Lost 135 and bummed!

So.... I had the surgery (RNY) and lost 135.... I was excited to see the orthopedic surgeon today to go ahead with plans to replace the first of both of my knees.... Even brought my before picture so he could recognize me....

He said no... not yet... you still have to loose more weight!  I have to get under 200.. .199 or below for the first surgery and another 20 minimum for the second one later in 2011....

I have plateaued because of my lack of knee mobility and the PAIN it causes.... so any suggestions to help get the first 22 off before the end of January?

I am so bummed... I cried and cried at the doctors office..... I want to eat whatever but I know I won't but that is my old tapes kicking in... so

Please help me devise a plan.... I am so overwhelmed that I have a hard time thinking....

Awwww....I know that must have been disappointing news when you were expecting different news. But on the other hand....you only have 22lb to lose...a much smaller hurdle than what you started with!!!!

I don't know what you're doing to exercise but how about swimming and water aerobics? That will take alot of pressure off your knees and allow you to move around easily. That will take care of the exercise part...and for the food...you know what to do! increase your protein and water intake...the exercise and the strict adherance to your eating plan should jump start your weightloss again, you're not even a year out, you CAN do this!!!!

Thanks for the words of encouragement!!! I had my surgery back in Feb of 2009 so I am a bit over 18 months out. I feel great but I just need to kick up as much exercise as possible. Trouble is sometimes it really really hurts... usually afterwards.... Water is a great idea but the cost is a bit overwhelming... even at the YMCA and sometimes when I get in the water it takes a few minutes for the knees to adjust to the lack of gravity... then I have to be careful the whole time that I don't over do it and they the knee gets stuck and I have to stay in the water until it is not stuck or I won't be able to walk.... not excuses just physical facts sadly... but I do them anyway... even though I know there will be pain...

I know that some carbs have made their way back into my life and I am kicking them to the curb and down the street!  I am going to the gym at 7 am from now on and getting my day going early. I had also slipped into my late night routine again and that is going out of town with the carbs!

Thanks again! Your encouragement means a lot to me :)

Sorry about the date! I was in such a hurry to respond that I think i saw the wrong year lol I don't want to see you feel discouraged!!!

Can I just tell you, that you are one of the luckiest women on the planet!!!! You have already had the surgery done...all the approval headaches, jitters about surgery...healing...all of that behind you! Here you are with exactly what you wanted...a tool to make your life better! What could be more fantastic than that??

I understand that your knees really hurt...I know it is not an excuse. I joined bally's after I had my surgery and I pay about 30.00 per month. I bought 2 years and got the 3rd year free. Next year my whole year will be free...i'm so excited about that lol but ummm ok...I understand cost. But you know what? Since we eat less now...and with you kicking all those carbs to the side, I bet...you could manage about 20.00 to get a month to month gym membership. If you hold out until the beginning of the year they start running all those specials to encourage people to keep their new year's resolutions lol

As far as your knees warming up...if you do join a gym, go either into the hot tub, or the sauna to warm up your body. you can even do exercises in the hot tub, leg lifts, arm lifts etc. You might even try looking on line to see if you can find some pool exercises that can build strength. get some of those water noodles that you can wrap around your arms to increase resistance in the water. This is the way I exercised in the beginning until i could tolerate exercise outside of the water. When you're finished exercising, take some tylenol right after you're done before the pain starts. Then when you get home use a heating pad on your knees. If you do this before the pain hits, it will be more tolerable and you will probably build up some endurance also.

It's not going to be easy all the time, but I know you can do this!

Oh that is not very nice of the doctor.  You can do it!!!  I know every pound is hard but worth it!
Jenny

Thanks Jenny!!!

He was heartbroken to tell me I could see it in his face and hear it in his voice.... I do know it is for my own good... just hard to face the reality... when he's right he's right. As a medical person I know this... but as a regular Jane I didn't want to hear it... My balloon of excitement deflated in seconds and I was diminished to tears... mostly because I have been and will continue to carry my head high through the pain... but at the moment the wall had a breech and a bit of water went over the damn.

The goal is the thing!!! I am going for it!!!

I would get a SECOND or even THIRD opinion! My Mom has had both of her knees replaced and she weighs 276...just a thought!

Peace & Blessings

At least you doctor was nice about my doctor was heartless and cold and cruel. When told me I had to lose 80 pounds before I could have my Gastric -By- Pass.
I lose thirdy -five pounds and by telling to come back in three months when I lose the other forty -five pounds. It been over a year and a half since I first saw him. iIm no closer to getting a surgery date. I have my six month diet plan done by my medical. At actually I had to do that twice because the doctors P.A. Never check any of the paper wor****il after my six monthes were up. Then finally looked at them and said that not docomentation for Medicare. Because, They been done electronically.
So, I was angery when was told I had to redo Six month worth of doctor visits. But, I did it anyway. Just have him tell me again. That I still have to lose the forty-five pounds.
I finally got the courage up to call another surgeon.
and now tomorrow I have and appointment with another surgeon. I didn't want to have to start all over a again because, I am on Medicare. I am so scared he will tell me the same damn thing. My start weight is 380 I weigh 355 now. My weight in high school was 280. I don't think can lose anymore weight without surgery. I am 40 years old. He want s me down to 320 pounds and then he will do the surgery.

But, there Are people on this site who get the surgery who get surgery at 400 pounds, 380, 350 pounds and up.
It is make me crazy. some lose less weight than me.

Wow, I am really glad you are seeking another surgeon.  I do not know your history of course, but I did not have much trouble.  I started out at 385, lost to 344 when I first saw the surgeon.  My Medicare kicked in in June of 10 and I was in surgery on Labor Day weekend.  I saw the surgeon the first week in June.  He scheduled me for test in June.  when I saw him in July 1, I was approved by him for the surgery.  I spent the month of August on the liquid diet, protein shakes, jello and 1 cup of chicken noodle soup per day.  I lost another 22 lbs and went into surgery at 322 lbs. 

After reading many posts I see how different surgeons direct their practice differently.  Medicare did not ask for anything extra.  and has paid the 80% w/o any quibbles.  Keep searching even if you have to travel a ways it will be so worth it.  God Bless your journey.  Cecelia

You were right in switching surgeons.  I had to do the same thing and I weighed 580 when I had my surgery.  Do not give up!  Make sure your surgeon is part of the Excellance program with support groups etc in place.