Down 5 lbs a week after leg/foot surgery

The scale showed 191.2 as I weighed myself last Friday the 6th in the wee hours of the morning before my foot/leg surgery. It has been a really rough week, much harder than I anticipated, but I managed to hold it together food-wise and keep my calories closer to 600 than 800 each day (while keeping my protein around 90 grams). I didn't have much of an appetite the first few days, probably due to the anesthesia and pain killers, but my appetite definitely came back once I stopped the narcotics for work. I finally got the dressings removed from my foot and leg yesterday afternoon, which meant I could take a real shower and weigh myself.

I was going a little crazy all week not weighing myself for so long, as I am a daily weigher. I was scared that the lack of exercise and swelling from surgery would make me gain (and sort of beating myself up for worrying about my weight so much when I should just be worrying about healing). I was really just hoping to make it into the 180s this morning when I finally stepped on the scale. So this morning I was more than delighted to see 186.0 on my scale - and that is including my socks and some gauze/tape on my leg :)

I lost 5.2 pounds in 8 days, which is much more than I typically lose (I average 2-3 lbs per week)! Of course part of me worries my body is eating up my muscle or something, but holy crap, I am relieved and excited.

One week with a boot down; 5 more weeks to go (surgery on my other leg is in 2 weeks). I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.

Hang in there...you are going to make it! 

Thank you. I don't think I have much of a choice now - I have to make it :) That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right?

That's great news! Of course, I don't know this for sure... but I think that when your body is healing, it's burning more calories... I think I've heard that... don't quote me on it. Maybe that is what is happening here? I hope so! I don't think your body would be eating up muscle in just 8 days... but again, I'm no expert and someone can correct me if I'm wrong!! 

I hope you're feeling ok!!!

I am hoping that's what's going on (the burning more calories to heal thing). I wonder when my body will start eating up its muscle (where is Keith when you need him?). 

Either way, I guess I can chill a little and quit worrying about how I will lose weight throughout this ordeal. Apparently diet alone does the trick. Though I will get back to the gym for a little swimming and upper body work soon. It's just a giant pain walking with this damn boot.

You CAN do this!  Praying for your complete healing!  Continue to take care- rest well and let healing take its' course.  Be gental to yourself- Don't stress it too much.  Bonnie

Thank you. I am finally getting some rest today and it's awesome.

It takes 14 days for your muscles to start to deteriorate with NO work.  If your in a wheelchair you are working your arms.  Maybe you could lay on your back and just pull your knees to your stomach and straitened them out.  Just to keep the muscles moving.  I'm by Faron expert, just trying to help you brainstorm.  But don't be hard on yourself!  You need to heal first and foremost! 

Thanks for the encouragement. I've been using crutches for long distances and hobbling around in a giant boot for short distances. Now that I think about it, that is a form of exercise.

Congratulations on sticking to this while you are going through these surgeries.  I know for myself I would have convinced myself I was sick and deserved a treat or that I should just start later when I'm healed.  Good for you for not falling into bad habits. You're doing great!