Thoughts on Exercise

Well just considering some thoughts.  I'm about 17 months out from surgery and still don't like exercising.  I didn't start exercising until I was about 4 months out.  My hips and knees hurt too much.  I really think you CAN succeed without exercising.  I have found, though, that it is EASIER to succeed if I do exercise.  I am on the treadmill 3 times a week for 60 minutes.  I put it right in front of the TV and - to borrow a phrase - JUST DO IT.  I have found, much to my dismay, that I lose more weight when I exercise and I have more energy to do other things.  I also find that I'm more flexible and stronger.  Well - take the good with the 'bad' I guess.

I think exercise is important for long term maintenance.  If your knees and hips hurt too much considered water aerobics.  I was surprised how much of a workout I can get. It has helped my knee tremendously.

• I do not participate in a formal exercise program due to Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. I do move around a lot more and do a lot more walking.

Walking was the only exercise I could do (couldn't afford a gym) and it was the easiest on my joints.  You will feel better as you do it--just go slow and increase a little bit each day (like by a minute).  You will increase your stamina, lose weight, and feel so much better afterwards.  Mall walking on inclement days worked too. (NO EXCUSES!!! LOL)

Mallisa

My RNY is scheduled for 1/7 and I joined a weight loss gym class 6 weeks ago as part of my pre-op weight loss requirement.  It has been both a huge breakthrough (I am very private and have never been in a workout class, much (MUCH) less exercise in a room that has men in it(!) and a lot of fun.  And I met my class goal to lose 10 pounds so it's been very worthwhile.  Yes, I was the largest (and oldest) person in the room, and yes the instructor simply loves squats, which I cannot do yet due to a knee injury some years bac - nevertheless, it has been extremely beneficial in gaining some strength, flexibility and endurance before the surgery and I intend another class as soon as the surgeon clears me.  I used to run and can't wait to do that again - but I have to admit I am very pleasantly surprised to see that I am enjoying the exercise itself. 

The biggest surprise of all to me, though, is that I DID it....even though it meant staying up (as an early bird, I go to bed by 8 most nights); the class start time is 7:00 PM.  And I have to drive across town, after getting cozy at home after work.  And it's very dark and very cold this time of year (20 below zero a couple weeks ago, 10 below zero now)...all making it very hard to make myself get out and go exercise.  Somehow though, I have made it to every class which is very amazing to see me succeed like that.  I didn't think I had it in me to be honest!

great job pushing through and doing it!! I found exercise pre-op really seemed to help in my recovery.

it is so hard to motivate and enjoy something that causes pain. Hopefully the more you do, the less pain you will have.  Regardless, it is awesome you are "just doing it"   :)

Yes, I am proof that it CAN be done (not just losing, but also maintaining the loss) without a significant amount of exercise (I have bad knees, one of which needs replaced), but as you said, it is easier WITH exercise.

I would caution anyone who has pain when they exercise, though, NOT to just push through the pain without consulting an orthopedist first. I foolishly listened when people told me that the arthritis pain would get better as I exercised, but that I needed to push through it at first.  The result? Permanent additional damage to the worst of my two knees (and the need to get it replaced now rather than a few years from now).  If exercise causes more than mild pain, see a doctor before continuing!

Lora