Weight Loss After TKR Surgery?

[Grandma]

Is there anyone else out there that would like to lose weight?

I have gained about 60 lb as the last three years of my life have been so sedentary, due to spinal stenosis and now my left knee.

I'm hoping and praying that all the PT and exercise will help me lose much of these extra pounds.

Does pain and suffering burn calories? If so, it would make it more bearable!

Has anyone experienced weight loss after surgery?

 

[shutterbug]

Grandma
I too need to lose weight. I am 100+ pounds over where I should be. My TKR was nov 3 and I am now feeling ready to start working. The biggest problem is while you are recovering movement and exercise is the last thing on your mind. I am trying to get to the pool for exercise 3 x a week and now I think I'm ready for the eliptical. Now is the time. I made a promise that if the doc did the surg I would lose some weight. Well good luck to you.

chuck

 

[dovcar2000]

Hi Grandma...I had my TLKR on Nov. 10 and I lost 8 lbs but sadly with not doing too much over the last three months it is back.
I do think like most of us who are over weight-----not being able to walk has affected us greatly.
I am now ready to join a YMCA here near where I live and start to be serious about this weight lost program...
So good luck on your future plans...hugs Carol

 

[Grandma]

Oh well. . . I can dream can't I? lol

I live in a tiny town in northern Ontario so there are not really any 'organized' exercise opportunities - other than PT.

My surgery has been changed to February 18th so maybe by May (my 3 month mark) I will be able to get outside to do some walking and cycling - me and the black flies, that should keep me moving. LOL

Thanks for your input.

Anyone else having surgery on or around Feb 18?

 

[dovcar2000]

Never mind you will do fine and this board is wonderful....sometimes I had just little questions that I needed answers to and they all jumped on board to calm me down...
I live in the Barrie area and another girl lives in this area...it is nice to see some Ontario folks on the board...
We will keep an eye on you...hugs Carol

 

[NLK]

Dear Grandma,
I have not been able to lose weight since my TKR almost 2 years ago, but it it something I want to do and NEED to do to keep my other knee and hips as long as possible.
At first, after my knee surgery, I just had to get back to work. I thought teaching junior high all day with a two hour commute was exercise enough. By the time I got home, all I wanted to do was eat something bad for me, go to bed, and stay there. I decided to retire from that teaching job last June, but agreed to substitute teach locally. The diet was getting better, but the substitute job has it's own stresses and they are calling me almost every day. People say subbing should be great because you can always say "No," but, I am not the kind of person who says no to people easily. Even after a bad fall 6 days ago, I told the school district about it and said I would call them when I felt I could work again. After 2 days they were calling me asking if I was ready to work. So I did and now I am awake at night again with pain and no Rx for it. I'm almost back to coming home, stuffing my face, and going to bed.
I would love to hear about what I can do to get back on track with weight loss after my ankle, new knee and hip stop hurting. I love to swim, but live in a California ski resort community with no public pool. (We lost it in an earthquake.) During the summer we go to the Colorado River where I can swim all I want, but that is just summer. At home, our streets are not level, dogs are running loose and, of course, our roads without sidewalks are icy from Dec. to March - hence the fall I took.
Has anyone been successful with a stationary bike or a treadmill??? Would it create more problems with knees and hips???? I think I'll take a look at Weight Watchers online and see how to improve my diet, but I don't know what kind of exercise, besides swimming, would be OK and not cause more problems.
I also have a new inspiration for my mission to lose weight. I found out 2 weeks ago I am going to be a Grandma for the first time in September. I want to be around a LONG time and be a good Grandma.
I hope we both can get some help from the great people on this site.

