NewLifeFinny

Thanks for your input, gowalking! That's a good point and something I forgot about - the Ortho did recommend core strengthening. I've added about 5 min of core to the end of my personal training sessions (they say any more than 10 minutes is too stressful for your abdominals.) Wishing you all the best with personal training! It has truly transformed my life. I think a knowledgeable trainer is worth her/his weight in gold.

Thanks for your input! I will order Peggy's DVD. Do you feel any different since taking glucosomine?

So sorry to hear about your spine issues, Djmohr. That sounds very painful and difficult. Hope all goes well and I'm wishing you relief and rehabilitation! Glad to learn you would still go through with bypass. I agree that despite the setbacks, it's been worthwhile.

Thanks Waler! Love the tens unit. Wonder if those OTC ones sold at drugstores work as well as the real thing.

Hi all! I had RNY on 11/15/15. HW: 349. SW:337. CW:217 (Down 132 lbs.) I got really into exercise around February of this year: HIIT strength training, cardio dance, spinning, etc. I was working out 6x a week and feeling so strong and healthy. In mid-May I had emergency ovarian surgery. I was cleared to work out again one week later, so of course I hit the gym as hard as before. Three days later I was in agony with back pain. I think the stress of abdominal surgery put more strain on my back, and my body is changing so quickly anyway, that it got to be too much for my goofy spine. I have DDD of the L4-S1 vertebrae, as so many of us do, with zero discs left in that region. The pain has been more intense and lingering than ever before and it's really affected me physically, mentally, and emotionally. It's been a long road of stops and starts trying to get back to "normal." Here's what I'm doing now: physical therapy exercises to start my day, every day. My personal training (HIIT strength training) twice a week, avoiding "triggering" exercises. (My trainers know the limitations.) Just started restorative yoga 2x a week and felt amazing after the first session. Can't wait to go back. Walking a 20 minute mile for 2-3 miles at least 4x a week. Going to the chiropractor as needed for adjustments and massage. And of course I sleep on my back with a knee bolster. I would love to go back to my old training style and schedule but suspect that will be out of reach for a while. For those of you out there also dealing with DDD, herniations, stenosis, etc - what works for you? Have any tips or tricks? Did you also experience worsening back pain after surgery? I heard that we used to have more insulation around the spine, and weight loss naturally causes instability because of the lack of "cushion." Also, our back muscles get super strong because they're used to carrying around a lot of weight in front, so when we become lighter they're still in "flex mode" and prone to act up. I am not medical professional - does any of that make sense?! My chiro and ortho didn't really have theories on this.

I'm in Chicago too! Doing the Brookfield Zoo 5k this weekend and excited for more beautiful weather. I can't walk 26 miles yet (you flippin rock star!!!) but this is so much more than I was capable of doing before.

I LOVE strength training. I was doing cardio on my own before joining a training gym and it's transformed my life. I also notice that my skin has firmed up and my loss has increased significantly (which makes sense because that bit of extra lean muscle mass burns calories throughout the day.) I have orthopedic issues, so if form is one of your concerns like it is to me, I highly recommend a trainer. They can really help with injury prevention as well as keeping it interesting. If you start lifting at home, I'd invest in 5 lb dumbbells, 10 lb dumbbells, a 15-20 lb padded weight bar, and some grip gloves (I have Valeo gloves and they help so much!) That's enough for most "beginners" to work with. And if you're not ready to lift yet, you can do some knee lift punches with the weights and some squats with the weight bar to elevate what you're already doing. Good luck!!!

Jealous, jenjen16! I had surgery the same day, have been following the plan to the letter, and have only lost 15.

Has anyone tried this? My husband just bought some for me on the recommendation of a colleague who had bariatric surgery. Each half gallon contains over 150 egg whites, sucralose, and other natural/artificial flavors. It's allegedly delicious and comes in something like a dozen flavors. You can also bake with it. It's 25g of Protein per 8 oz serving, with 1g sugar and no fat. Considering that it's packed with protein, I'm sick of (and sick from) protein shakes, and these 2 half gallons were hella expensive, I'm drinking them even if they taste like garbage! I have one in a vanilla cupcake flavor and another in chocolate caramel. Anyone have experience with these?

Whoa, 20 lbs? You go, rking! You're slaying it. In the same boat: start work Monday (the first week is working from home, thankfully) but I've gotten used to the life of leisure. If only we could be independently wealthy! Rich and skinny haha. Stay warm and congrats!

Gigs, no way! I'm about 8 blocks from Mariano's... are we in the same neighborhood too lol?! This is blowing my mind! BTW I finally caught up on Scandal per your recommendation. Worth it!

Ooh, might be soft foods! Exciting. Keep me posted.

Same here! Two weeks out and feeling pretty much normal (besides being extra sleepy and missing food. :/) When do you start "normal" foods? I have another week of full liquids left. Before surgery I never appreciated the great variety of light Yoplait yogurt flavors lol.

Are you a writer? I feel like I am reading a novel.. Definitely not an author, Niki, but flattered you'd think so! Just supremely bored with walking, reading, and watching junk TV in my Snuggie.