TheRealMeIsHere!

I have braces that help with the knees. My biggest problem is my spine. I cannot ride a bike without a back support on it. Outdoor recumbant bikes are prohibitively expensive. Our internet, since it is a rural area, is data limited and very expensive so videos or music is out of the question. Used to LOVE my Huffy bike, have fun!!

I can only ride a recumbant bike and outdoor ones are VERY expensive. Opportunities for classes and such are not available or very limited as this is a rural area. I LOVE Zumba, but, physically, can only handle it occasionally without days of spine/shoulder/neck pain to follow. I'm not trying to be a pain and shoot down all ideas, I'm very frustrated and alone in an area where the only way to meet people is to go to bars. That's not my thing. And the quality of people you meet there, well.......

I guess I'm frustrated because while I am fairly limited, I have TONS of energy, and need to be able to burn calories in order to maintain. OK, here is my list of disabilities, which are all painful and progressive. Severe ankylosing spondylosis in my entire spine. Including stenosis (narrowing of the spinal column) pinched nerves and bone spurs Reynaud's disease. Basically temps below 80, if I am not moving, I must wrap in a blanket (sometimes electric) and wear a jacket, due to arteries in my extremities closing up. mild carpal tunnel Bilateral PTTD, which I wear braces for, so it doesn't limit me much Right knee torn PCL/MCL, so it is unstable. I wear a brace when walking on uneven surfaces (ie grass), walking uphill/downhill, using the treadmill and the recumbant stationary bike. Left knee has chondromalacia patella due to a hyper mobile kneecap. Which means that the cartilage on the back of my kneecap is wearing away. If I bend my knee past a certain point it causes further damage, so I have a brace that holds my knee in the center so that I can walk up/down hills & stairs, ride the bike and do incline on the treadmill. Severe ulcerative colitis, which causes embarrassing gas and sudden attacks of explosive, bloody BMs The area that I live in is very rural, so there are not opportunities, or very limited opportunities for group classes or activities. I appreciate you asking me to clarify my position, and possibly help brainstorm.

I am on a waiting list for an apartment, which will offer more opportunities to walk places, rather than drive. That way I can do errands while getting my exercise. But that will be about 2 years. In the meantime, I just want to be, naturally, more physically active rather than planned workouts. I love all the suggestions, my disabilities and location limit me on a lot of options, though. Even though I am disabled, I have TONS of energy that I really think would be better used in other ways.

I have looked into meetup.com, but it's not in my area. I have also tried to find hiking or walking groups as that would be right up my alley. I do not know many people in my area, so would love to join some kind of group or club and have been searching for years. The only way to meet people in this area are bars What are intensity balls? I have to be careful, what I do, due to several progressive, painful disabilities. @@pink dahlia I'm looking for things that are more physical, and burns calories, those things are mostly sedentary things.

Not really any opportunities for dog walking, where I am. Though that would be a great way to be more active!! As far as physical labor, I would LOVE that, but I have severe ankylosing spondylosis, plus a host of other painful progressive conditions. I wholeheartedly agree with James Marusek, regarding structured exercise, which is why I need ideas to be more active, naturally. Despite my disabilities, my energy is VERY high, and, I'm sure there are many things I could be doing. I LOVE Zumba, but the schedules near me do not coincide with mine and can only do occasionally due to that and the pain it causes if I do it too often. I sometimes, just pace around, because I have nothing to do, and HATE sitting still.

I am getting soooooo bored with my exercise. I workout 2x a day with recumbant stationary bike, treadmill and/or a long walk. In between, I can't find enough to do to stay busy. Instead of exercising for the sake of exercising, I would rather have enough active & busy things to do, that I could cut back on my workouts. Any ideas??

Well that really stinks! Sorry you have to deal with all this. Maybe there is another way to fix it that is covered?

