Overweight?

[pharman]

Are there any overweight folks out there who have had the surgery? I had been losing weight, but the pain got so bad it's hard to exercise. Now, I've gained about 30 pounds since last summer. My doctor suggested I lose some before my surgery (which won't be until Oct or Nov). I'm starting swimming laps at our local pool, but I don't know how much weight I'll be able to lose by then. I understand it can make a difference in the recovery. I'd love to hear from anyone who has already been through it. Thanks!

 

[Josephine]

Well, of course it would be easier for you all round if you were lighter. But quite a lot of the patients I've helped operate upon and looked after over the years have had a BMI of 25, 30 and even more and they all did perfectly all right. If the surgeon is prepared to operate regardless - and if he isn't, find one that will, even at this late stage - then I'm sure everything with be just fine.

 

[2hips]

I was going to try to loose weight before I had surgery, but it was too painful to even think about exercise. Couldn't even go to the grocery store and get the proper food needed. Just too painful. Was doing fastfood places and on a day that was a little better would go to a sit down restaurant.

I refused to use the electric carts at the grocery store always felt someone would need it more than me. I am in a small town and the grocery store I shop at only had one electric cart.

I need to loose at least 75 more pounds. Was at least 100 before the surgery.
Dr. said he knew I wasn't able to exercise but after surgery he wanted me to exercise and walk walk and then walk some more. I had 1st hip replacement 10-07 and 2nd hip replacement 11-07.

I can not tell you how wonderful it is to not be in such pain at every single movement.
I did talk 3 months off work probably could have went back earlier but I was still being paid regular pay check and accuring vacation and sick pay.
I also have a disability insurance thru work so the longer out the more paid.
I went back to work 01-30-08 instead of 02-07-08 as advised by Dr.
Boredom had started to set in.

My Dr's attitude was let's get you out of pain then you can work on the weight. I have to push myself to exercise cause I am lazy, but I will get er done and get the extra weight gone.

After I had the date for my surgery I did work on upper body strength.
That did help alot cause you need to really use the arms and upper body alot. I could sit down and work on upper body.

Deborah

 

[pharman]

Thanks so much for your story. I have started swimming - I work for our recreation district and can use the pool at no fee. I actually feel no pain while in the water and I did think about the fact that it will build up my upper body strength.

I completely agree about shopping. I just can't do it, but, fortunately, my husband is willing. I have considered using the motorized carts, too, but I also think someone else might need it more than I do.

My doctor suggested that I lose some weight, but he doesn't require it. He agrees that once I am no longer in pain, it'll be so much easier to lose the weight.

I don't have a surgery date yet, but I'm moving up the waiting list and, hopefully, it won't be much longer!

Thanks!

 

[Josephine]

You know, even when my knee was only a little sore, I never ever thought about someone else needing the cart more than me! On occasion I had to sit and wait for one to be finished with so I could use it. You think that - but what if NObody wants it whilst you're struggling around! Use it! That's what it's there for!

 

[2hips]

Josephine,
I totally agree that if someone thinks they should use the cart they should use it. I think I was in a little denial insisted on not using it as much as I reallyneeded to use it. So there were times I had to make 2 separate trips to the grocery store to get all I needed. Usually the cans and boxes were brought in a few at a time as I came back from work in the evening.

I wouldn't even allow the bag guy to carry my bags to the car and load them in the car for me . Fortunely the grocery store had a bench just before you went outside and I took a break on the bench before I even tried to make ot to the car.

Sometimes pride and denial can be such a painful combination.

I hope people will feel okay to do what is necessary to make life a little more bearable as the surgery is being waited on.

Deborah

 

[Josephine]

Oh the guys at my Asda (Walmart) really got to know me! They'd call me the lady with the flag as I have a purple ribbon on the aerial of my car so I can spot her easily in the car park. (there is another reason for it but not just now!)