Hip Pain

Hi. I will be having my consult with the surgeon on October 30th. Until that time, I am trying to learn as much as I possibly can about my WLS. I have arthritis in my lower spine and right hip. About a year ago, I tripped over a student and speeded up the damage to my right hip. I have difficulty walking, even with NSAIDS, and the doctor says it is only a matter of time before I am in a wheelchair. So, I am also looking at a hip replacement in the near future. This is my question. I realize that I will need to be off NSAIDS for a period of time after WLS. As I read various posts, some people returned to them just following surgery while others needed to wait a year or more before taking them again. To me, dealing with the pain is worth it in order for me to return to a healthier lifestyle. I do, however, also know that exercise is a critical component of successful weighloss. I have been using a pool for my exercise during the warmer months as it is outside. Currently, I do not have access to an indoor pool. What are some low impact exercises I might be able to do to make sure I am meeting the adequate physical requirements? Thanks in advance for your help.

Hi Carol!  I hear what you are saying about the NSAIDs.... I just posted about having to go off naprosyn after surgery.  My rheum.  feels pretty confident that she can find a substitute that will work with the surgery.  I don't know what to say about the exercise - I wish you had access to an indoor pool.  Have you tried calling the arthritis foundation in your area for help?  Also sometimes you can get memberships at hotel pools.... I did this once at an Amerihost.  Guests hardly ever used the pool, so for a small fee they let me come and use it. I'm really not once to give advice on exercise - I'm a little behind on my goals there and only recently started taking short walks.  I have a sedentary desk job and my evening job is as a couch potato.  I do have stairs to climb at home and I'm gradually making small changes.  I have considered tai chi or some other gentle form of martial arts... I hear that can be good too. Hope things are going okay for you!

I relate to your hip pain completely. A year ago my doctor said I needed a total hip replacement (at age 55). I chose to have my weight loss surgery first to make my recovery easier. I just had my surgery on 10/23. Ultram has replaced the Voltarim I was taking prior to my surgery and works very well. But to answer your main question: last year I purchased a recumbent bicycle. It really has been a life saver for me. I first discovered that I could use this while receiving physical therapy last year. I started with only 6-10 minutes a day and am now up to 2 30-minute sessions. It has increased my mobility and makes me feel better. I rarely (if ever) miss a day. Good luck! Kathie