I have a question???

Hello Everyone: Congratulations to all the December 2004 WLS folks. I am scheduled to have surgery next Friday, 12/16/05 and I am a little nervous but excited for the change. I just have one question: As you are all previous December surgery patients, how did you all get your walking in when you came home from the hospital? I live in Maryland where the temperature is below freezing and seems like every other day they are giving snow warnings and was concerned about getting outside to walk. I live in an apartment and don't have any gym equipment and I haven't joined a gym YET. Any advice out there, please let me know. I am tempted to go to my parents home right after surgery just so I can use their treadmill but I would rather be at home to recover in my apartment. Let me know if you have any suggestions. Thanks JaNae 12/16/05

Hi, JaNae! Well you'll be having your surgery on my anniversary day!! Here's what I did -- and I live in Allentown, PA (just north of Philly). I did go outside on day 4 - walked around the block. When inside, I walked up and down the steps a couple of times, then rested. Did that about 5 times a day. When I was able to drive -- 1 week out -- I went to the mall and walked. You'll be fine. Walking was a godsend to me. I just felt so much better walking. Before my surgery, I was unable to walk even a block. Good luck, JaNae. I'll hold you in my thoughts and prayers on the 16th. It's a special day and you and I will always share it, okay?? Mary

Thanks Mary! Happy Pre-Anniversary to you! I am going to get as much walking that I can indoors as possible. Thanks for the advice! JaNae

JaNae, I live in NY and I got out and walked outside after my surgery. I just bundled up. The only think I'd say, is avoid walking outside if there is ice. You don't want to fall! Best of luck to you. Mary 302/183.5/1??

Thanks Mary! I'm going to try to get out and walk at least if its to the corner if at all possible. JaNae

JaNae, I live in NY - had surgery in Buffalo, live in Niagara Falls. We had our first real ice storm the day I came home from the hospital so geting out right away was too dangerous. I was afraid of slipping so I walked around my house A LOT. Even that was more than I did before surgery so it was a step in the right direction. Get out when you feel comfortable but keep moving - even inside. I also used the leslie sanstrom walking tapes to do in my Livengroom. Good Luck and God Bless You Lori, 351/197/150

Thanks Lori! I am going to look into those tapes. I believe my sister said that she has the Walk Away the Pounds videos and am sure she is going to be a nice sister and let me borrow them. Great idea! I am glad that I am came to the experts. So many great ideas... JaNae

Hi JaNae. Best wishes for a very successful procedure. I joined the "seniors" at our local mall. They have an early morning Mall Walkers group. No costs involved. Anyone is welcome. They walk the mall for an hour, then stop for a coffee and a chat. They made me feel very welcome and were very encouraging for me to regain my health. Since I went back to work, I can't join them anymore and I joined a fitness centre instead. However, I still see them on Saturday or Sunday mornings, sometimes. They are still a wonderful part of my support network. Check with your local mall. I bet they host a Mall Walkers group, too. They are quite popular in the winter months. You will meet some amazing and uplifting individuals. Karen G Toronto, ON, Canada -99 pounds

Great idea Karen, thanks! We do have the mall walkers club that is out early in the morning walking. This is something that I can definetly do! JaNae

ALRIGHT another December baby being born I have a large home so I did a lot of walking up and down the stairs and kept busy cleaning my house. The surgery did not put me down at all and in fact I had so much energy. It was just at night with the gas that would keep me awake and I slept in my chair for the first couple of weeks. I don't think your surgeon is going to demand that you start working out right away. Just keep yourself moving in your apt. After you get the OK to drive then find a mall that you can go walking in. We have the mall here that opens up early so people can just walk. I know we are a year older then you but PLEASE keep posting here and let us know how your doing and come here to get answers. We are your big sisters and brothers now Hugs Donna 338/163