8 replies to this topic

[fabladybug]

Hi, I am a non-member. Thinking about joining for a new beginning. I am 36 as of Jan 12 and was put in Medical ICU the entire week of my bday - was diagnosed with enlarged heart, fluid on the heart, heart mummer, and congested heart failure. I have been told it's not to late for me but I have to turn my life around by losing weight and eatting healthy! My son passed away at 7mnths old from CHF, my mother died from high blood pressure, my father from cancer, my brother age 25 from cardiac arrest, and my other brother age 31 from obese. It's me and my twin left we both have chronic high blood pressure. I am looking to get my health right - other things I have tried dont work::: I don't like eatting 5 meals - I don't feel well a lot to where I dont want to eat... I do walk to lose.. Do I need to switch to all organic food and shop only at the health food store or something - and I can seem to make my lettuce for salads last long in the refig. By the way I have 3 daughters 18, 17, 15... I have to get better for them - they are all I have... They said they are going to help me: I love my daughters! God Bless! PS I am 5'3 and weigh in at 215lbs.

[fabladybug]

Also, is it best to have as consultant or can I just buy all the JC foods and do my exercise plan with my doctor approval?

[mojoamy]

I think you should speak to a consultant and work with both your dr and the consultant to develop your plan. You are taking the first step in recognizing you need to do this for your health. As far as keeping your lettuce fresh, ziploc makes bags specifically for that pourpose, look into that. Good luck!

[I Called Jenny]

Wow - you've certainly had more than your fair share of heartache and loss.

Yes, the program works best if you have a weekly consultation with one of the consultants and believe it or not, coming to the boards as often as possible is also a great way to get support, stay on track and learn things that work for others.

I do agree that you should talk to a JCC (Jenny Craig consultant) and have her show you what the plan involves and take it to your doctor and see if the plan will work for you.

It's not organic food but it's healthy food, fairly low in sodium, and very tasty.

There are trial programs and you can do that to see if it will work for you over a 30 day trail period.

You will DEFINITELY have to change your eating habits - in fact your entire relationship with food - but if you're willing to put in a little effort (and exercise alone, while helpful, won't do it - you need a balanced diets), you absolutely can do this, get healthier, and live longer for yourself, your daughters and the rest of your family. You CAN do this and Jenny (and the rest of us on the boards) can help.

Prayers coming your way!

[nancy5012]

Hi fablady - you've experienced so much heartache at such a young age. I am so sorry you are going through all this and I applaud your wanting to change your life.

Since you have CHF I would first have a very direct talk with your doctor first - tell him you are serious about your weight and are considering the Jenny Craig plan. He should be able to guide you regarding your specific health issues and how best to approach following a plan like JC. He can also address issues like exercise and what restrictions if any are needed.

Look - you are young enough to turn it around and yes, you are strong enough!

I'm 5' 3" and started at 215 and have lost 40 pounds. And I've got a bit more years on me than you so you should be able to lose faster than me!!

I wish you all the best!!

[fabladybug]

Thanks everyone! And God Bless you all!

[BelugaBabe]

Ladybug, you need to speak to a licensed dietician. JC counsellors are not qualified to give you advice in light of your serious health issues. They'll tell you that the plan is balanced nutritionally (which it is) and if you tell your doctor that he'll most likely say "okay great." He's not going to bother investigating further.
Many hospitals provide guidance from dieticians and cardiac nurse educators with their discharge teaching. Many also have educational programs and CHF support groups that are open to the public and that focus on healthy eating and weight loss. Health plans are now recognizing the importance of continued monitoring after discharge for CHF patients and have programs to help prevent you from ending up in trouble again, including weight loss and dietary guidance. Not sure where you are but it might be a good idea to see if something like this is available to you.
Honestly, JC food might not be for you. Despite the fact that the actual sodium count is acceptable, JC food has additives such as MSG that cause fluid retention which is definitely not a good thing for you. If you are sensitive to MSG (and the many additives that are really MSG, just under another name) there is a good chance that you will retain fluid.
To be honest, I was on JC for several years. I initially lost more than half of what I wanted to lose and accepted that I was a slow loser. I was doing the "halfway program" at that point, using at least half JC foods. To kick-start my weight I decided to buy all-JC foods and do nothing but JC for one week.
Well....I gained weight that week and it was all fluid. My rings were tight, my eyes were puffy. I stayed absolutely positively to the planned menu. Now this didn't happen in the beginning of my JC journey---I was okay with the food. Not sure whether I had developed more of a sensitivity to the JC additives over time or my body had changed but I knew one thing for sure---I was bloated and it was fluid retention. I can't do JC any longer. Loved the convenience but it's no longer an option for me.
So I had to toss in my two cents here after seeing the glowing recommendations and suggestions that you give JC a try, based on the favorable experiences of others. JC works for many people but not all.
BTW, I am an ICU nurse who has worked in cardiac and medical intensive care units and I know how serious CHF can be. I do lots of patient teaching as part of my job and I can't emphasize enough how your plan has to be individualized to YOUR needs which may vary from those of the people who post here.
Please see someone (preferably a licensed dietician or a cardiac nurse educator) who can work with you to develop a plan that is specifically for you and your needs---best of luck to you!

[stephaniesherie]

Wishing You Only Well

No matter what you decide.

[Shala!]

Best of luck on your journey! Wish you the best