or someone of a similar ilk, perhaps a massage therapist. Ask the dietician to recommend an alternative therapist.

Again, make sure everyone is aware of what is going on with the others.

I know you said you can't exercise, but have you tried swimming (I know you probably have)? It's so gentle, even just floating and gently moving arms and legs (if you can) is burning more calories than doing nothing at all.

Contact your local pool and ask them about sessions that are purely for people with disabilities. You will feel much more comfortable in one of those sessions as you won't feel anybody is staring. Also, they will have trained instructors on hand to help you and give you tips.

Maybe yoga might help a little? Contact a local group and ask the instructor whether or not he/she thinks you would be suitable, explaining all your illnesses.

Have you asked your doctor about seeing an occupational or physio therapist? They often do the swimming classes, and might have an idea of very light weights you can use, that are not so much heavy, but are a "reason" for moving arms and legs etc. If that makes sense?

I hope some of this helps. I know it is hard enough to lose weight at the best of times, and I'm generally physically well and not overweight (I need to tone up) etc. Motivation is my big problem (depression), and is probably something else you need to consider due to the fact that your physical illnesses are so many, however you sound like you want to do something about it, and that is a BIG first step!

Good luck and take care,

CG.

You need to talk to your doctor or a dietian. 800 Calories is not enough though. Eat healthier.

It's quite surprising that you are maintaining or gaining weight at 1200 calories a day. I wonder if they could cut back on your thyroid meds?
I think you should discuss weight loss with your doctor(s) to see what suggestions they have
Good Luck

no an 800 calorie diet is not good at all.

Hmm.. you sound familiar.. didn't you email me before?

I would still say that the detox that I was suggesting can get rid of most of your current problems including your weight loss.

Would you still be keen to try? You can get me at verityy@yahoo.com