I don't understand, if it's medically necessary, why won't insurance cover it?

a tiny portion occasionally, no more than a few bites, no more than 1 or 2 times a month, won't kill you, but be prepared for cravings. Maybe you could recreate some of your favorite sweets. I make cannoli cream, flourless protein pancakes, pizza, protein cookies & muffins. Dannon Light & Fit Greek yogurt is amazing and comes in great flavors. Quest bars have many great flavors, and you can also cook with them. The chocolate chip one, bakes up into yummy cookies. Just cut one up, bake a t 350, watch closely as it only take a few minutes.

It gets easier, it really is a physical addiction. If you continue to avoid all carbs, flour, sugar, potatoes, rice, pasta, bread and starchy veggies and focus on lean/fat free protein and non-starchy veggies, the cravings WILL subside. It'll DEFINITELY be easier AFTER surgery. Even now, if I eat any of those foods, I fight cravings for days, when I don't eat them, I don't even miss them. You are doing great, stay strong and keep your eye on your goal, the reason you are doing this

@@KensingtonWalk the sleeve was originally developed to help with stomach cancer there are probably stats about that the usage of having a sleeve for weight loss surgery is relatively new more and more and more docs are performing the sleeve with outstanding result!! @TheRealMeIsHere! covered about everything dealing with your subject very well put (please don't let that comment go to your head!! @Kindle@@WL WARRIOR @TheRealMeIsHere! these "wonderful" people reached goal, health and happiness etc with the help of the sleeve they are all aces they paid me to say the above!!! many, many many and many more have also continue reaching goal, and keeping their weight off - including someone special (me silly head at 3.5+ years and counting ) IMO life BEGINS with maintenance continuing to follow ALL the rules for the rest of our healthier, happier, longer life kathy @@proudgrammy your check is in the mail, lol!!

it 100% depends on you, how you use your tool and how well you follow the program. It is a complete lifestyle change and change in your relationship with food. If you choose a healthier way of eating and exercise, you will have forever success. If you go back to the habits/foods that made you gain weight, your success will not continue. Some people feel, that since they can only eat small amounts, food choices do not matter, they do!! With time, you will be able to eat more and if you have not developed better habits, in the beginning when it is easier, it will become increasingly difficult.

what is it?

Grilled zucchini and or eggplant is a great replacement for pasta in lasagna. You can also slice zucchini with a peeler, nuke, just till hot but not mushy and top with your favorite sauce. Delis are perfect, when you are on the run. Get some low fat turkey, ham, chicken or roast beef with some lettuce/tomato/onion and mustard Frittatas made with egg substitute, fat free cheese and veggies are delicious. Protein powder can be used to make pancakes, muffins & cookies Pancakes: 1/3 c. Egg substitute, 1/4 c. fat free or low fat ricotta, 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder and 1/2 tsp baking powder cookies: https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=407562039 muffins:https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=407518229 Overnight protein oatmeal: (variations Chocoalte with canned cherries in water, banana walnut and nutmeg & cinnamon using vanilla protein powder) https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=440982029 Egg Foo young:https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=264922950 https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=264875230 Keep in mind, I am further out. Up until 1 1/2 years post-op, I did not eat ANY veggies, ONLY protein because I wasn't hitting my goals. Also these recipes are a fusion between what I eat and my (non-sleeved) sister. I eat very little of any flour/pasta/sugar/potato/rice/bread, maybe a bite here and there as they cause cravings for me

Mac & cheese, Fried crispy stuff, eggplant parm, pizza, creamy salads (egg, tuna,chicken, seafood, etc...), burgers, Italian subs, cannoli cream etc.... https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=434889809 https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=369291480 https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=419473069 https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=263140340 https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=399214999 https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=254657650 https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=257412020 https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=404573739 https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=416938589 https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=263910950 https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=266403790 https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=261465010 https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=256508350 https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=259995590 https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=380330970 https://www.weightwatchers.com/util/prt/RecipePage.aspx?Type=1&RecipeID=401101609 I use the italian sausage as a crust and top with low carb sauce, veggies and fat free cheese, maybe some turkey pepperoni. All bran makes a great faux fried coating, Creamy salads are AWESOME with 50:50 mix of light mayo and ff Greek yogurt. I top a salad with ham & turkey, then mix light mayo and red vinegar with italian seasoning for all the taste of an Italian sub. The cheesy cauli-tot recipe is to DIE for!! I have TONS more recipes, if there is something specific you are looking for, please ask I probably have, lol!