 

[jdennysgirl]

Hi everyone. First off I would like to thank everyone here for their words of encouragement, and their sharing their stories in the hopes of helping others who are getting ready or have already gone through this major "interruption" in their lives. I have given this website to my OS in hopes he will pass it to his patients. I have told him that by using this site it has saved him numerous calls to his office with the many questions and concerns I have had since my surgery. I hope he is allowed to pass it on.
I had a total knee replacement on my left knee just over 6 weeks ago. Like many of you on this board it has been very tough. I am just now starting to get back to normal, walking with not much pain, taking less of my pain meds. and beginning to think about what this thread is all about.....weight loss.

I have also over the last 3-4 years gained around 50 pounds! I am going on 52 years of age with 7 grandkids, soon to be 8. I have waitressed all of my life and have been very active. Due to my knee problems the last 2 years in particular have been fairly inactive. I had been going to an OS that was telling me to wait as long as I could to have the surgery because I was so young. Soooo, I waited and waited with pain all the time with bone on bone. I didn't know any different as he was suppose to be a very good surgeon so I did as he said. Did the knee brace, took the shots, and took all the meds. Finally nothing was stopping the pain and walking was difficult. He still said I needed to wait.
Well, he decided to move to another state which sent me looking for another doctor. I found one and am I ever happy I did! On my first visit I took my X-rays and his words to me were, "What are you waiting on?" I was shocked to hear those words. After 4 years of hearing how I had to wait this man asks me what I'm waiting on! He asked me why at my age I would want to be in the shape I was in if it could be helped. He said at my age I should be out enjoying the grandkids and doing many of the things that I hadn't done in quite some time. He was exactly right. I went home that day, checked into his credentials, talked to a couple of people in my area that had gone to him and I called him back and made an appointment. I was in and out of surgery in a week. My message here is please don't wait, get the surgery done! After a few weeks or in some cases months you will not be sorry.

Sorry for all the rambling and I know that didn't pertain to weight loss but I just wanted to give you a little perspective as to where I am coming from.

Now, on to the weight loss part. Before I had the surgery at around July or so I was looking out the window and I saw my neighbor go by on this scooter looking device I had seen her go by on so many times before. It looked like fun but I knew there was no way I coud do that, or so I thought. Time went on and next thing I knew I saw her picture in the paper with her mother in law each of them on one of those contraptions. I read the article and it explained how my neighbors mother in law had arthritis in many of her joints and how this Trikke was helping her to get exercise without pain.
I was tired of sitting and hurting and getting fatter and fatter so I ordered one! Again, one of the best things I have ever done. I started riding the Trikke every day and by the end of the month I had lost around 6 or 7 pounds without changing my eating. I was moving again! I eventually got up to 11 miles a day on it in around an hour and a half. And it actually helped my knee, not hurt it. There is no impact on any of the joints but you will get a full body workout! I rode my Trikke all over till it got too wet and cold to get out on it. I had lost a total of 12 pounds over the course of about 3 months! Not a fast weight loss, but steady and I was having fun doing it! I don't think I can post websites here but just Google Trikke and Trikke videos and for the ones of you that don't know what a Trikke is you can get info. here.
I just went for my 6 week checkup and asked my Dr. about riding the Trikke for my recovery and he said, Great, go for it! I am not quite ready for it yet, but come this spring when I am look out! I know I can lose this weight and get my life back after this hold in my life. I am looking forward to it as a matter of fact.
Sorry this is so long, but it is my first post you know, and I am a little windy! If anyone has any questions about the Trikke you can email me if you like. I also would like everyone to know that I am in no way affiliated with Trikke and I am not trying to make sales for them, nor do I get commission or anything like that. I just found something that works for me and I think it could do a world of good for others.
Well, gotta get up and do dishes, dust, run the sweeper and go ou and clean the chicken coop! Isn't it great I can do all this now? I certainly think so. I also had a great time with 4 of my grandkids as we walked the paths through the snow in our woods, built a snowman and rode the 4 wheeler pulling their sled. Such fun again. Just waiting for nicer weather so the kids can get their bikes and I can get my Trikke out and start living again!

