Hi Everyone, I have Never Posted Here Before

Hi , My name is Gail from Indianapolis,In and I have BMI of almost 60, 5'4 and 345lbs, hoping to have surgery really soon. I changed doctors and hospitals after much wait on the getting the COE. I would love to get any feedback on post op like does the hospital make those that have bad knees and other medical cond. walk over a mile 2/3 times a day before being discharged? I am not sure i will be able to do it and very fearful that the surgeon might not think i can handle surgery if I can walk that much. I will be greatful for all/any help. Thanls, Everyone. Blessings,Gail

Welcome to the BMI over 50 board Gail. There is alot of nice people here and I am sure you will feel right at home here. Not sure what you will have to do after wls, diffrent dr. have diffrent things. How have you been doing? How is your knee doing? I couldn't walk much before wls and I am sure your dr. won't think you can't handle wls because you can't walk that much. Keep the faith, Cindy

Hi Gail! I am disabled and I am able to excercise a bit with my arms and some "chair" movements. My doctor expects me to walk a bit in the hospital, but I am going to have to use a walker or my wheel chair. On my good days I can walk now about 40 feet at the most and that takes me a long time. I use my hand operated cycle on a table and I hope to get in the water and do some water excercises. Your doctor will look at your situation and determine what you can handle. If their expectations are beyond your ablitly be sure to explain that to them. You can find some kind of excercise that will work for you - I know! Movement after surgery is important. Hugs, Pam

Hi Gail!! Welcome!! I just wanted to tell you I was 420 day of surgery. My surgeon & Vascular Surgeon didn't make me walk as much as the other patients did. (I always seen them walking the halls) I have a bad back and a problem with my left leg which caused me to have difficulty walking, so they took other precautions. I had to wear the boots for circulation alot more and I was on blood thinners. I actually only walked the hall 2 times and that was the day I was leaving. The night of my surgery they just had me get out of bed and take 2 steps to the end of my bed and that was it. Just make sure your Surgeon is aware of your condition and if you see an orthopeadic surgeon, I would get them involved too!!! You can't have too many opinions on your conditon!!! LOL Good Luck. Carmella

Welcome aboard Gail!! Glad you stopped by. You have picked the very best board around. So sit and stay awhile. Well..... I was 400 and BMI of 67 and from what I understand, all the docs are different. But mine never "made" you go a certain distance. Just moving and walking was the most important thing. I can't amagine yours "making" you do some major walking when you have limitations right now. You shouldnt worry about that right now. Just get focused on the WLS and you will do fine. It's great to see newbies on here. Keep us posted on what's going on with ya.. Hugs Marge

welcome to this board, gail. you'll find it to be a positive, informational, interesting, and funny place to visit. i started my journey at 454, bmi 65. if your surgeon, IMHO, is not able to understand your limitations then you need a new surgeon. but i think you'll find that the staff and dr will work with you and be full of help and insights on what you can do, rather than what you cannot do. i wish you the best on your journey. it's a wonderful ride into a whole new life and SO VERY VERY WORTH IT. hope you come back here soon and often. and again, thanks for posting. dorthe

Hi there, I too was in a wheelchair when I had surgery, so I don't know why you would have to walk that far if you're not able. I have lost 120 lbs. and am no longer in a wheelchair. Good Luck, deb in ga

Hi! I am new to this board too! And, I am in much the same situation as you regarding approaching surgery and bad knee concerns... My knees are arthritic and bone on bone. I am now 401 and 5'7" which computes out to a BMI of 62.8. I had no idea before October of last year that I was quite this heavy as most scales--even in the doctor's offices--only weigh up to a 350 pound capacity. I always thought I was more like 360-370 at the most! I did, however, know that my orthopedist and primary care doctor were both harrasing me to have bariatric surgery. Now that I am into the process and looking forward to a surgery date, I am sort of focusing my energy towards dieting (of course) and planning for my post-op period. One of my concerns was the walking at the hospital. My doctor said that within 3 hours of the surgery they get you up and you walk the length of the hallway. Then, they get you up as often as possible for more walking. But, he did indicate that it was according to what you are capable of, not a set-in-stone minimum of some sort. Now, I am investigating what my medication options will be after surgery when it comes to my arthritis and back pain. The learning continues! But, I'd say that you should bring this concern up with your surgeon... Ask them what they require/prefer before you are able to leave the hospital. And, if you don't feel comfortable with their requirements, you can always look into other surgeons in your area... The surgery is supposed to be about taking back control of your life, not walking a mile before you leave the hospital when you're not physically capable of that before having the surgery! Heck, if I was still able to walk a mile, I would probably not be in the shape I'm in now! Best wishes, Lea in WV

Hey Gail, Welcome! I'm not sure about the walking, you can always phone your Dr and ask him directly - he's the only one that knows for sure! I didn't have to, but it seems like the Doctors all perform differently. I was told to walk though, it helps the lungs wake up. By the way I'm 5"3 (18 y/o) and had a starting weight of 355 lbs. After 5 weeks I've lost 24 lbs + and alot of inches! This website is great! Enjoy!

I wish I could post to each and everyone of kind and supportive OH family !!!! I knew I if I looked hard enough I would find some who could understand my concerns and give me the right answers and support I so need . Hugs and Prayers, Gail [email protected]