Question:
What are my options if the type of job I have is...

a sedentary desk job? I'm sure by now you all know me. I had my surgery September 3, 2002 in Atlanta (Dunwoody), Georgia. I've noticed more and more, that my 'derriere' has spread since my job requires that I sit most of the time answering phones as sort of a customer service representative. I get 2-15 minute breaks, and a 30-minute lunch time. From what I remember in my beginning stages, I was told to eat slow, chewing my food until it's mush. Well, by the time I get my food, it's time to go back to work--otherwise, I'd grab me a *quick bite* because we're usually pressed for time, and go walking, but I have no choice sometimes. I can't eat fast anymore or I'll pay for it...it hurts. How can I get a good work-out in a situation like this? What do some of the rest of you all do? Oh, and thanks for your responses. ~~Hadiyah, a.k.a.    — yourdivaness (posted on May 18, 2005)

May 18, 2005
Why don't you take your lunch with you? You can make a quick, nutritious lunch (crackers and cheese, etc) that you could snack on while you walked! I don't know how far you live from your work place, but what about walking to and from work? Or at least to a further bus stop? Get all the extras in you can...park at the far end of the parking lot, take stairs every chance you get, walk around at every break you get even if it's only a couple of minutes. Every little bit helps! Hope that helps. I've answered a couple of your questions and you can also email me at [email protected] Carmen
   — kccjer

May 18, 2005
You are lucky, I am a nurse and while I am "supposed" to get a the 30 min lunch & 2-15 min breaks but it just doesn't happen. Often 15 min for lunch is a treat, so I always bring my own food, soft squishy thing like cottage cheese with a dab of applesauce, a banana, Yogurt, s/f jello, s/f pudding, etc. I can eat that fairly quickly without paying a price. If things are slow I will have some deli turkey rolled in a tortilla or something similar. Usually bring a variety of stuff so I can choose depending on how the day is going. I measure and know how much I can eat, so I don't over eat as could happen if I am in a hurry. I usually sneak in a protein bar in the after noon as well. I make sure I have a good high protein breakfast before work and also bring a healthy snack to have in the car while I am driving home.
   — **willow**

May 18, 2005
You are lucky, I am a nurse and while I am "supposed" to get a the 30 min lunch & 2-15 min breaks but it just doesn't happen. Often 15 min for lunch is a treat, so I always bring my own food, soft squishy thing like cottage cheese with a dab of applesauce, a banana, Yogurt, s/f jello, s/f pudding, etc. I can eat that fairly quickly without paying a price. If things are slow I will have some deli turkey rolled in a tortilla or something similar. Usually bring a variety of stuff so I can choose depending on how the day is going. I measure and know how much I can eat, so I don't over eat as could happen if I am in a hurry. I usually sneak in a protein bar in the after noon as well. I make sure I have a good high protein breakfast before work and also bring a healthy snack to have in the car while I am driving home.
   — **willow**

May 18, 2005
Try upping your level of physical activity any chance you get. Park farther away, do chair exersizes (bring hand weights, flex muscles, etc), at home you can jump rope during commercials, knee bends while doing laundry, scrub floors with your hands instead of using a mop. Basically, every time you find yourself standing still, do something.
   — RebeccaP

May 18, 2005
I agree w/ Carmen. I would say go walking around the building non-stop for those two 15 min breaks, either inside or outside! Then you'll still have your 1/2 hour lunch & will also be getting in a 1/2 hour of walking per day too! BTW, I feel your pain about gaining. I did put back on maybe 10-20 lbs (depending on the day) in the last several mos, but I also never got to goal to begin with! And I'm 2 yrs & 7 mos post-op now. I almost had a revision done in Feb (to bypass more intestine), but I got strep throat the week before so the surgery was cancelled. I took that as a sign to try, once again, to get the rest off on my own. I really don't want to go thru another surgery if I don't have to, although I do still need a hernia repair eventually, & I don't want to have that mindset that every time I need to lose weight, I need to have more surgery, know what I mean??? Sooo I've been hitting the 'Y' again lately, trying to get there @ least 3x per week. Still working on getting the protein shakes & more water in though. So here's to the both of us!!! We can do this!!! =0)
   — j-bird333

May 19, 2005
Oh the scheduling challenges we face....Here is what I would do. I would walk during my lunch hour (half-hour) leaving enough time to mix up a protein shake to drink at my desk.
   — David B.