Hi everyone, haven't been on for a while because things just have not been good. Was banded 9/08 and lost around 45 pounds til 7/09. Not great but 45 pound is 45 pounds. Then on 7/29/09 I fell at home, broke my arm in three places, tore my rotator cuff, tore the tendons holding my bicep and had to have surgery. I now have an 8.5 inch scar, steel plate, 11 screws keeping me together. Then I got a blood clot in my jugular vein so I am on blood thinners trying to get rid of that. PT 2 x's week for the arm. But I was instructed not to do anything to increase my heart rate and I am not allowed to get any fills while on the blood thinner. I am sick of my arm not working (doc said I should be at 70% at 6 months) just getting depressed, still not able to work a full day, not able to do my treadmill, had to drop out of Curves because at present I am a liability since I can't get on/off the machines without help. And what am I doing ... turning to food. I have gained 5 pounds since the surgery on my arm and I can't quit eating. Someone help me please. What do I do? It was hard enough before my accident. I know it is depression, or at least I think that is what it is. Thanks for listening.

I'm so sorry for your difficulties. Walking is a great way to keep your lost weight from coming back on and will also help you with the depression issue. Why are you not allowed to raise your heart rate?

Jetsy, I think at this time the best thing to do would be to keep some kind of food journal. This way you will be accountable for everything you’re eating and will help you either maintain your weight loss or possibly help you to lose the 5 Lbs. you’ve gained.

I really hope you feel better soon! It sounds like you have been through a lot lately. Hang in there and know we are here for you when you need us. Please also let us know how you’re doing! J

I'm so sorry! How hard this must feel for you! 6 months after my surgery, I fell and injured my ankle, and couldnt exercise for 6 weeks. I gained some back and I felt just horrible about it. Try not to let it get you down. Once you are 100%, pick up where you were and get back on track. Its just a temporary setback. You are doing so well losing 45 pounds! Remember... its TEMPORARY. :thumbup:

What a bummer, but you got to get your head back on straight. I got really depressed after my cat was attacked and killed by raccoons so I understand the whole emotional eating thing but we have to learn how to deal with the issues without food. I would definitely keep focusing on your 45 lb weight loss that is awesome and you must feel better from it. Then just move a little, even standing burns calories. I stood at the airport last Saturday for about 4 hours and when I got home two days later I had lost 2 pounds. Good luck and think positively it works!

I am not sure why they don't want my heart rate to be going up for an extended period of time. I assumed it has to do with the blood clot in the jugular vein and not wanting it to break loose ... but to be honest I didnt' ask. When they told me about it they were saying all this stuff about being careful, not cutting myself, making sure to wear my seatbelt when driving because if I wreck a hard hit could make me bleed internally, be careful of even falling, watch for bleeding from my nose, ears and even eyes (gross), blah, blah, blah. The clot came, they think, from the attempt at a nerve block post-op that did not work. I thought about it last night and I was thinking I should go back on my two week pre-op diet. Maybe if I do something drastic it will get my head back on straight. I have to do something because I can't keep on this track. Thanks for listening.