New from UK

[Seren2106]

Hi, I'm just getting started here. I'm 39yrs old, mother to a 6 yo girl and work full time as a mental health nurse/therapist. I live in the UK and from nosing around here I see most of you guys are in the US. I have PCOS which doesn't help with my weight any and take metformin for this. I also take lansoprazole as I'm recovering from helicobacter/ulcer.

My fitness history is patchy, obese child from an obese family, food used to deal with feelings. Top weight was 330lbs about 10yrs ago, after a rough break up I began to lose weight and started getting into the gym. I developed really bad habits around food but got down to 192lbs before an unexpected pregnancy. I had a precarious pregnancy so couldn't exercise and then as a single mum, any hope of the gym disappeared. My weight went back up to around 240lbs (I'm 5'2") but then I got into a relationship, had some support and I'm back down to 219lbs now. I know it's awful. I am following weightwatchers for want of a better approach and I try to get to the gym 3 times a week doing mainly cardio. My joints have taken a hammering from being obese for so long, particularly my left knee and my back. I'm nowhere near fit, I jog a minute, walk a minute for 30mins, or steep hill walk at 3.7mph. Maybe exercise bike. C section has left me unable to work my abs without agonising muscle cramps.

I really need some help and advice. I have no time to cook and my partner loves fried food and has no interest in fitness. My daughter is on the heavy side too, not overly so and she dances and swims 3 times a week but I'm very aware of the childhood I had being obese, and want better for her.

Mostly I'm lonely, I have no gym buddies, few friends and don't really have time to socialise. The people at my gym are not really approachable, and when I did classes a few years ago, I was put off hearing the instructor making derogatory comments about a class member to her 'clique' over coffee. I really want to learn from others and get some support. I'm 40 next year and would love to run a 10k but right now id struggle to run for a bus!