EXERCISE AND BONE ON BONE KNEES

 am posting this here and on the over 50 board.  I am looking for suggestions.  I am 2 years post op today, I am just getting back on my feet from a panni and hernia repair.  I still have about 100 lbs. to lose after having lost 200.  I don't exercise.   Having been over 200 lbs. my entire adult life and just prior to surgery going in the mid 4's, my knees are shot.  My one knee is bone on bone and the other is not far behind it.  I still want to hold off getting the knees for another 2 years.  Walking is out as I am in agony.  I can walk further, than before but unless I am taking the Tramadol or the Percs. I am in pain.  Going up step are bad, coming done is worse.   I am looking for suggestions.  I know I won't go to a gym, at least not until I have an idea of what I can do.   Can anyone give me suggestions.  I am seriously considering digging out some old Richard Simmons tapes and trying to do them. BTW:  Swimming is out, no pool available and if even if there was I can't fathom going down the pool steps and truth I am terrified of water (can't swim).  I also have lymphedma in my leg and I don't know if going into a publicly used pool would be good. HELP!!!!!!! Jeanne

I would suggest email Jeremy Gentles, he is the OH Exercise Guru....

Thanks Darlene, I will try it. Jeanne

Why are you putting off having your knees done? My wife is having hers done next week she is almost 51. Why wait and have the pain for another two years. I could see if you are younger than 45 or so but not being over 50. Everyone that we have talked to wished they would of done it sooner. Good luck

Thanks for answering.  I was planning on the knees but my gastric bypass surgeon suggested that I have the panni and hernia's done first.  I need to lose another 50 lbs. to be in a safe weight range for the knees.  I just came back to work after 10 weeks off.  I had some complications with the plastics.  I need to build the time up.  If I had the money or the time I would be there tomorrow.   I also need to switch Ortho docs.  I was seeing one but all of my surgeries to date have been at Pennsylvania Hospital which has the top Ortho docs.  What I really need are 30 hour days and the constitution to go without any sleep.  OH to be 25 again. Thank you again. Please let me know how your wife makes out.  She will be in my prayers. Jeanne

I can see getting those done first.

Thank You I will let you know how it goes.
I know the pain she is in and the pain she gives me for being in pain...lol

You are a good man. Jeanne

Hi Jeanne, Well she had it done last Tuesday and got to go home Friday. She is in some pain but doing great. A few weeks of therapy and in another eight weeks she can have the other knee done. So still no rest for me...lol

Hi Jeanne....Been there done that......I lost the weight...but not all of it...and with each knee surgery...I lost another 10 lbs.....I walked in a warm water current pool for weeks before my surgery....it takes all the weight off of your knees and allows you to walk...in any pool.....i also worked out with weights to strengthen my knees......I was walking with a cane prior to my WLS ....and then after that ...my knee caps were crushed from a fall....and I was bone on bone for many years....My doctor said he thought my tendons etc. were in excellent condition and I am 67 years old. I have had both knees replaced...3 months apart. and I couldn't be happier....I did it 9 months after my WLS..........it is painful surgery...but you get through it.....continue to exercise....it really makes a difference.....I was back at the Health Club...4 weeks after my last knee replacement. I am now walking and STANDING without pain.......it is a miracle. I know exactly how you feel....but you and only you will have to work it through....unfortunately no one else can do it for you. Love, Marti

Hi Jeanne.  I too have two very bad knees but the right one is the worst and limits my exercise greatly.  My RNY is tomorrow and was the first step to see what significant weight loss will do to help my knees.  I'm trying to hold off on knee replacements as best I can.  From my experience, I have to agree with Marti.  I had pool PT after my last knee arthroscopy and have now joined a warm water pool that offers arthritis focused exercise classes as well as open pool time.  In the warm water, I can walk and, if I stay rather deep (atleast chest high), I can actually do some aerobic exercise.  The only other exercise I have been able to tolerate is rather low resistence stationary cycling.  I bought a floor cycler with resistence adjustment so I sit in a regular chair and get in about 30 minutes or so of cycling at a time.  Hope this helps and gives you something to consider trying. ~~~ Pam