Miss Mac

After I had my right knee replacement in 2007, I gained 35 pounds very quickly from lack of exercise. After I had my left knee replaced in 2011, I gained another 15 pounds. I don't recommend getting both knees done at the same time, unless the doctor can guarantee outstanding pain management. It will be all you can do to just think, roll out of bed, eat, and get yourself to the bathroom. Secondly, you will need support from your family or someone who is strong enough to help you out of bed for a few days. Ask for the best physical therapist, or your range of motion will be awkwardly limited. One advantage to getting them done at the same time is that you will have only one recovery period. Get pain meds and take them, especially until you have the staples removed. I was living alone in a small apartment and although I had friends and family within commuting distance, but they had their own lives to live. That means unless someone popped in to check on me, I had to be stable enough to ambulate and care for myself. Two years after my 2011 surgery I decided to start an exercise program. What I did was order a variety of exercise DVDs to give myself some variety. With other orthopedic issues and two janky knees, I found that these were my favorites because they are low impact and can be done in a chair or laying on the bed. They are available on Amazon. 1. Exercises for the Bedridden and Physically Challenging, with David Stamps (he is well qualified and is easy on the eyes) 2. Chair Aerobics for Everyone - Chair Salsa, with David Stamps 3. Chair Aerobics for Everyone - Chair Tai Chi, with David Stamps 4. Chair Aerobics for Everyone - Chair Boxing, with David Stamps (a strong favorite for me) 5. Chair Aerobics for Everyone - Circuit Training Beach Party, with Ronit Amaya. 6. Stronger Seniors - Chair Exercise Program, (core fitness, which is a Pilates-based program) with Anne Pringle Burnell. 7. Stronger Seniors-Stretch and Strength, with Anne Pringle Burnell 8. Firming After 50, with Joel Harper (Brother of Bob Harper on Biggest Loser) Another strong favorite because he has his mother do a modified version, and I can keep up with her, It has both upper and lower body workouts plus some ab work that can be done in the bed. 9. Walk Your Belly Flat, with Leslie Sansone. On orthopedic "bad Days" I do this one standing in place in my walker. Otherwise, I can follow along in place, close to the TV. 10. Easy Yoga for Arthritis with Peggy Cappy. This is gentle yoga with modifications for different abilities, and includes meditation. 11. Fun Resistance Bands - Calisthenics and Pilates for the physically challenged, with Sunshine. (yep - that's her name) 12. Boomers' Workout, with Sunshine. This includes light weights to strengthen, tone, and firm. 13. Easy Chair Exercises, with Sunshine. Good for arthritis and osteoporosis My Salsa, Hula, Hip-Hop Abs, Bollywood, and Pussycat Dolls would be a bit much when balance and coordination are compromised. So, all of that said to say this: If you must follow through with bi-lateral knee replacements, be prepared to have to ask for help, and do exercise every day as soon as you are able. It may be that a short walk will be all you can do until you get some stamina. As soon as you are post-op, bring us your questions. I am sure there are several of us in the forum who have had a joint replacement and can comiserate with you, and can lift you up with practial answers to your orthopedic concerns. These exercise programs would also be good for hip replacements, too. I wish you good luck and good health.

Stalls are like lovers. Your first will probably not be your last.

For two nonconsective days a week I do strength training: one day with free weights, and the other with body weight resistance. 15 minutes upper / 15 minutes lower ?). Every day: I walk 1 mile (+/-) equivalent, to exercise dvd with Leslie Sasson(sp?). This takes about 1/2 hour for me since sometimes I use my walker. Six days a week, I put on some music and dance like nobody's watching. 30 minutes I have a variety (over 30) exercise DVDs including Richard Simmons, Hip Hop Abs, Hula, Salsa, Bollywood, Pussycat Dolls, Zumba..... Crazy. Even though my form sucks, I am trying to make fun out of this. That is for good days when I am able to move around a bit. On other days (when my orthopedic issues are unbearable and I am medicated enough to make life worth living) I will use my bedridden exercise dvd, or one of my chair exercise DVDs for seniors. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. And remember, sweat is fat crying.

