After getting lap and and being cleared to exercise, I started exercising faithfully. After about 8 months, my knees started hurting. I thought it was just normal pain from finally exercising so much. Turns out it's osteoarthritis. My doctor told me I can not exercise any longer. He told me I now have to strictly use diet to lose weight. He said I will need knee replacements but not until I'm in my 50s. I'm 32 I sank into a depression the past few weeks. He told me I shouldn't be doing anything other than resting my knee and taking it easy. This is so depressing to me, as I have 3 kids under 12. Took them to the waterpark the other day, and I paid for it greatly the next day. Because of the lap band, he says I can't take Motrin. He told me I should get the lap band out so I can take Motrin. I am hurting in so much pain yet I can't take anything. What kind of a life is this? Can I really be successful with diet only?

I am so lost.

Well, it still can't hurt to get a second opinion. Swimming is good, so is tai chi.

You said " I put all my worth in my weight, " . Ummmm, thats definitely NOT what you're all about ! Your worth is ALOT more than just a # on the scale . Maybe , until you get your physical health somewhat solved with your OA, you might consider working on your mental health.Seeing a good therapist who specializes in WLS patients might be one of the best investments you could make. A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body ! And you are sooooo worth the time and money !! Good luck !!!

So, he didn't really say you couldn't do any exercises. Just not the kind you prefer. You definitely need to get your butt in a pool and swim and/or take some water aerobics classes. You will feel so much better. Who cares what you look like. You will be under water most of the time anyway.

I understand what some are saying. My doctor stated no elliptical, running, snow showering, skiing, heavy walking, jump rope, etc etc etc. he mentioned I could try swimming. The problem is I put all my worth in my weight and so I avoid going places because I don't like myself. Definitely can't swim now without anxiety attacks. I know it's something I need to work on. I bought an expensive elliptical, to use in my home. Now, it's worthless. It's what I used every day. This doctor does specialize in active people. His wife has OA and he told me that he was the one who runs with his kids, takes me to Water parks, etc. his wife simply can not. And if she cared, she would lose weight. If I cared, I would lose weight. Through diet alone. He said it will be torture, but that I can do it. He said losing the weight may help the pain, but it will never cure it. Basically, it will delay surgery, but not avoid it altogether. I am glad to hear that many have lost weight throug diet alone. He said 90% of bodybuilding is done in the kitchen, 10% in the gym.

Hello again,

I understand your frustration and not wanting to go to a pool. Although if you can find an all-women's gym, water aerobics would be a good option. I am not sure what you mean by "heavy walking," but walking at a slow pace will help with your knees. If walking on a treadmill is not an option for you, taking a leisurely stroll outside would work. If possible, try to avoid walking on concrete.

The main reason I replied to your post again is your comments about losing weight through diet being torture and people who don't care won't lose weight. I disagree on both of these counts. When I decided to have lap band surgery, I looked at it as a new start for my thought process about weight and nutrition. I have followed my doctors' "food rules," and it has not been torture at all thanks to the band. I know some people here swear they can eat any kind of food they want, but since that never worked for me before the band, I knew it wouldn't work now. It is obvious from your post that you do care and that you do want to make changes. Take a deep breath. You can do this.