Thanks, actually it's been several years at goal. When eating out, it's fairly easy to ask that food be prepared without flour/cornstarch or fat/oil of any kind. I always specify this, as even if you ask for grilled, they may still cook it in oil or butter, sometimes adding that it's for medical reasons. (it sort of is, as obesity is unhealthy)Most places will accommodate. Chinese food is VERY easy, order something that's veggies & lean protein and ask that they use no oil or cornstarch and you can even get the sauce on the side so that you control the amount. Moo Shu is one of my favs Most places have grilled chicken, beef or seafood. I often order a small salad with one of those options. As far as the fish tacos, you can ask for grilled fish, no tortilla and salad. Or just the protein portion of an entree with no potato or bread. Ruby Tuesday has great options & a wonderful salad bar. In the beginning, I would get a skewer of shrimp and explain that since that was my meal, could I please get salad bar at the add-on price, since I couldn't eat much anyway. Most places will do omelettes with egg substitute or whites, add some non-starchy veggies and maybe a side of salsa, YUM!! Then, again, I ask that they use no oil/butter and do not give me toast or potatoes. If they are there I will eat some of them!! So, it's easier to not have them staring at me, lol! When you do have the time to cook, you can reinvent your favs. I have recreated all my unhealthy favs, comfort foods and family favorites, to fit my new way of life. ALL the taste and satisfaction NONE of the fat or carbs. I can share some if anyone is interested You are doing great, you will be fine. Enjoy this, wonderful new life, embrace it, get creative!

@@Sara51692 Sounds like you are doing wonderfully! As long as you continue to avoid carbs, such as :sugar, flour, bread, pasta, rice and potatoes you will crave them less & less. If I eat any of those things, I fight cravings for at least two days. It's easier to just not have those things.

It, most likely, has nothing to do with the surgery. On the contrary, you are probably lucky to have had the surgery when you did, as carrying extra weight will exacerbate arthritis. The weight, may even have been a contributing factor to it's development. MrsSugarbabe is right, moving around will help. Your doctor can offer further advice on treatment and slowing the progression.

GREAT JOB!! Very inspiring to see, that when you don't do as well as expected, you examine what you have/have not been doing, learn from your mistake and move on with a positive attitude! I'm POSITIVE you will have continued, lifelong success

@@*Lexie* check your settings, says I don't have permission to see image

Try different protein shakes. I, personally, did not like the thicker ones, such as Muscle milk light. My favs have been EAS AdvantEdge rtd, and Designer whey. I mix the chocolate powder with water and crushed ice, then blend till thick and creamy, in a bullet. You can even add PB2. Alot of people, also like the Nectar products, which are not milky and come in TONS of flavors. Other sources of protein include: egg substitute (is pasteurized so can even be added to shakes) fat free cottage chese/ricotta (you can season the ricotta like you would for stuffed shells and heat with low carb sauce or I have a recipe for cannoli cream) ff/sf Greek yogurt I was allowed those things, even in the liquid phase Are you on regular food? If so, i can give you some recipes for protein pancakes, muffins and cookies. Good luck, it DOES get easier.

They all have some flavor, the one, I found, with the least flavor is Jay Robb egg white powder

Pain is really minimal, usually. I had alot of swelling, so had to take pain meds as prescribed for about 3 days, then was fine as long as I took TEENY sips. Good luck

Have you tries EAS AdvantEdge RTD shakes, they aren't as thick as some others? Or are you required to drink certain ones prescribed by your doc? Also, if not required to stick with certain ones, Designer whey, mixed with Water and crushed ice, in a bullet is DELISH. You could experiment with flavors, chocolate with PB2 is one of my favs. Alot of people, also, like nectar Protein powder