I'm considering rejoining Slimming World, but I'm feeling quite conflicted about it and wondered if anyone else has been in a similar position.
I originally joined SW some years ago and did really well. I lost 3 stone, reached my target weight and was incredibly pleased with what I'd achieved. Then Covid hit. I became very ill with Covid and subsequently developed Long Covid, alongside other energy-limiting health conditions. Since then, I've regained most of the 3 stone I originally lost.
My circumstances are very different now. I'm still unwell and I'm unable to do any physical exercise at all – even gentle walking isn't an option for me. I use a wheelchair when I'm outside the house and need crutches to get around indoors. My energy levels are extremely limited, and everyday things that most people don't have to think twice about, such as having a shower or even brushing my teeth (yep!), can sometimes leave me severely fatigued.
About two years ago, the SW group I'd been attending closed. I'd actually been doing reasonably well there, but we then moved to another group with a different Consultant. She was absolutely lovely and has won numerous awards, so this isn't a criticism of her personally, but the approach just didn't seem to work for me. After two years, rather than achieving a net loss, I'd actually gained around a stone overall.
We've since moved house, and I stopped attending SW. And something unexpected has happened: I've actually really enjoyed the freedom.
I'm eating what I want without the guilt I used to attach to food. Food is no longer the constant focus of my thoughts – and when it was my focus before, those thoughts were often negative and wrapped up in guilt and shame. I'm enjoying cooking again. I've also made peace with my body. I'm currently a size 18, I'm comfortable in my clothes, and I don't dislike myself because of my size.
I really don't want to lose that.
At the same time, I know I'm overweight, and for health reasons I would ideally like to lose at least 2 stone. So I'm wondering whether to give SW another try.
One of my biggest frustrations previously was that I never really felt there was much support or understanding for someone in my position who genuinely cannot exercise. I don't mean that I struggle to find the motivation or need encouragement to go for a gentle walk – I physically cannot do it without risking making myself more unwell. My daily energy has to be carefully managed, and sometimes simply getting washed and dressed is my exercise for the day.
I know that weight loss is possible without exercise, but I would love to find an approach that recognises my limitations and helps me improve my health without making food the centre of my world again or bringing back the guilt and shame I've finally managed to leave behind.
So, I'm torn. Part of me would like to return because I know SW worked brilliantly for me once. Another part of me is reluctant to give up the healthier relationship with food and my body that I've developed since leaving.
I'd particularly love to hear from anyone who has returned to SW with Long Covid, ME/CFS, severe fatigue, mobility difficulties or another energy-limiting condition. Have you managed to make the plan work for you without exercise? Did you find your group supportive of your circumstances? And, perhaps most importantly, have you found a way to follow SW without allowing food, weight and guilt to take over your life?
I'd really appreciate hearing about other people's experiences.
TL;DR: I previously lost 3 stone with SW and reached target, but after becoming very ill with Covid and Long Covid, I've regained most of it. I now have severe energy limitations, use a wheelchair outside and crutches indoors, and can't exercise at all. After leaving SW, I've developed a much healthier, guilt-free relationship with food and my size 18 body, which I don't want to lose. However, I'd like to lose around 2 stone for health reasons and am considering rejoining. I'm particularly interested in hearing from people with Long Covid, ME/CFS or similar energy-limiting conditions who've successfully followed SW without exercise, and without food and weight becoming an unhealthy focus.