 

[bonsallss]

I dont know about losing after TKR, because I am having it done on Monday. I can tell you that, you can lose weight even if you arent able to exercise, walk etc. I have been unable to do anything for a long while, but have managed to lose almost 100 lbs. I started on weight watchers. and recently started 6 week body make over. Now I eat raw veg in place of sweets, salads and protein. I do treat myself to sweets but very small amounts. If I want chocolate, I will eat 1 or 2 minys or min reeses peanut butter cups. Its hard but You can do it. If you need help or info let me know

 

[Jamie]

Welcome, jdennysgirl....I glad you found our group of hipsters and kneesals. How nice that you took time to really introduce yourself and provide a little insight into your life and how the joint replacement has impacted you. Sounds like you are doing a great job with recovery! I look forward to more posts from you as you progress!

 

[Jamie]

Grandma....wish I could tell you there was some magic trick to lose weight. That would make a lot of us here on the forum happy...ME INCLUDED....as I am at least 50 pounds too heavy right now. But....alas....it's the same old story.....watch what you eat and move around to exercise.

PT is not really an exercise program. It is designed to regain mobility and while you are working the muscles that need to be restored, you aren't really "working out."

Many people do lose a little weight initially after surgery if for no other reason than you sometimes don't feel like eating much.

The real benefit is AFTER recovery gets going and you CAN move again without hurting. Many of our forum members reach that point and are delighted that they can do physical things that had not been possible for YEARS....riding bikes, hiking, swimming, just a host of things that will help to tone muscles and drop some weight. So, you have a lot to look forward to!!

Other threads on the Lifestyle forum are filled with posts from people who are working on developing healthy eating habits....complete with recipes to try if you like to cook. Good luck and keep posting...you'll find lots of folks here who share your need and desire to become healthier!

 

[Josephine]

Well, gotta get up and do dishes, dust, run the sweeper and go out and clean the chicken coop! Isn't it great I can do all this now?

After 6 weeks?? That is awesome! And we welcome links to equipment that will help people's recovery. I just found a whole forum about it! It's called broken link removed: https://www.trikketalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2684

Do you have a manual or powered one?

It looks pretty physical!

broken link removed: https://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2442714924819371258

 

[Jamie]

NLK....I think either a stationary bicycle or a treadmill (or the more expensive elliptical machine) can be VERY effective in losing weight. Plus you get the great cardiac benefits if you use them at least 30 minutes at a time and get your heart rate to the proper zone for cardio benefit. I have read that this type of exercise is especially effective on the body fat that many of us get later in life.....weight around the midsection. So if you can afford to get one of the machines and have space to use it regularly (no hanging of clothes on the treadmill arms!!! - that's our big trick sometimes that I have to fight), I believe you would see benefits. You always want to check with your family doctor first before starting an exercise program, but this type of exercise should be good for your new joint, not hurt it. Like everything else in life, though....start out slow and work up to a more vigorous exercise. Don't go gangbusters all at once or you will feel the pain (I speak from personal experience here...I'm a tough teach in this area). Good luck and let us know how things go with you.

 

[backbay38]

I second what NLk said. If you cAn join a gym or even your local YMCA you will do better. More peer pressure as you meet members Basically there is no way to lose weight successfully and keep it of without regular exercise preferably 5 days a week or more - programed into your day.
You'll feel so much better with the workouts and a healthy diet that many health clubs can help you with also. Good luck!!

 

[backbay38]

Grandma -just read the part about where you live. Get an exercise bike - there are many on the Internet but you have to put it together or get someone to do it for you. Work up to 30 minutes a day when you are allowed to use it. Alternate with walks and biking outside when the weather gets good. And eat healthy. Set small goals for yourself and tell your friends. good luck with the surgery!!

