Vicious Cycle

[northstar9148 82]

So, I haven't been doing too well on losing my 15 pounds in 6 months like Molina requires.

I have chronic knee pain. I believe the pain causes depression. I was also in a couple car accidents, which caused some frontal lobe brain damage. That's where your memory and organization and planning happen. I can't seem to plan my meals. I think the knee pain and depression are making it worse.

The only thing I can think of is to start doing Protein Shakes. They are a no brainer, no pun intended, I'd appreciate your thoughts and if any body knows the amount of Protein shakes a day one should be drinking, that would be wonderful to know.

If I could get the weight off and start exercising, I think that would help my brain injury?

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[Waler 330]

I do not want to come off sounding mean....here it comes...But I suffer from chronic knee pain. I have had surgery twice and I also have degenerative disks in my back. That being said stop letting pain define who you are what you and can not do. You and you alone need to take charge of your life in order to get where you want to be. If you believe something is preventing you from success...you are absolutely correct. You are the only one who can define your limitations

[KristenLe 5,980]

@@northstar9148 I would think that you should drink 4-5 Protein shakes per day for Meal Replacement. Just be careful not to eat around those shakes - or you'll definitely be getting too many calories. Why don't you try replacing 2 meals to start out with and see if that's better? I just think a full fast (meal replacement shakes only) will be challenging. Do you have anyone who can help you?

[northstar9148 82]

Walker, any suggestions on changing my life? Love to hear them

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[northstar9148 82]

Kristen Le, yes, good idea on the meals. I think I'll try replacing lunch and see how that works. Thanks

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[theantichick 2,204]

@@northstar9148 Have you gotten any neuro therapy after your head injury? The therapists are usually really good about helping clients find or develop coping mechanisms for whatever deficit they have.

There are places online that will give you planned meals for each week, along with the shopping list of what to buy, and prep instructions for each meal. I don't know how much they cost, but that might be one option. Or have a family member or friend help you develop the same. A planner system can help you keep track of these things, and more that you're probably having issues with.

But if you're having that much difficulty with executive processing, you really need to see a neurologist and specifically request some occupational/neuro therapy.

[northstar9148 82]

Ok, thanks for that information. ????, I didn't know there were coping mechanisms. I will look at the meal plans as well, thank you so much!

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[theantichick 2,204]

Ok, thanks for that information. , I didn't know there were coping mechanisms. I will look at the meal plans as well, thank you so much!

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Oh, yeah. Head injury patients have all sorts of challenges, and we're learning more and more about head injury every day almost. Anyone with a memory issue, short or long term, usually has to learn to rely on a planner of some sort to keep track of just about everything from taking medications, eating, chores, appointments. Some people do better with paper planners, some people do better with applications on smart phones. post-it notes are also very useful tools I've seen used. Since it's not my area of expertise, I'm sure there's hundreds of things I don't even know exist.

I don't know where you're located, but here's one site that came up on a search that seems to have some resources that might get you started finding the right kind of specialist and therapist.

http://www.headinjury.com/rehabcognitive.html

[northstar9148 82]

Thanks for that information. I really appreciate it. . I will check it out. My chronic knee pain is depressing me too. I really do try my hardest to plan, but it just feels like there is a walk there.

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[northstar9148 82]

Wall, I meant

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[leebick 448]

You could buy the frozen Atkins dinners. They seem a little high in calories but they are low in carbohydrate, which is what is really going to help you drop the pounds. I also have found that they taste good, and have the mouth-feel I crave to feel satisfied. Three whey Protein isolate shakes (about 200 calories each, or 600 total) and two Atkins dinners (about 400 calories each, or 800 total) will put you in at about 1400 calories a day. If that's too much, cut out one of the shakes or one of the frozen meals. For the WPI shakes, I like syntax nectar powder mixed with unsweetened plain almond milk- Almond Breeze is my preferred brand of almond milk. Also, if you can't walk due to knee pain, do SOMETHING. Get a couple of cans of Soup to use as hand weights and do arm exercises. Do leg lifts while sitting- from a sitting position, straighten out your knee until your leg is straight. Do a bunch of reps. Also from a sitting position, exercise your thigh muscles by leaving your knee bent but lift it towards the ceiling. DO something, anything, besides just sit there!

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Pre-op, my NUT suggested adding a bag of frozen vegetables (like broccoli) to a Lean Cuisine (or similar) to bulk it up without a lot of extra calories. I ate a lot of broccoli, cauliflower (cruciferous vegetables).

[theantichick 2,204]

Oh, yeah... I was so focused on the head injury, I forgot about the knee thing.

As someone who had to do 18 months of rehab for a knee reconstruction... GET IN THE POOL. Seriously, there is nothing better for getting moving without the pain as getting in Water. I would Water walk in the pool at my 24 hour fitness center, or deep water jog in the deep end (with a flotation belt) at the city rec center.

[Uniqbtrfly 27]

I do the 1GM per inch of how tall I am....5 ft 6 in...so my minimum is 66 GM per day. I have short term memory loss due to a combination of my bipolar and fibromyalgia...so I focus on the day and the moment. If I make notes...I forget them...lol.

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Oh, yeah... I was so focused on the head injury, I forgot about the knee thing.

As someone who had to do 18 months of rehab for a knee reconstruction... GET IN THE POOL. Seriously, there is nothing better for getting moving without the pain as getting in Water. I would Water walk in the pool at my 24 hour fitness center, or deep water jog in the deep end (with a flotation belt) at the city rec center.

The pool is a great idea!

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[northstar9148 82]

Leebick, Love the idea of the Atkins meals. What do you think about the Protein shakes at Wal-Mart? They have Atkins as well. I am going to go to the pool as well

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