[NeeNoon]

Anyone trying to lose weight but you can't exercise?

I'm in that situation and I'm looking for support since this is really hard. I'm also looking for ways to do some sort of exercise, but I'll never be able to do what everyone says we should.

[srmb60]

Welcome neeNoon. Well, folks exercise is dozens of ways. Maybe you'd like to give us a little more information. Is there some physical reason why you can't exercise? The nurse in me needs details

[Mel]

And so does the trainer in me Welcome!

Mel

[jiffypop]

and the formerly bedridden on oxygen person who counted steps at first [because i couldn't walk more than 10 steps at all!] in me is curious as well....

ok. let's just admit it. we're nosy. and VERY concerned. and VERY willing to put our two cents in...

a wise person once told me that what's exercise for one person isn't exercise for another. and there are many ways to change things up so that they work for YOU. and that's what matters, isn't it???

nice to meet you!!!

[NeeNoon]

Well, at the very least you made me smile!!

I have (or that's what I've been told so far) hip bursitis (both hips). I take anti-inflamatory pills every day w/little to no effect.

I can't walk (or barely), or stand for too long w/o great pain. I used to be in the gym 4-5 times a week, doing cardio and weight training, but even the arm/abs exercise somehow trigger the pain in my hips. Any kind of resistance. It seems like contracting any part of my body, means I contract muscle in the aarea and causes the inflammation. Don't know how to describe it any better.

For now, I don't have any answers, on how or when I'll get better. And yes, I am very depress by it. I can't believe I've lost all this weight (although I've gained 20 pounds, I've lost over 150 with weight loss surgery) for now being worst off than before.

The only thing I have left to try is swimming, although I've been told not too by my dr., I'm thinking if I do most of the work with my arms, it might be okay. I need to find a bathing suit that will hide most of my upper thigh (sagging skin due to the weigh loss).

So, there you go... now you know. Thank you for your concern and feel free to post any suggestion you might have.

[srmb60]

Hello again, NeeNoon! i'm glad to see you back at 3FC. it's a sad but true fact that lots of people post once and then never return. The fact that you did come back means to me that you are determined, inspite of your infirmity. That's awesome!

Please keep in mind what Jiffypop says .... exercise is indeed in the eye of the beholder. Many have to learn to 'bloom where they are planted'. We have to turn off the thoughts that say 'exercise' is an hour at the gym.

Activity might be closer to the word we're looking for here. The credo 'eatless, move more' is perfect for you. You don't need to walk three miles or anything like that. You don't need to do 50 reps with a 20 lb dumbell. You just need to strive to do more of what you can do.

Did your Doc tell you why he doesn't want you to swim? Did he tell you what you can do?

[jiffypop]

aaaHHAAAA!!!!! congrats on the weight loss!!!! those of us who've had WLS need to stick together!

there are several people in my support group who have lost quite a bit of weight, but still have some damage in the lower half of their bodies. and it's hard.

have you tried water aerobics? and i'd suggest using the various noodles and things that'll help keep you afloat so that you don't have to touch bottom and add even that small amount of strain to your hips.

[i had to resort to them after i had a bad cartilage tear in my knees - could barely walk, couldn't stand, and even walking in water hurt like the dickens. but sitting on those silly noodles allowed me to exercise without pain]

and there's no rule that says that you have to keep up with those people who are going at high speed... move at your own pace - the key is to move...

it's also possible to do ab crunches in bed. yes it is!!!! and leg lifts, if they don't hurt you.

i'm sure mel the wise trainer will show up soon with more good tips...

bottom line, darlin: DON'T GIVE UP!!!! you've come too far and struggled too hard to go backwards!!!!

[sarahyu]

Ouch, that sounds painful. I had to do a google search to see what it was, here's a link for everyone else:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_r...y=Osteoporosis

How long have you had it? Has your doctor suggested anything for you to do? Are you supposed to just wait until the pain goes away before you do anything? Yuck! Does you doctor have any idea how long this will take to get better?

Don't let it get you too far down, most of us have had injuries that have side lined us from exercising for short periods of time.

I know it's hard not to be depressed when you've worked so hard to lose the weight and then something like this pops up. Keep telling yourself it's only temporary-(it is, isn't it?-maybe I should wait until you answer the other questions before I start spouting psychology?)

I read that accupuncture might help the pain.

Maybe now is the time to work on your upper body? Do some arm exercises, what ever you can do. Some stretches, what ever your body can do at this time, even a little bit of movement is better then nothing. Plus it makes you feel like you've done something.