To answer #9Grammy: To start a new message, go to the top of this page Click on Gastric Sleeve Forums Click on My Gastric Sleeve Journey Tell Your Story Go to bottom of paragraph, click Tell Your Story

My mom passed away too soon, when she was not much older than I am now. She was 5'2" and weighed 320 pounds and suffered an abdominal aortic aneurysm. I know with my knower that if sleeve gastrectomies were available back then in 1992, she would have had one, and be supportive of mine. However, she was a crazy-maker in so many "mom-ish" ways. I did not mind going to visit as an adult, but was glad to live far enough away that I could still have my privacy, but near enough that I could get there in a couple of hours if there was an important reason for me to be there. My grown daughters live within a hour from me, but I try not to interfere with their day-to-day affairs. Yours is a good case of "the less she knows, the less she has to worry about". My mom had that policy with my grandma, so I guess what goes around comes around.

Outer part of my upper arms.......thought it was cellulite. Hmmmmmmmm.

Miss Tummy gives it back.

My bariatric physician has me using Gold Bond Medicated Powder.

I chose the sleeve because I did not want my digestive system rerouted, and I did not want a port.

I haven't seen this article on here for a while, so I thought it was time to post it for newer people. It is from Nichole Nicholes who is a Sparkpeople blogger. We all have those days that we don't want to work out even though we know weshould. When you need a little motivation, look no further. Here are 100 reasons you shouldn't skip your workout today. Print, save, pin or "like" this post so you'll have easy access to it on the days you need it most. 100 Reasons to Exercise Now Because it makes you feel confident Because it helps you get stronger Because exercise helps combat depression Because you'll feel proud of yourself Because you have goals you want to reach Because you'll feel bad if you don't Because you want to move forward, not backward Because it burns more calories than not working out Because it improves your heart health Because you want a great butt Because it prevents diabetes Because you want to be a good example to your kids Because you want to feel good in your clothes Because it reduces your risk of cancer Because your body was made to move Because you want to be an athlete Because you want to look better Because it lifts your mood Because you want to stand taller Because it reduces back pain Because it feels good Because it makes you feel accomplished Because you spend most of your day on your butt Because swimsuit season is always coming Because strong is the new skinny Because dieting only works so much Because it strengthens your bones, too Because it helps you lose weight Because it allows you to eat more food Because it's the best way to spend "me" time Because it helps you de-stress Because it's cheaper than therapy Because you want a strong core Because you want to take care for yourself Because you take pride in your body Because it strengthens your legs Because it helps your clothes fit better Because you want to push yourself Because you are capable of more than you ever imagined Because moving your body feels good Because it keeps your mind sharp Because it helps you beat belly bloat Because it helps you sleep better at night Because it gives you energy Because you want to stay healthy as you age Because you want to look younger Because you want toned arms Because it improves your balance Because it burns off last night's dessert Because it boosts your immune system Because sweat is sexy Because you want to live longer Because you want to get better at your game Because you want to catch someone's eye Because exercisers earn more money Because you're more likely to eat better when you exercise Because you want to shave time off your running pace Because you want to breathe easier Because you want to see the scale drop Because exercise improves your sex life Because you are worth it Because being fit makes everything in life better Because you promised yourself that you would Because you deserve a better life Because it'll help you drink more Water Because you want to do real push-ups Because it reduces your health care costs Because you'll miss fewer days of work Because you want to create a new future for yourself Because it'll help you like what you see in the mirror Because it makes clothing shopping more fun Because you want to look and feel incredible Because exercising can be fun Because it'll give your skin a glow Because it's a good way to spend time with your friends Because it'll help you prevent the middle-age spread Because it reduces your blood pressure Because you don't want to let yourself go Because you don't want to squeeze into an airplane or rollercoaster seat Because it strengthens your spirit Because it's a cheap way to entertain yourself Because you'll be able to reward yourself Because you need a reason to wear those new workout clothes Because you're tired of being tired Because not working out is not going to get you very far Because it's a great way to spend time outside Because you made a commitment to yourself Because you're tired of starting over Because there will always be another wedding, vacation or reunion Because you're not a quitter Because it improves your cholesterol Because it boosts your metabolism Because it prevents age-related muscle loss Because if you can do this, you can do anything Because a fit body is a healthy body Because it beats sitting on the couch Because everyone has at least 10 minutes to spare Because you want to be stronger than your excuses Because not working out isn't working out for you Because the only workout you ever regret is the one you skip

hair loss is such a crap shoot. Biotin is either a gift from God or expensive pee. I was one of the fortunate few who did not have hair loss beyond a few extra strays around the house. My program required 80 grams of Protein, 80 ounces of non-caloric fluids, and 800-1200 calories. I bout Nature's Bounty Biotin 10,000 mcg twice a day. I don't know if that is why, but I was prepared for it just in case. All you can do is expect the worst and hope for the best. Biotin may be the best thing you ever bought.....or not.

