This stupid knee has ruined my exercise!

I'm 3/12 yrs. out and have lost 114 pounds.  Very happy with that; however, my knees were already shot, I guess, so I have to have both knees replaced.  Already been to see a surgeon. . . ugh.  The pain has made it pretty impossible to keep up the exercise I love so much.  How depressing. . . and I've gained 7 or 8 pounds.  I am so bummed out. . . any suggestions?  When I can't exercise and get those endorphins floating around, it's so easy to eat the wrong things, and too much of the wrong things, especially sweets. . . those were always my weakness before surgery.  Anyone help?  I used to be so energized and happy about my post-surgery results, but now I just feel sad.

Ugh, so sorry to hear this! The only thing I can think of is the same you've prob heard before- swim?
We have a cheap-o month to month gym near me that I'm seriously considering joining, just to have access to the pool so when my knee and ankle issues flare up, I can at least do something.. it stinks.

 I'm right there with you sister!  I'm scheduled for surg. Sept 10th.  Not something I want to do.  I was really hoping to save the knees!  I have found that doing stretching and riding my recumbent bike helps.  But like you, since not doing strenuous cardio, the weight is creeping up.  But the bike does help.  I also have 2 lb  ankle weights and  strap them on and do knee strengthening exercises with them.  I learned this in PT.  If your doctor will send you to PT, it will help a lot plus it will strengthen your knees in prep for the replacements.  Good luck, 

Congratulations on your weight loss. So sorry to hear about your knees and how this has thrown a monkey wrench into your exercise routine. Agree with the swimming and recumbent bike suggestions. Sweets are the devil and I can only recommend, going back to dense protein first.

Good Luck!

Gail

Had surgery on both my legs/knees at the end of March, so I feel your pain.

I wasn't allowed to exercise either. so my suggestion would be change your diet until you can go back to your routine. I know how hard this is! Keep your chin up, and take control of the things you can.

Best of luck with your upcoming surgery!

There is also that bicycle machine for arms.  I use that when my knees are hurting.  It really gets your heart rate up.

Laura