I'll keep you in my thoughts. Hope you start feeling better soon.
Sarah

[sapphire9]

I can sympathize with you. I haven't been able to exercise because I put on too much weight and my knees couldn't take it. Can only do limited upper body exercise because I have impingement syndrome in my right shoulder which prevents me from raising my arm up over my head. Since you can do upper body exercise I suggest you check out Miriam Nelson's books, Strong Women, Strong Bones, Strong Women lose weight, etc. She provides a good exercise program that women can do seated. Hope this helps.

[NeeNoon]

Originally Posted by SusanB

Did your Doc tell you why he doesn't want you to swim? Did he tell you what you can do?

Simply because the movement you do while swimming, does work the hips. And as far as exercise goes, they said nothing, and when I pushed said (relunctantly) whatever I could do.

Thx for the support SusanB. I'll put in my accomplishment/gratitude journal went back to 3FC !

Originally Posted by jiffypop

have you tried water aerobics? and i'd suggest using the various noodles and things that'll help keep you afloat so that you don't have to touch bottom and add even that small amount of strain to your hips.

and there's no rule that says that you have to keep up with those people who are going at high speed... move at your own pace - the key is to move...

You're right, I could/should give it a try. I need to find a darn bathing suit, been everywhere around here. I need to look on-line. I'll post somewhere and ask for website...

it's also possible to do ab crunches in bed. yes it is!!!! and leg lifts, if they don't hurt you.

That wouldn't help, I just can't move my legs, or have the muscles contract.

Thx so much for your support,

[NeeNoon]

Originally Posted by sarahyu

I know it's hard not to be depressed when you've worked so hard to lose the weight and then something like this pops up. Keep telling yourself it's only temporary-(it is, isn't it?-maybe I should wait until you answer the other questions before I start spouting psychology?)

I thought it would be temporary... it's been over a year now... I just don't know anymore. I had the cortisone injection which did nothing, I'm waiting to see a specialist (couldn't get an apt until december) and I'm getting desperate. I know that exercising would make me feel much better. Never thought I would miss the gym like that. I sure didn't appreciate it like I should have.

[NeeNoon]

Originally Posted by rosettastone

I can sympathize with you. I haven't been able to exercise because I put on too much weight and my knees couldn't take it. Can only do limited upper body exercise because I have impingement syndrome in my right shoulder which prevents me from raising my arm up over my head. Since you can do upper body exercise I suggest you check out Miriam Nelson's books, Strong Women, Strong Bones, Strong Women lose weight, etc. She provides a good exercise program that women can do seated. Hope this helps.

Thank you for the ref. to MN book's I'll check it out!

[sarahyu]

About swimsuits-I've seen a suit that looks like biker shorts, well at least I think it was a swim suit, it was someone at my community pool. But it was like compression shorts with a matching swim suit top and it look cute. It was different, but not too extreme.

I've seen them on line and you can do a google search for specifics.
Sarah

[kitkatbahr]

Hey,

How about the Sit and Be fit video series? Also on DVD? It's been on Public TV as well. I can't remember the ladies name, Mary something I think. Do a Google search on sit and be fit dvd and it will come up. They have a website, several videos/dvd's etc. Looks like a GREAT program for those who are chair bound or limited on walking, etc.

Good Luck.
Kathy

[Mel]

Congratulations on the weightloss! Hip inhuries or chronic pain conditions involving them realy are hard, because almost every movement involves them one way or another. Are you sure of the diagnosis? What type of doc diagnosed you? Bursitis should be treatable both with anti-inflammatories and with cortisone because it is an inflammation of the bursa- the sack surounding the joint. I often have a lot of untreatable hip pain due to fibromyalgia- but since it hurts whether I exercise or not, I might as well exercise.

Here are the pertinent parts of a post that I put together for a poster who had an immobile knee. I think some of the same suggestions should work for you:

You can do all sorts of weight training while seated. You can use resistance bands or light weights to start with.

If you belong to a ymca or other health club with a pool, there are often classes specifically for people with arthritis.

Some gyms have "hand bicycles" that you pedal with your arms to raise your heartrate.

There are "chair aerobics" classes in some places. Here's an article about one I found on the net for you. Maybe you could find something similar near where you live. http://www.thevillager.com/vil_93/getonyourbutt.html

If you are interested in a video, check the "Sit and be Fit" series, there is one specifically designed for arthritis. http://www.collagevideo.com/cart/default.aspx