Many of us who are post-op had what are called "food funerals" where we said good-bye one last time to something that we thought we would particularly miss in the surgical afterlife. The good new is that sometimes one's tastebuds and desire for certain foods are altered by surgery. At nine months out, I still eat what I want, but what I want has changed. My body's internal systems are thriving on healthy food and daily nutrients. The last thing I want is soda pop, Twinkies and potato chips and greasy calzones. Going through the phases of pre-op and post "deprivation" helped me to appreciate the value of proper nutrition and portion control. You can get through this and live to tell about it. sugar free Jello got me over several bumps where I just wanted to eat my fingers. I agree with Emtabulous that maybe you might want to forego the Food Network for a while. You can do this, and you will live to tell about it. Good luck.

Can UHC assign you a case manager who can be your "go to" so that you talk to the same person every time you call?

Well, I wouldn't wish this stuff on anyone, but once in a while I bring out my National Insitute of Health's co-morbitidies list of conditions that insurance companies consider. Maybe you have some of these other conditions that the insurance company "forgot" to mention may qualify you for weight loss surgery.Obesity Comorbidities To follow is a list of comorbidities (additional conditions or diseases) related to obesity which may help you in qualifying for weight loss surgery. Family history of heart disease Family history of stroke Family history of diabetes Family history of heart attacks Hyperinsulinemia Diabetes High blood pressure Coronary-artery disease Hypertension Migraines or headaches directly related to obesity or cranial hypertension Congestive heart failure Neoplasia Dyslipidemia Anemia Gallbladder disease Osteoarthritis Degenerative arthritis Degenerative disc Degenerative joint disease Recommended joint replacement from specialist Accelerated degenerative joint disease Asthma Repeated pneumonia Repeated pleurisy Repeated bronchitis Lung restriction Gastroesophageal reflex (GERD) Excess facial & body hair (Hirsutism) Rashes Chronic skin infections Excess sweating Frequent yeast infections Urinary stress incontinence Menstrual irregularity Hormonal abnormalities Polycystic ovaries Infertility Carcinoma (breast, colon, uterine cancer) sleep apnea Pseudotumor cerebri Depression Psychological/sexual dysfunction Social discrimination Premature death in the immediate family

Forgot to mention about the incicions burning. For me, it was just part of the healing process, and mine were itchy for quite a while. However, if an incision looks hot and infected, it's worth calling the doc.

Don't mean to alarm you, but you asked for opinions from folks who are not bariatric physicians, but who otherwise know some stuff about some other stuff, so here is where my experience comes in. If the pain feels like some one stabbed you with a Samurai sword under your right shoulder blade and is twisting that blade deeper and deeper until you want to scream bloody murder it may be your gallbladder. Gallbladders are unfriendly when they are irritated and ignored. You do not want an angry gallbladder to burst....oh no no no. Or it could be gas. I said all of that to say this. If it doesn't resolve soon - call you doctor. If it gets worse, don't wait for the doctor - go to the E R.

Hey KitKat, welcome to the forum. I am Miss Mac from Chicago, and have been here since August 2013 and had sleeve surgery on December 23, 2013. My one year surgi-versary (and my original birthday) are just around the corner. It's been an interesting ride. Welcome aboard!

With me, it's Richard Simmons....yes, I am that old! Although, I will confess that Shaun T is that easy to look at when I do the Hip Hop Abs. Yes, I am that young at heart! Boop Boop De Doop.

