Surgery :(
AskTracyAnnK28
Posts: 2,817 Member
I have to have foot surgery on April 3rd that will leave me out of commission for approx. 3 weeks!
I do pilates every day and twice a day on the weekends and I'm afraid that 3 weeks of minimal activity will set me backwards. I've lost about 60 pounds so far.
Does anyone have any advice as to what I can do to ensure I won't put back on the weight that I tried so hard to lose? Keep in mind that I will pretty much be off my feet, I won't be able to drive or anything
I do pilates every day and twice a day on the weekends and I'm afraid that 3 weeks of minimal activity will set me backwards. I've lost about 60 pounds so far.
Does anyone have any advice as to what I can do to ensure I won't put back on the weight that I tried so hard to lose? Keep in mind that I will pretty much be off my feet, I won't be able to drive or anything
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Replies
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As long as you're focusing on your eating I think you'll be okay with your weight loss - I know people who have lost lots of weight with just calorie restriction alone!0
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Eat less and look into chair exercises you can do while you recover, with your doctor's blessing of course.
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Honestly? Focus on eating instead of exercise after surgery. Weight loss needs to be taken off the table while you heal. Here is a PDF I found that explains the basics. Esp. focus on your protein. It is necessary for healing.
http://www.hss.edu/files/Nutrition_for_Healing.pdf0 -
Thank you! I'm hoping by my surgery I'll be already switching into maintenance (I have just a few pounds before goal).0
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You are undergoing for surgery so my advice would be to have proper diet & protein rich foods, minimal carbs & high fiber.
It will help you keep your weight in plateau phase & good recovery post op0 -
Post-surgery, recovery is the most important thing. I would still track but switch to maintenance cals, rather than weight-loss cals. Obviously you won't be able to log any exercise, but you can still eat the basic daily cals. Remember to also change your base activity level to 'sedentary' if need be.
After a few weeks, if any weight is creeping back on, you could adjust your cals down slightly, but see how it goes.
Go easy on yourself when you do get back to the gym. I had a medically-enforced absence from exercise last year and it's frustrating when you restart as you do lose a bit of fitness. Don't beat yourself up if you find classes harder than you are now - you'll get your fitness back again.
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I'm already trying to figure out what my maintenance calories will be and I'm a little nervous of going over and gaining weight
I'm also concerned about eating out of bordum...I'll have to make sure I have only healthy snacks in the house0 -
I'd trust the app... I lost 42lbs a few years back and maintained for three years. The daily goal it gave me for maintenance was about right - just set your target to "keep weight the same" and give it a go for a couple of weeks.
Boredom eating is the tough one - I failed miserably when I had medical treatment last year and put 16lbs back on, which is why I'm back on weight-loss cals now, d'oh.
Do you have any indoor hobbies you like that are really absorbing? Crafts, jigsaws, reading, anything like that? Daytime TV does make you eat because it's so boring!
The good news is that you have done amazingly so far - 60lbs is fab and it's simply impossible to put all that back on in three weeks.
Don't be too hard on yourself if you regain a few lbs - it'll only take a couple of weeks to lose them again once you're back on your feet. 0 -
pinkteapot3 wrote: »I'd trust the app... I lost 42lbs a few years back and maintained for three years. The daily goal it gave me for maintenance was about right - just set your target to "keep weight the same".
Boredom eating is the tough one - I failed miserably when I had medical treatment last year and put 16lbs back on, which is why I'm back on weight-loss cals now, d'oh.
Do you have any indoor hobbies you like that are really absorbing? Crafts, jigsaws, reading, anything like that? Daytime TV does make you eat. :
Actually I knit lololol I already stocked up on some new patterns, yarn and needles so hopefully that will keep me out of the kitchen while I'm out of work on disability
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tracyannk28 wrote: »I'm already trying to figure out what my maintenance calories will be and I'm a little nervous of going over and gaining weight
I'm also concerned about eating out of bordum...I'll have to make sure I have only healthy snacks in the house
Actually you are not supposed to eat at maintenance post surgery.
You need to increase your caloric intake. Multiply your weight by a minimum of 15 and that is your caloric intake you NEED daily.
Healing takes calories. You need those calories to heal faster. If you restrict calories post surgery you are not going to heal properly.
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That's really interesting and a good tip - apologies for my incorrect info above... But should that read "multiply your weight by 1.5" rather than 15?0
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Here's my suggestion. They'll give you pain medication, probably with codeine.
