Question:
Anyone have physical problems stopping them from exercising post-op?

I am over 2 mo. post op and I can not exercise the way my surgeon suggested. I have physical problems, some of which I had pre-op. My herniated discs in my spine got worse due to the morbid obesity. I also have knee, etc problems that prevent me from walking except for the normal walking that I do during the day around the house. DOES ANYONE ELSE POST-OP HAVE THIS PROBLEM, TOO? Has it created problems for you w/ not losing the amt of wt that you think you should? How do you handle it? I am quite frustrated by all this. I want to be able to walk a mile or two a day like other's are doing or go to the gym and work out but I can't. Just walking in a store creates pain in my back and legs. I have lost close to 100 lbs (both preop and postop)....yet I still continue to have these problems. My surgeon says that it may get better as I continue to take the wt off but what do I do in the meantime???    — kathy S. (posted on October 5, 2000)

October 5, 2000
Kathy, I am beginning to water walk and has my energy improves I plan to move to lap swimming. I am also planning to use weight machines beginning with the leg and arm machines (I won't fit in most of the ab machines right now). I also purchased to books on Pilates matwork. Pilates is an exercise program designed to length and strengthen muscles and increase joint flexibility. This might be helpful for you. I would suggest that you get you doctor to refer you for physical therapy and work with the therapist to develop and exercise plan which will give you some relief from your back pain and will help you increas you exercise level.
   — Nanette T.

October 5, 2000
Maybe doing things with your arms might be a good start. Get some 2 pound weights, or start with regular cans of food. Do lots of repetitions, bicep curls, over the head presses, you can find arm exercises in searches on the internet. Also, many exercise websites have a subsection for disabilities and exercise. I saw a really good one a couple of years ago that was arm and leg stuff all done in a chair. Start off slow, and then build. The important thing is to get going now. Good Luck to you.
   — Cara S.

October 5, 2000
Try going to an Orthopedist they can then refer you to physical theripist that can show how to exercise and avoid hurting your back and leg more be sure and tell each of them want you had done and the amount of exercise the surgoen wants you to get.
   — MARK N.

October 5, 2000
My herniated disks are causing a shooting pain down my left leg. It stops me from exercising like other people. Although i still lost, i think my leg skin is saggier and i could be firmer. Glad to hear from you it has been awhile
   — snicklefritz

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