To the original poster: you know why you have to do this. Here is why some others of us followed through on the surgey. It's a long thread, and will keep you out of trouble for hours. So if you have having a "last straw" marathon on a rainy day, get up every once in a while and shake that thang! http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/219831-what-was-your-final-straw-that-broke-the-camels-back/page-72?hl=%2Blast+%2Bstraw#entry3620547

I am nine months out and eating what I want. However, what I want has changed from the pre-op me. I do not want junk and sweets. I do not miss dessert. If I have to have something, I go for an apple instead of apple pie. I might have a small potato twice a month, but not mashed potatoes nearly every day. I eat an ounce of colby jack instead of a double grilled cheese. If I have chili, I may sprinkle 1/4 ounce of shredded cheddar, but I will pass on the crackers or macaroni (my people call that "chili-mac soup") I may have a banana instead of a banana split. So, there you have it. I still weigh and measure everything. My tummy capacity has gone from 1/4 cup and two tablespoons to 3/4 cup. I still eat slow and take small bites. If I do not track I lose track.

His moniker should be "Mean ol' rotten Hateful Fat Bastardo". Maybe then, more people wouldn't take his advice. Yeah, what a creep! Please, run in the opposite direction as fast as you can.

Bummer on the cold damp rainy weather, but like you, I incorporate a variety of upbeat music to keep me moving. When I am doing housework, I crank up the music channels on my Direct TV. My favorites are the Classic Rock Workout, and the Modern Workout channels. Since I don't generally like the fake-a** music on my workout and strength training videos, I put them in the CD player, put it on mute, and play a some Pandora Music as background. I would much rather lift free weights to "Oops, I did it again" than elevator music!

You could (should?) set smaller goals for yourself. For example: Starting weight 360 325 get a book you have been wanting to read 299 (Yay! below 300!) Get a fashion magazine to imagine how your healthy self may look in up to date teen clothes 275 Get some music you want 260 (Yay! 100 pounds lost - and this is a more do-able goal for your birthday than reaching 120 pounds), since folks starting at a higher range tend tend have a greater initial loss. 225 At 5'6" you will start looking fierce and curvey at this weight. Check out available cool stuff for young women 199 (Yay! below 200) We call this One-der-land. You made it! Go somewhere to Celebrate with friends. Maybe an amusement park. You will no doubt fit in a roller coaster seat at this weight. 175 You may start having enough energy to go the distance on a hiking trail, or with some spanx to keep jiggly parts in control, you could do a 5K or one of those races for charity. Plus practicing will help you get in shape even more. 150 OMG You look and feel awesome. You may be investigating plastic surgery to reign things in. This alone will help you lose several more pounds, just from eliminating jiggly leftover skin. However, because you have the advantage of youth hormones and more elastic skin, a regular work-out with strength training could have you in good enough shape to not need plastics. A good reward would be a kick-a** pair of jeans. (I may be an old lady at 62) but in one more size down, I will fit into a pair of white jeans that I bought months ago as a reward for working hard.) I dare to suggest that at 150, you may be delighted with your new curvey body and wonder "What was I thinking?" when setting a goal of 120. Remember, meat is for the man and bone is for the dog. At 5'6", 150 pounds will be freakin' awesome!!!!! I wouldn't even worry about 120 until I get to this point. You may find that if 150-ish feels healthy, and a healthy body is better than a an artificial airbrushed movie star body. Good luck dear. You have a lot to look forward to. And when you get to a stall, remember that stalls are like lovers. You first will probably not be your last. Hugs from Miss Mac in Chicago.

It's not even about how you look. This is about your health and quality of life. You will find that bariatric surgery will draw a line in the sand over who are your real friends and who are just nosy judgemental acquaintances.

I had my right knee replaced, with a meniscus repair, ACL repair, and synovial cyst removed in 2007. It was the single most painful surgery of my life (and my sleeve was #11). I would do it again, but with a better doctor and at a university teaching hospital. I had my left knee replaced in 2011, which was still painful, but I had a better doctor, at a university affiliated teaching hospital, and a much better physical therapy program. When I have an achy day and my bits and parts are stiff and slow, I do my exercise to David Stamps videos. He has several videos that can be followed when sitting in a chair. My absolute favorite is Chair Boxing, although I have his Chair Salsa and his Chair Tai Chi. I would recommend them to anyone with physical challenges that prevent normal upright exercise. I even have his video for people who are bedfast. Plus, he is easy to look at.