Gail Weingartner & Dr Bryan Williams

Gail began the session with an inspiring talk about how she has managed to change to a healthier lifestyle and see the benefit in terms of fitness and hard-won weight loss. Gail stressed that a healthy diet does not mean small amounts of food - it can mean quite large amounts, as long as it consists of high-fibre, low-fat foods, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Gail's attitude is that targets must be achievable and that an occasional treat is fine. She also talked about the difficulty of starting an exercise regime after being ill. In her case, walking the dog was a good start.

Bryan Williams then introduced a few key psychology concepts. These included the need to feel good about ourselves, the need to avoid being trapped in a category defined by someone else, the need for a network of understanding people, and the need for 'holding', which is the ability to listen to someone else's feelings without trying to explain or judge.

There was a lot of discussion of turning points and taking control. Gail explained that her attendance at a pain clinic had been one factor in her case. One participant had used the prospect of a holiday with her tall, slim sister to set targets. Various techniques were brought forward of how to get the best out of visits to the doctors. Gail's answer is to have a list of written questions and not to leave without answers. She also takes someone with her for support. Another participant likes to define what outcome she is looking for, rather than specific questions.

A few points have been highlighted above, but the discussion was far-ranging. Themes which emerged continually were: the need for medical professionals to accept the severity of the problems caused by weight gain and to 'validate' these feelings; the need for more assistance in establishing and keeping to a suitable lifestyle as regards food and exercise, especially for patients emerging from years of illness and tiredness; the need for counselling or therapy to assist in learning to live with, and be happy with a self-image which, even after diet and exercise, may be different from that before illness.

There were many feelings expressed, including distress and anger. Bryan explained how over-dependency can make you angry with the subject of dependence. If one is dependent on a doctor, he or she can become the focus of all one's anger at life.

Overall, the workshop was positive. It was most impressive that the participants who were upset when describing their problems nevertheless managed to continue to take part. That seemed to be a demonstration of great inner strength - and perhaps the start of taking control?