3 month visit

I have been doing a lot of lerking and not much posting. You have all inspired me so much and I thank you for that!! I just went to my 3 month check up yesterday (a little late) and I was very frustrated. I was very excited to find out that I had lost 88 lbs. so far. When I talked to the doctor on the other hand, I mentioned to him that the last 3 weeks have been really hectic and I have not been able to get back into my regular exercise routine but I have been doing a lot of walking. Well, he basically told me that I was going to ruin the surgery by not sticking to a regular routine!! I was so furious that I told him that 3 or 4 weeks out of 52 wasn't so bad. He disagreed and told me that I have to keep an exercise routine of at least 3 days a week 30 minutes a day for ever. I just don't think with real life that it is possible to maintain that schedule. Has anyone else run into this with their doctor? I have also had a lot of trouble getting in all my food and fluid. He was not happy with that and with a valid point. He is affraid that I may have a strickture and would like to do a scope. I can't seem to fit it all in. Has anyone else had to have this done and what was it like? I told him I want to give it a couple more weeks. I'm hoping when things aren't so hectic I will be able to accompli**** Sorry for going on and on!! Thank you again for all support you guys give even though you probably don't know it. Will try to post more often. Have a great day!!! Jacque

I haven't really talked to the Dr. about exercise issues...she just asks if I'm doing something. I know you need to exercise regularly, but I'm sorry he got so upset with you. Maybe he's had some patients who didn't exercise, failed, and blamed him; that could make him a little touchy on the issue. I'd be more concerned about not getting in the food and the fluids. Keep trying on your own, but don't wait too long before getting help. We're glad you posted...lurkers are welcome, but posters are better because we get a chance to know you. Julie

My surgeon really stresses exercise, but mostly walking at least 1 hr. a day several times a week. I have not been doing that at all. Gosh, what will it take to kick in my desire to exercise? I understand the idea and concept, but I'm totally complacent when it comes to that. Sigh... Hang in there with the food and liquids. It is hard at times, and I know we all struggle with it. Hugs, Debbie -52.5

Jacque, I read your post and like someone said am more concerned about not enough food and liquids. I was sick for 5 weeks post-op and could not even keep down water. My body almost shut down. Please be careful. I was like you in the beginning and was a lurker but once I started to post the responses I got were great! I like it here so much better than the main board. Noelle G

Jacque, Exercise is sooooo important. Here's some info that might be of help to understand the reasoning of your doctor wanting you to exercise daily: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/amosforums/over_50/postdetail/9423.html?vc=0 ***************** ANYONE WHO ASKS ABOUT THE LOSS THAT OCCURS WITH THIS SURGERY WITH/WITHOUT WALKING NEEDS TO COME TO SUPPORT GROUP AND LISTEN TO HOW IT ALL WORKS, WHAT THE SCALE MEANS AND WHAT IS THE FINAL GOAL FOR YOU!!!! 1. MUSCLE IS THE ONLY ORGAN THAT BURNS FAT, AND ONLY DOES THAT IF EXERCISED TO AN ADEQUATE AEROBIC LEVEL. I.E.-2 MILES A DAY/SPEED NOT REQUIRED!! 2. IF NOT FORCED TO BURN FAT, THE MUSCLE LOOKS FOR ANYTHING THAT CAN BE CONVERTED TO SUGAR, WHICH IS MUSCLE. SO------ NO EXERCISE MEANS THE PRIMARY LOSS IS MUSCLE. IT STILL SHOWS UP AS "WT LOSS" ON THE SCALE, BUT WHO NEEDS THIS TYPE OF LOSS. 3.QUESTION-WHICH WEIGHS MORE-A POUND OF FAT OR A POUND OF MUSCLE? ANSWER LATER 4. IF YOU ARE WALKING EVERY DAY LIKE YOU ARE INSTRUCTED, YOU ARE ADDING MUSCLE(DID YOU CATCH THAT----ADDING, NOT DECREASEING MUSCLE) AND WILL SEE WT. GAIN, EXCEPT YOU ARE ALSO LOSING FAT MORE QUICKLY, WHICH STILL RESULTS IN WEIGHT LOSS ON YOUR SCALE. EXAMPLE 10 LBS MUSCLE GAIN MINUS 20 LBS FAT LOSS EQUALS 10 LBS OF BODY WEIGHT LOSS ON YOUR SCALE. 5. YOUR SCALE DOESN'T SHOW COMPOSITION CHANGE AND ONLY LEADS TO YOUR CONFUSION AS INDICATED BY YOUR QUESTIONS. 6.RECOMENDATIONS-------------- A. WALK B. DON'T WEIGH YOUR SELF-WE WILL DO IT AND SHOW YOU HOW MUCH IS FAT LOSS AND MUSCLE GAIN C. WALK D. COME TO SUPPORT MEETINGS TO GET THIS INFO REINFORCED AND UNDERSTOOD. E. WALK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND FEEL GOOD ANS. THEY ARE BOTH 1 LB. SIZE OR VOLUME IS DIFF. FAT VOL IS MUCH GREATER THAN A LB. OF FAT(AND DISTRIBUTED DIFFERENTLY) Jeannie **************** I think most doctors want us to establish a "routine" of exercise and eating properly so we learn NEW lifelong habits that will help us maintain good health and weight loss. What helps me keep up with the exercise is that I have an exercise bike. I can always find time to watch TV in the evening, so I ride the bike and watch TV for a while. Works out to be a win/win situation. I get my exercise in and watch a good show. Make time for the scope. My brother had it done, he was sedated and slept thru the whole thing. Said it was so easy to go thru. Better to get it done now to see if there is a problem and to get it corrected if there is. It is so easy to put other things ahead of us or our good health. Because of this surgery, it is now time to make ourselves the priority especially when it comes to our good health. Mary

I am sorry that your doctor had the attitude that he did. I know that everyone is different but I do much better with a few pats on the back and words of encouragement than I do with someone lecturing me. I don't understand how he can be so upset with you. You said you were walking (that's exercise in my book). You also said that your life has been hectic. So it doesn't seem like you are sitting around being inactive. It sounds to me like you are doing great! You've lost a lot of weight! I think you are a success already. All of your doctor's patients should be doing as well as you!!!!! When your life calms down you'll get back to your exercise routine. Don't let the doctor get you down. Get the possible stricture checked out though when you can. Hang in there Jacque. You are doing excellent! Linda -55