Kind of worried

 I am kind of worried because I have been weighing and it seems that I have picked up a couple of pounds here recently. I am only 30 lbs from my personal goal. I can't really exercise because of my back, knees, and feet so I just try to stay busy doing things around the apartment. Does anyone have any suggestions? I sure don't want to start spiraling out of control with my weight! Has anyone ever did a pouch test? If so how does it work? Maybe I should try drinking more water and not eat lunch? Again any ideas you might have let me know! Thanks so much for any help you can give me! Michelle 

I have never tried the pouch test.

Don't skip any meals!! Not ever. Are you keeping track of every morsel that goes into your mouth? Eating protein first and enough protein? Getting in plenty of liquids?

It often helps us to figure out the above mentioned areas first. Often it helps to increase your protein and decrease the not so good for you carbs.

I hope that eases your mind. Good luck.

Annette

Hi Michelle,
Sorry you are struggling......I can't help with the pouch questions (I did not have WLS) but I thought I'd chime in about the exercise.

I know how hard it can be to do any exercise with painful knees and feet......I have arthritis in both.  One suggestion would be to ask your dr if you can take glucosamine chondroitin msm it has been a big help for me.  I can now do squats without pain and riding the bike is no problem.

Also, can you carve out 20 mins a day to take a walk around the neighborhood?  If you start with even 5mins (that's what I did at first but I weighed about 275 lbs when I started), and then build to 10 mins, 20, 30.....   If you can get to 30 mins that is terrific, once you hit that you'll probably want to do even more, just don't over do it.

PLEASE check with your doctor before doing either of these....if the Dr says ok, I bet you'll feel better in a short time.

Best wishes
Ruth

Hey Moosie thank you so much for your advice but I have degenerative joint diease and spinal stenoisis. That makes me have alot of pain even without the walking. At this time I am having extreme pain in my left leg. I went to the doctor yesterday and she is setting me up with a vascular doctor to see if I am also having problem with the blood flow in it. So right now I am not sure that since I can't walk but a few feet without that leg just killing me. I am probably going to have to start drinking mor water and up the protein like the lovely lady before you suggested at least for while. Thanks for the suggestion about the Glucoamine Chrondroitin but I tried it a few years ago and it didn't help. I think the doctor thought my joints were too far gone. Thanks again for all the suggestions I will definetly try the walking when the pain in the leg subsides!
Michelle

Michelle,
You can exercise, you just have to find a way around it or what works for you.
Maybe not walking right now because you are in pain...BUT what about doing the following:
Sit in a chair, put 2 soup cans in each hand and lift over your head 15 reps, then lift cans outward and bend your elbows. Also lift can behind your head. Take a rest and repeat x3

next try: sitting in the chair and lift one leg at a time hold for few seconds and let leg down slowly. always keep control...slow is better than fast. Also you don't have to lift that leg up high.

Another exercise: lay down on floor and do sit ups. NOT sit up all the way, just enough to use your abs

Then lie on your side and do some leg lifts. Slow and steady, not fast.

I'm challenging you here...I bet cha you can do it!!! Come on, I'll count em off for ya!!
Exercise is hard but we all have to do it. Exercise is a great mood elevator too!!
You don't have to spend money or join a gym...just exercise. Now start off slow, don't push yourself too hard, in fact just start out doing one set of reps for today and tomorrow, the 3rd day add another rep.

Oh boy so sorry to hear you are suffering so much.  
I wish I had a better idea to offer but I'm afraid I don't.  All I can do is send best wishes and a sincere hope that you will get some relief and feel better soon!!

TTFN
Ruth

I know it's tough to exercise with back, knee & foot pain (I've had them all).   One piece of equipment I got really helps.   It's easy to use, and strengthens the back & knees (in my opinion).   I even used it after foot surgery & knee surgery, giving the injured leg a "free ride".      Now, whenever I experience back pain, I use it for a couple days & no more pain.

Jan what is it? I didn't get the picture if you sent one of it. Michelle

Mine is called a Cardio Glide.   I've seen the same thing with other names.   With your arms, you pull & push.  With your legs, you push.   Your legs are up, so no weight on your legs.  Like I said, you can "favor" any arm or leg that needs to take it easy.   Here's a link where you can see a pic on the web:  http://www.buysellcommunity.com/uploads/101908/ww1/tftuwweuu dze.jpg    If clicking doesn't work, copy this address into your browser.

There is a video out for wheel chair bound folks and you may can do those types of exercises.  When I weighed over 500 pounds and was not able to walk because of a broken back, I used to sit in my wheel chair and do arm exercises.  There's also a hand bike that you sit on a table and pedal with your arms.  When I finally was able to walk, I just walked a few feet and stopped.  Eventually, I was able to increase.  One thing we all know about wls, it's a tool and will not work if you do not do it all, which means, eat correctly, drink your water, and exercise.  Those of us who are successful do exercise and if you want to keep the weight off, you have to move.  I know you think I'm being harsh, but I, too, have degenrative disk disease, joint disease, and Rheumatoid arthritis, plus, I have a ruptured disk that I am not wanting surgery on, but I still walk and move and do those things. You must if you want to be successful.  So, find your comfort zone and walk just that far and increase it weekly.  You are going to hurt.  I'm sorry about that, but if you want success, you will put aside your pain and do it.