Two months after surgery, started gaining weight...

[symonz]

On July 3rd, it will be three months since I’ve had surgery. My first appointment to my doctors was three weeks after surgery. I lost 30 pounds since April 18th, when I started my liquid diet. I was doing great. But then two weeks before my 2 months appointment, my weight seemed to plateau and then increase. I am a daily weighter. It’s my addiction for now. But during these two weeks, I noticed that my left leg swelled up a bit. I watched what I was eating and making sure I wasn’t eating any salt. By the time I had to go to the doctor, I was only down 6 pounds. When I was told that, I blatantly said out loud, mother effer. Oh and they heard me. Then the doctor saw me. He said I should have lost at least 20 pounds, if not more, during this time. I showed him my leg. Thinking that since he IS a doctor, he might know what’s wrong but instead, told me to see my primary doctor. I did call them but they are on vacation. My luck. Anyways, I know losing only 6 pounds in my fault and I’m not blaming anyone. I know I need to exercise more. In my mind, I can do it but my body says, I don’t think so. I do what I can, even if it’s a little. Just to let you know why I cant exercise that much is because I have advanced arthritis in my right knee along with muscle spasms in my lower back. So he said to exercise and I do more than what I usually do. So today, a week later after seeing him, I’m laying in bed. The reason, I hurt my back AGAIN!! I do what the doctor says and I get hurt. I’ve been out of work for the past week. It really does suck. My addiction is still there though. After I take care of my morning things, I weigh myself. I’m down around 8 pounds. This does not make sense. Because I’m lying in bed, I haven’t exercised. I’ve been drinking water and having lunch and dinner. I’m not even hungry anymore and have to remind myself to eat. Even the swelling in my leg has gone down. I guess lying in bed made the swelling go down. I don’t know. I do have a question in all this mess. Does anyone else have arthritis or muscle spasms or a weak back that they can do “regular” exercises? Even walking makes my back go weaker and I have to sit down before taking another step. I am stuck in a ditch. I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t.

[Beautiful Momma]

Well that's too bad you are struggling like that. What about swimming? Or water aerobics? Both easy on the joints and back.

[k_jo35]

i gained 4 pounds back at my 2 1/2 months... i am addicted to weighing, i weigh 4/10 times a day, finally my fiance got tired of me whinning because the scale wasnt moving, he hid the scale!!! i just went to the dr yesterday and am down 12 pounds in 13 days!!! i started doing water arobics too and i think that helps ALOT!! good luck, it will get better .

[FlowerGalTX]

You need to get into the water. The water buoyancy frees up the pressure of the weight off your joints/bones. If you can find a water fitness or water aerobics class in your area that would be idea. I know personally how difficult it is to get in a swimsuit but this really is the best exercise for you.

Also a table top bike / hand cycle is good for obese people with lower back issues. Amazon.com: Pedal Exerciser - Deluxe - table top bike: Health & Personal Care

I have had significant issues with my back at L5/S1 and see a Chiropractor weekly since 2005 just to maintain mobility to exercise and he uses accupressure (think needle-free acupuncture) techniques to eliminate pain.

Exercise for you needs to be more about upper body. Although you are not in a wheelchair your knee and back and weight create some of the same encumbrances as someone wheelchair bound. Look for DVD's for wheelchair exercises or chair exercise programs that you can do sitting in a chair with small weights.

Also, have you tried a recumbent exercise bike? I have one in my home gym and it allows me to sit and cycle which takes pressure off my lower back. You could use one of these at your local fitness center and work your way up.

I would definitely, if I were in your shoes, seek out the help of a physical therapist and a personal trainer to help you learn the mechanics and proper way to do exercises. They can tailor routines for you to do that will build up your core muscles and strengthen your back.

Every little bit of movement helps and you have to make yourself move or you won't lose the weight as you need to.

[splendaaa]

Looks like you've lost nearly 40lbs since surgery. I think you're doing great. Quit obsessing with that damn scale!

[jdavido]

I have crazy nerve issues in my back after a rollover accident in 2004. I can't walk for more than a few minutes at a time. For example, while standing to shave my face, I've often got to take a break and sit to rest my back after just 3 or 4 minutes. I've found that swimming is great, as well as bike riding. I invested in a good bike with a 'fatty' seat (wide). That helps with my back a lot.

[jenssensmom]

I have arthritis in my ankles and after walking or standing for too long I have ankle, knee and back pain. This has decreased as my weight has dropped and hopefully will go away completely, however, it impedes exercise. We have a pool and I have found that swimming has been my best option. I'm not sure what I am going to do in the colder months, but from March to October we are able to use the pool. It might be worth investing in a pool heater since it helps so much. You should definitely look into a pool or join a gym that has one. My friend that had this surgery went and just bought one of those above ground pools at Wal-Mart and she does water aerobics in it. The water really does help! Good luck!

[chickenn08]

I too have a bad lower back, from my years of nursing for sure!! I do aquaerobics and this has helped me a lot.I try and go 3 times a week, I have also noticed how much my body shape has changed Get into the pool and even if you just do laps walking through the water you will feel a difference I reckon for sure.

[dkla1313]

Hi I just noticed that you are about the same size I was when I had my surgery 3 months ago. I am at 32 pounds about, lost. Is that normal? I feel like i am losing so slow. I work out hard too. How long did it take you to get to 150? Sorry for all the questions, just wanna keep hoping that I am going to keep going down. I am sure I will, just in that head space of mine
thanks