Complex Health Issues & Physical Limitations

[Midwest Grateful 48]

Hi everyone.

I appreciate learning from your shared experiences. I'm a 62-year-young grandma with a zest for life. I joined here 2+ years ago, but initially ruled out WLS. Over the past two years my health has declined surprisingly, becoming complex with several new diagnoses, including:

1. A rare and progressive neurological disorder (misdiagnosed for years).
- I'm told my nerve fibers will not replenish, thus my muscles (legs, especially) will continue to weaken. I'm also told I should be realistic about my physical limitations as my level of exercise isn't expected to improve post surgery. I am realistic, but I'm always hopeful. My exercise level currently consists of short distance walking (1-3 blocks) every other day as tolerated and on opposite days 10 minutes on a recumbent cross-trainer (NuStep).

2. Autoimmune issues have been resistant to stronger meds intended to cut inflammation, which also progresses my neurological disorder.

3. It was the diagnosis of liver disease (fibrosis stage 3) in January that led me to move forward with WLS.

I am scheduled for the sleeve in late July.
Can any of you relate to having similar health issues with WLS, especially nearing the golden years? Or did less-than-optimal exercise levels hinder weight loss (losing less than expected)? I'm praying the surgery will jolt my nerves to replenish at least somewhat and exceed expectations. We'll see. Thanks for your time! (Feel free to message me privately.)

Edited June 13, 2023 by Midwest Grateful

[catwoman7 10,881]

I didn't really have any health issues, but I'm also a "senior" - there are lots of us on here who've had surgery in our 50s, 60s, and even a few in their 70s.

not being able to exercise much shouldn't be an issue. Weight loss is 90% diet and 10% exercise (exercise has a greater effect during maintenance, though (once you reach your goal weight) - but then, you can only do what you can do. But for losing weight, no - it doesn't play a major role). I've "known" several people on bariatric forums who rarely if ever exercised, and they still lost a ton of weight.

[Midwest Grateful 48]

Catwoman7, that's so encouraging. I'm learning more about how diet alone is key. So kind of you to respond. Thanks so much!

[Arabesque 6,502]

I had my surgery at almost 54 & didn’t exercise. I simply don’t enjoy it. I lost all my weight & more & am keeping it off. All I do now is some stretching & use resistance bands mainly for my back & to keep me a little flexible. I spread out what I do across the day - about four sessions of 5 or so minutes. They call it exercise snacking. There are lots of exercises for people with a variety of physical limitations available on line. And resistance bands are great - so much you can do with them sitting or lying down.

Check about your anti inflammatories in case you need to change formulations as some things absorb differently after surgery. We’re usually told to avoid non steroidal anti inflammatories (NSAIDS) because of our smaller tummy but if yours are steroids you should be fine.

All the best.

[Midwest Grateful 48]

7 hours ago, Arabesque said:

I had my surgery at almost 54 & didn’t exercise. I simply don’t enjoy it. I lost all my weight & more & am keeping it off. All I do now is some stretching & use resistance bands mainly for my back & to keep me a little flexible. I spread out what I do across the day - about four sessions of 5 or so minutes. They call it exercise snacking. 

Arabesque, thank you for sharing. This is incredibly encouraging. Congratulations on your achievements. Exercise snacking... I never heard that term before. I'll remember that.

I also discussed the occasional use of steroids with my surgeon, who also said it will be fine, especially used short term. Have a beautiful day!