Tell me about walking and exercise for arthritics

Sivan · December 15, 2006

I'm being banded in mid-January. I keep reading about people walking to relieve the gas post-op, and to relieve it when it builds up from sipping liquids. :success1: One of the big reasons I'm being banded is that I can hardly walk because of the arthritis in my knees and hips (arthritis isn't caused by excessive weight, it's just exacerbated by it). Has anyone out there had the same limitations?

I am looking into doing Water aerobics three times a week (which I've done many times over the years). Does that help? Would it help to join the health club to have access to the swimming pool between aerobics sessions? Or is the walking something I have to do as it's necessary?

Yesterday we had a fun day at work :phanvan . We went bowling, ice-skating, relays, target practice and had a squash tournament at a sports complex. I got a kick out of everyone else having fun, but couldn't even walk easily from one event to the other. My company in non-participation was a 40 year-old woman who is 8-1/2 months pregnant and a young woman who is even more overweight than I am (I am hoping my courage and success will be an example to her. She's too young to be so limited :welldone2:).

Sivan:

girlinnyc · December 15, 2006

ask your dr. about going in the Water after surgery--maybe incisions have to heal first!

juliegeraci · December 15, 2006

Sivan, once you get doctors clearance it sound like the aqua aerobics are right up your alley. Don't be discouraged that you can't walk. I would stick to the Water. You will still lose weight without jarring your muscles. Good luck to you.

kattiegirl · December 16, 2006

Sivan, I am going through just exactly what you are going through. It is so bad that that getting around my house is a challenge! Infact I wasn't

anywhere near my weight of 290lbs when my knees started to act up, but by the time they where bothering me enough to see an Orthopedic Surg. !st. I was to young for knee replacement. & the 2nd. time far too heavy. Now I'm ready for a wheel chair! Needless to say I had to give up my job. & the majority of what at one time was a very active life. Now I don't get out much at all. My majore goal with the band is take enough lbs. off to please avery picking & unplesant Dr. ( who I get the impression has very little use for FAT people!) Anyway his his suggestion to me was get into the pool ATLEAST 3 TIMES / WK. And so far so good, I'm down about 15lbs. & do feal better.

Sure hope this helps alittle. oh & and hand weigts are good for upper body, those U can do sitting.

Kate

edieparks · December 16, 2006

Sivan,

I do exercises in the pool for burning calories but not hurting joints. You need a pro to show you some. Maybe a book from the library?

Good luck.

edie

w8t4me · December 16, 2006

edieparks, I just got banded dec 11. yes, there are gas bubbles to deal with even when you work hard not to sip up air. Walking is a really good way to move the bubbles. But also just moving side to side, and gentle twisting motion. The walking just helps build you back up and your strength after surgery. I really started walking and doing more b/4 the surgery and I think it has paid off. You dont' have to miles, just short distance several times a day. Always start small and move up. Every step is an accomplishment. And, ALWAYS remind yourself that this is the first day that we love ourselves enough finally to do something for ourselves and not always for others. w8t4m4

Sivan · December 16, 2006

Thanks all for the good answers. It looks like Water exercise will pay off, and I should start now, about 3-1/2 weeks from surgery. I have a choice of two good places for Water aerobics with professional instructors.

Walking will have to come when I get some of the wieght off and build my strength and flexibility. Hand weights are out because the arthritis is also in my shoulders. I'm willing to start as soon as I can. I live where we have hills everywhere, but I may be able to walk at my lunch break. And they're not so strict at work that I can't get up now and them to strecth and twist.

I'm really looking forward to this.

Sivan · December 16, 2006

very picking & unplesant Dr. (who I get the impression has very little use for FAT people!) :angry

Kattiegirl - If I were you I'd get a different Doctor. You don't need one who is not supportive, compassionate and positive. We get enough of that in our lives without our doctors joining in.

Get positive support and hang in there. That's what we're here for.

Sivan

kattiegirl · December 16, 2006

Sivan. thanks for the moral support, it really means alot., but as for changing Drs.. where I live U R just lucky to even get into see one. I've put feellers out in other near by cities , but nothing. Orthopedic Surg. must be the most in demand Drs. out there.

But knowing that U people are out to help me through the bad days (and there are alot of those!) SURE MEANS ALOT! I will start posting from now on .

Kate.:clap2:

1721summ · December 18, 2006

Hi Sivan,

I completely understand where you are coming from. I lost my leg just above the knee 4 years ago and have since gained 80+ pounds due to mobility restriction. I am being banded on January 2 and hopefully that will help me shed some of the weight I've gained since my amputation.

I think any movement will help with the dissolution of gas pains. Also, I think swimming (once stitches are healed) and Pilates may help you gain strength but not impact your joints too much (those are my plans for exercise).

Another thing I use sometimes is an exercise DVD entitle "Waking Away the Pounds". A quick search on Amazon can provide you with lots of variations of in-home walking/movement DVDs.

Good luck!

1721summ

Sivan · December 19, 2006

Hi all! My date is confirmed. January 10. And it works out perfectly with work because my boss and half the office are going to be in Viet Nam and Columbia on business. Things are falling into place too easily for this to be any of my doing...

Last night I chose a health club and joined. Yes, I will use it. Money is a great motivator. Water Aerobics twice a week and Pilates once a week.

Sivan

conniesueb · December 19, 2006

I completely sympathize with you, asI am in the same boat! I also have severe arthrits of the knees and ankles and even a little walking is extremely painful. I hope that as the weight comes off, I will be able to do more, but for now I am going back to Water aerobics, which I started a couple months before my surgery(Nov. 30). I am not sure if my incisions are healed enough yet, but I am anxious to get back. Also, Richard Simmons has an exercise video out that is done all from a chair, but is areally good aerobic workout. I ordered it from his website, and it is excellent for people who have limited mobility, or are in wheelchairs. Hang in there--it has not been as bad for me as I thought it would be. This feeling of getting full on such little food is incredible. I am still on the mushies stage, but doing really well. I have lost 14 lbs since surgery, and 24 overall, and am very encouraged, so keep the faith and everything will be fine!

258/234/140

Banded Nov. 30, 2006

Dr. James Smith, Pueblo, CO