half way there/need suggestions for upcoming knee surgery

[sbg224 318]

I cannot believe I am writing, that I am officially down 60lbs, which is halfway from goal. I have lost 50% of the excess weight I want/need to lose. another 60lbs to go, and hopefully I will reach that. I was sleeved 8/3. Unfortunately I am having total knee replacement 12/22, and I am worried how that is going to effect my weight loss journey. I have gotten into a routine of sorts, with what I eat and when, my exercise/training routine with a trainer, and now I will need to stop that. I am also supposed to have the other knee done about 6 weeks later. I would like to postpone the surgeries, but cannot, as 1 of the knees is a work injury and it must be taken care of as soon as possible. Any thoughts or suggestions greatly appreciated. I see the knee surgeon tomorrow, and have many questions, so hopefully he can assist me with this issue also.

[Bufflehead 6,358]

I would say don't let the lack of exercise stress you out. What is most important in weight loss is how you eat. Some people will let the stress from surgery, coupled with freaking out about not exercising, let them get into a mindspace of "everything is terrible and hopeless, I may as well give up on eating right and just comfort myself with cupcakes" -- don't let this be you! Have a strong game plan with respect to your eating and stick to it. Work hard on your rehab as prescribed after your surgery but don't rush getting back to exercise. Your job is to heal and recover and think long-term.

Also, I would say stay off the scale for a week at least after surgery -- surgery can play havoc with our bodies with weird results on the scale.

eta: remember that your body will appreciate a high-protein diet after your knee surgery to help heal, so be sure to have worked that into your post-op eating plan.

Good luck! I think you will do great.

[Cheryl Smith 7]

Congratulations! I'm having sleeve surgery 12/15, and had a total knee replacement on 9/28. It is a brutal surgery and will certainly slow down the walking portion of your weight loss. On the other hand the Physical Therapy you will have to do includes lots of stationary bike riding and a cool squat machine. It should help to build muscles as you lose fat.

As far as eating, I had no appetite post surgery. You will be on lots of pain meds (Patches for you) and the anesthesia takes forever to wear off. I actually lost weight in the hospital and in rehab. If your insurance covers it I highly recommend a few days in Rehab. I had the surgery on a Monday morning and was released on Thursday morning. Was driven right to a short term Rehab center where you do about 3 hours PT a day (luckily in 45 min blocks). Left on Tuesday and was completely ready for steps, curbs, etc.

[6542 2]

Congratulations! I'm having sleeve surgery 12/15, and had a total knee replacement on 9/28. It is a brutal surgery and will certainly slow down the walking portion of your weight loss. On the other hand the Physical Therapy you will have to do includes lots of stationary bike riding and a cool squat machine. It should help to build muscles as you lose fat.

As far as eating, I had no appetite post surgery. You will be on lots of pain meds (Patches for you) and the anesthesia takes forever to wear off. I actually lost weight in the hospital and in rehab. If your insurance covers it I highly recommend a few days in Rehab. I had the surgery on a Monday morning and was released on Thursday morning. Was driven right to a short term Rehab center where you do about 3 hours PT a day (luckily in 45 min blocks). Left on Tuesday and was completely ready for steps, curbs, etc.

[6542 2]

Congrats! I am scheduled for the vertical sleeve on December 22, 2015. Looking so forward to it. I had a total knee replacement on one knee 3 years ago and yes it is very brutal. The main thing is do your physical therapy. If you have access to a pool that was the very best therapy because you can do things in the pool so much easier. I have to have another knee replacement on my other knee. Hoping to hold off until end of 2016 and hopeful I will have reached my goal weight. During my P/T i don't remember much walking most everything stationary. But, again I recommend pool therapy as soon as you can. I also had no appetite and lost about 15-20lbs during that time.

[Daisee68 2,493]

First, congrats on your loss thus far! Great job!

I haven't had the replacement surgery but my dad did a few years back. He too went to a rehab for about a week and while he was mad at me for making him go, he was able to say afterward that he was very glad he went. He also was not hungry. I would suggest contacting your bariatric surgeon and NUT and touching base with them to help you have a plan. Know that you will need to focus on Protein and fluids just like you did after your bariatric surgery. You don't want to get dehydrated! Have some ready to drink Protein shakes like Premier Protein at hand (and chilled) so you can at least get those in during the first week. I think I would also contact someone at the hospital (not sure who) about your food needs while staying there. Maybe you can take your favorite Protein drinks with you that they can refrigerate for you?

Good luck! I know it is a rough surgery but I have also heard so many afterwards so how grateful they are that they had it done!

[Miss Mac 6,261]

I had my right knee done in 2007 and my left knee in 2011. I do not see how some people get both done at the same time. The pain is considerable until the staples com out, then you will notice an immediate let up. Do take advantage of pain meds and keep ahead of the pain. It's called Better Living Through Chemistry, and you will be glad you did. So what if you will be groggy.

I can give you advice in this respect: Get chair exercise videos by David Stamps, or follow him on You Tube. I have Chair Salsa, Chair Boxing, Chair Tai Chi, Chair Beach Oldies, and Bedfast. That way you can exercise the limbs that you can move so that you won't feel like you are losing ground. Plus, he is easy to look at.

Even the Bedfast exercises are helpful when you are having a bad day and can only make it to the bathroom and back. When you have a therapy session, take a pain med about an hour before. It will make a difference.

I too, had a week in a rehab facility with the first knee replacement, as I was living alone and had no one to help. With my second one, my boyfriend took two weeks vacation so that he could help me through the worst of it.

I wish you a speedy recovery. Hugs from Chicago.

[Cheryl Smith 7]

As far as doing the 2nd knee 6 weeks later, that's the minimum amount of time Ins will approve I think. My sister did them 6 weeks apart and seemed to do OK (she's 73). I'm doing my 6 months apart - 4 months after my Sleeve surgery. The good thing is that you are pretty miserable and this way it's all done instead of starting to feel great and then hit bottom again