"Time Out" Program

Wow...I really need that kind of energy again.  I, too, have been going home and falling asleep.  I want to be able to clean my apartment a little each night so I'm free on the weekends.  I've got a lot of "projects" to do to keep me busy.  I'm doing jigsaw puzzles, paint by numbers, cross stitch, and just starting to exercise again after my 2 knee replacements last year.  So, I'm stoked and ready to get back on track.  I went to my first post-op support group (28 months after my surgery!!!) and really got motivated.  I just love this web site and communicating with people like you, who are such a great help and inspiration!  Thanks so much. Barb

Barb, I think going to support group meetings really helps.  I wi**** weren't so far to my group meeting - it's almost a 3 hour drive and with gas prices what they are, I rarely get to go.  I did go last month because I had an appointment with my surgeon the day before so I stayed over for the meeting.  Strangely, the topic of the meeting was regain so it was a perfect one for me to attend.  I will be going to the July meeting as well because my surgeon is going to remove a small skin cancer from my arm and some moles from my face that morning.  I'm excited about being there for the meeting. I have had both my knees replaced also - had the second one done about 18 months ago and that's when the weight really began to creep back on.  The second surgery hasn't been as successful as the first and I don't have near the flexibilty in it as in the other.  I also still have chronic pain in that leg - hence the pain meds for that as well as the rest of my body which is still using the original parts. Good luck, Patty

See, I really am ashamed of myself.  My support group at the Barix Clinic is only 4 miles from my home!!   So, there is no excuse to miss it.  I'm going to be going to both the pre-op and the post-op every month from now on!!! I was very fortunate with my knees.  I can walk very well now.  Of course, I still have arthritis is both feet but the pain comes and goes.  My knees ache with bad weather, but not nearly as bad as before. Barb

Barbara,make sure that you talk to the nut up at the Barix,Sounds like you are eating the wrong foods.I was the same way,I would eat the wrong foods and than sleep.Do not go on anything unless the doctor knows about it.I am sorry that you could not exercise.Afew post ops are taking water aerobics at Carl Sanburg on Monday and Wednesday nights at 7.You might want to try it,it will be less painfull and you will feel better about yourself. Make those meetings,I am usually there and you have a whole host of support there.Everyone is willing to help you achieve your goals. Do not panic,you are doing fine just like us all we all need some help some times...........bob

Thanks Bob.  I did talk to Rebecca today and she said it was OK to go on time out but to keep contact with them at the Barix.  The support was awesome on Wednesday night and I will make sure I get there every month.  Thanks and looking forward to meeting you there! Barbara

LInda, Normally I eat fruit, vegetables, meat and some starches.  Unfortunately, I got off track a couple of years ago and started eating small amounts of junk (mostly crackers and chips) and that, coupled with depression from some personal and medical problems blossomed into going back to old, bad habits.  I am doing protein, salad and water now as a "timeout" (my surgeon's term) to help me get back to where I need to be.  It's not intended to be a long term diet.  Ideally, according to my surgeon's protocol, you weigh every day (after reaching goal) and if you fluctuate over 3 pounds over your goal, you go on timeout - just protein and water - until you lose the three pounds.  However, I was way over the 3 pounds mark - can we say 45 pounds - so he has me on a long term protocol of two protein drinks a day (46g of protein) and a salad with nothing but vegetables and low fat dressing. It sounds as if you are doing great.  The most important thing is for you to do what your doctors tell you is right for your particular health concerns. Patty

Hey Patty Is the Syntrex Nector like a thick shake?  I cant do those and havent tried any that i like so far. I have heard that one is made that is just like drinking Crystal lite.. Do you know if this is true? Thanks  Shirley

Nectars come in a variety of fruit flavors - let's see if I can remember them all- Fuzzy Navel - orange and peach flavors - I mix it with Crystal Light Orange (actually use the WalMart brand) Roadside Lemonade - tastes just like Lemonade and I sometimes use some Great Value Strawberry drink mix to make Strawberry Lemonade Crystal Light - fruit punch - tastes great but leaves a blue stain Strawberry Kiwi -  Green Apple Peach - I am not wild about this one - it's weak tasting to me Lemon Tea  Cappucino Latte - good coffee flavored drink - really good cold I hope this helps - they are not milk based at all - I don't like most of the "shake" type of protein drinks either.  I think that is why I like the Nectars so much - it's like drinking a nice, cold refreshing drink.