 

[jdennysgirl]

Josephine,
Definitely the manual one. Mine is called a T 7/8 and it has air tires. It cost 300.00 last summer when I got it. I do agree with the others that the elliptical machines, and stationary bikes and all the other exercise equipment will help you lose weight but they are sooooo boring. I've tried them all. What I am saying is that for a person that enjoys being active and enjoys the outdoors like I do the Trikke is the ticket. There is nothing boring about it and I actually look forward to going on my little trips. I even have one of those hydro packs that is filled with ice water and you wear it on your back and can drink while riding! I am into it now! LOL
Josephine, yes, I am a member on trikketalk.com and you may be able to look up my username which is the same as it is here and read some of my posts. It is a very awesome site also and gives middle aged (did I say that?) lol people like me a chance to get off our butts and get out there and do something that is good for our well being and our bodies. There are members on that site that are in their 60's and 70's also. Amazing. We are the only ones that can lose our weight. There is no miracle anything. A little cut in calories and a little bit of exercising and raising that heart rate is where it is at, so why not get out and have fun doing it. I actually carried little cards that I give to people that want to know about the Trikke. I even have to stop once in a while to let someone try it. I can't say enough about the Trikke because it really excites me! Come on spring!!! I'm ready to ride!
That one you have pictured is one of the newer ones that just came out last year. It is awesome but a little above my price range. Mine is blue and is medium sized and gives exactly the same workout as that nice green one will give. Ok, back to the broom. I do feel good, but I still have to take many breaks when I am working around here. No problem though, cause I know I am "middle aged" now and that is part of life!

 

[Linda2]

Welcome jdennysgirl! I actually did lose some weight after my surgery 6 months ago. I haven't been as hugry for some reason--and I am not complaining. I find that Pilates really helps me burn some calories. It's too cold here to walk outside, but I will do that when the weather warms up. The trikke thing looks interesting; I might have to check that out!

Here's another interesting factoid. Donating a pint of blood gets rid of approximately 650 calories. You can't do it every day--I think it's 59 days or so between donations, but hey--every little bit helps! And the blood is always needed.

 

[JudyS]

I love being outdoors. I must check out the Trikke, but admit, being clumsy, it looks challenging!!!! My newly added seizure meds cause clumsyness (just what I needed as a side effect!!!)
I really do not need to loose weight, but have always enjoyed a healthy active lifestyle. Now that I had to give up running, I willl always be looking for new fun things to do. I am trying to get the middle age thing in my head, but it is hard (my head too)
Judy

 

[Simon]

I had gained over 100 pounds because as the knees got worse it was harder and harder to work out. Then about 3 1/2 years ago I had a real wake up call and knew I had to lose weight and I would not have surgery this heavy. So I worked on the diet, I am a vegetarian but I liked sweets and other carbs and went back to my old Nordic skier (the original kind that is just like a cross country skiier) as it was the only thing that did not kill the knees as you did not have to bend them. I slowly started losing weight and found that as the weight came off the the knees felt better. I also went to a weight lifting class for seniors where most of the exercises were done sitting done. At 55 I was about 20 years younger than most of the class.

It took 2 years and I did loose the weight, that the knees flaired up big time and I broke my foot and regained 40. I did manage to lose 30 pounds of that before surgery.

Since surgery I have lost of the other 10 pounds and working on the rest.

I have found not eating white stuff, bread, rice, corn and drinking lots of water has been helping.

Good luck. You will find without the knee pain it will be easy to exercise.

 

[doriselliott]

I too need to lose a bunch of weight. I had bilateral TKR in September. I can now workout at the gym for almost two hours; before the surgery I could only go about forty five minutes. Furthermore, I was always afraid to do the eliptical and can now do that for a while. I'll do fifteen to twenty minutes and then do some weight training and then go back to the eliptical. The eliptical burns a lot of calories. I have gone down in size but the weight stays the same. I suppose I am trading muscle for fat.

 

[Jamie]

Doris, the real truth teller is not the scale, but how tight or loose your clothing becomes. Sounds like you are well on your way to a healthy body! I'm like you....I LOVE the elliptical machine.