Aging and WLS

You can get a DEXA scan - to check for BMR.. - to see how much calories you're burning..

Hello everyone,

I am 51 and was sleeved in 5/2008. Since menopause I've gained weight, and find it difficult to lose. I was jogging 4 miles and working out 3-5 days a week. I haven't been very active in the last 7 months since I have a stress fracture. I weighed a whopping 243 at my doctors appointment in Jan, with hypertension BP reading. I started low carbing with that wake up call. So far since March I'm down 28lbs, and 31 to go reach my goal. I've yet to start back working out, my left knee does not like pressure of any kind, and the right has been aching up a storm.

Thanks so much to all of you for replying!  It is always great to find support from people who have similar experiences!  I have faithfully been doing my physical therapy exercises and last week went to the chiropractor - boy did that help!  I am making slow but steady progress but I don't have clearance to do any aerobic exercise until I get my range of motion back in my knee.  I have an appointment with my surgeon next week but I don't think he is going to clear me to go back to work for a couple of weeks.  

OH well - I keep reminding myself the knee will improve and in the long term this will be a wonderful thing.

For those of you looking at diet - a friend with Crohns disease and other auto-immune problems was advised by her Dr to try a diet by a Dr. Hyman (Eat Fat Get Thin) that is a high protein low carb with whole foods (no factory foods).  I agreed to go on the diet with her and with only slight modifications I have done well and lost a few pounds.

Tonya   

I am 4.5 years out and 64 almost 65. I find the best exercise swimming.There is no stress on the joints and the muscles I have gained have helped my back a lot. It is non weight baring so will not effect your knee

Exercise does not make me lose the weight I recently put on but it makes me feel better so I am more careful about what I eat.

I have a bad knee but also bike. If I make sure the seat is high enough it does not stress my knee. You may need to wait until you are cleared for that.

Hello, you have had some great responses.  I have not had knee problems, but I have a bad back and hip problem.   I agree with the previous poster, swimming has been greatly helpful to me.   No stress on anything.

I am 65 and been maintaining for 2 years. Actually lost 9 lbs. recently so well below goal. I still measure everything and stick to my maintenance plan prescribed by my surgeon. I do try to get in 1000 steps each day minimum but have been struggling with that some days. Tore my meniscus and waiting to see ortho surgeon next Friday. If I need surgery I'll be down a few days but will be even more diligent with calories. Had the other knee done several years ago and able to be up and about in a week. I do weigh each morning to also help keep on track. Will continue with this even if the surgery is necessary. I don't feel my age has anything to do with weight gain, rather remaining committed to the process. 

I am 68 and 14 years out. Lost 128 lbs and have struggled with 20 lbs the last 12 years. Lose it, gain it. But I still feel great not carrying around that extra ð?'¯ lbs. always drink unjury, take vitamins and keep a daily log keeps me on track.

One of the most important things you can do to stay on track and/or lose weight is to get on the scale daily.  The feedback of knowing your weight and being aware of how your food intake affects your weight will keep you focused and on track.

Sad but our bodies age just the same as anyone's who has not had WLS. In other words as we age we need less calories and need to adjust accordingly. I had my surgery at age 64 and the weight has been very slow coming off despite my walking 6-8 miles every day.  Never eat more than 1000 cals and often only 700-800. NO complaints though, best thing I ever did for me. Without the surgery I would still be struggling at 250lbs. Feel better than I have in yrs.