Drinks LOTS of water and eat a fair amount of fiber. They, at least for me, are an appetite suppressant anyway. But the big thing is that codeine will stop you up like nobody's business.0 -
FWIW, I was lifting 3-4 time a week and doing Zumba on alternate days when I fell and broke my ankle. I was worried about the same thing. I ended up dropping about seven pounds during recuperation. (Granted, I'm pretty sure a chunk of that was muscle...)
Because I wasn't moving like I usually did, I really didn't have a huge appetite, so I wasn't eating nearly as much as I did before I fell. (Also, there were some pretty good pain meds initially, so I slept instead of eating
)
I'm still trying to work through a lot of the soreness and get into a regular routine, as it seems even a little "over-use" sets me back.
Just remember to take care of yourself, follow doc's instructions, and don't stress yourself out about what you aren't doing. Focus on what you ARE doing, and that is healing.
ETA: Good luck and get better soon!0 -
Here's my suggestion. They'll give you pain medication, probably with codeine.Drinks LOTS of water and eat a fair amount of fiber. They, at least for me, are an appetite suppressant anyway. But the big thing is that codeine will stop you up like nobody's business.
God I hope so!!!! hahahahaha0 -
weight loss comes from a deficit- no exercise required.0
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tracyannk28 wrote: »I have to have foot surgery on April 3rd that will leave me out of commission for approx. 3 weeks!
I do pilates every day and twice a day on the weekends and I'm afraid that 3 weeks of minimal activity will set me backwards. I've lost about 60 pounds so far.
Does anyone have any advice as to what I can do to ensure I won't put back on the weight that I tried so hard to lose? Keep in mind that I will pretty much be off my feet, I won't be able to drive or anything
What surgery are you having & what's it for .
Would you like to share with us.0 -
pinkteapot3 wrote: »That's really interesting and a good tip - apologies for my incorrect info above... But should that read "multiply your weight by 1.5" rather than 15?
Multiply your current weight by a minimum of 15, max. 20 to get your daily caloric intake for healing. YEP.
I know it sucks to have to change it up however when you have major surgery focus should be on healing properly and quickly. That requires calories.
For the pain meds, take stool softners!!! Nothing worse than constipation as you heal.
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I had foot surgery 3 years ago and had to spend 3 weeks in bed with my foot elevated just about 24/7. I didn't gain any weight.
I have a BodyMedia Fit, so I could see my daily calorie burn (actually, more like lack of burn). I had lots of low cal foods portioned out, and after my oatmeal breakfast I'd fill a small cooler every morning and have it in the bedroom with me. Fruit, raw vegetables, sugar free Jello, small salad with turkey, maybe a little popcorn or a Quest bar. Then some baked chicken and a vegetable for dinner. Not very exciting, but it worked.
It's all calories in, calories out.
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SwankyTomato wrote: »tracyannk28 wrote: »I'm already trying to figure out what my maintenance calories will be and I'm a little nervous of going over and gaining weight
I'm also concerned about eating out of bordum...I'll have to make sure I have only healthy snacks in the house
Actually you are not supposed to eat at maintenance post surgery.
You need to increase your caloric intake. Multiply your weight by a minimum of 15 and that is your caloric intake you NEED daily.
Healing takes calories. You need those calories to heal faster. If you restrict calories post surgery you are not going to heal properly.
With major surgery, yes. Foot surgery, not so much. It is important to keep your protien up, but she's not going to need a caloric surplus.0 -
SwankyTomato wrote: »tracyannk28 wrote: »I'm already trying to figure out what my maintenance calories will be and I'm a little nervous of going over and gaining weight
I'm also concerned about eating out of bordum...I'll have to make sure I have only healthy snacks in the house
Actually you are not supposed to eat at maintenance post surgery.
You need to increase your caloric intake. Multiply your weight by a minimum of 15 and that is your caloric intake you NEED daily.
Healing takes calories. You need those calories to heal faster. If you restrict calories post surgery you are not going to heal properly.
Truth.
I just had fairly major surgery (I'm 4 1/2 weeks post op) and it is not the appropriate time to diet. Healing is not a passive thing that expends no energy. If you put a couple of pounds back on it's better than extending your healing time. I would take a guess and say that the severity of the surgery would impact how much extra you need to eat - like my laparoscopic surgery isn't nearly as invasive as an open surgery, so the incisions in my abdominal wall are far smaller and my healing time is shorter.
Just give your body the time to heal so you don't hurt yourself.0 -
tracyannk28 wrote: »I have to have foot surgery on April 3rd that will leave me out of commission for approx. 3 weeks!
I do pilates every day and twice a day on the weekends and I'm afraid that 3 weeks of minimal activity will set me backwards. I've lost about 60 pounds so far.
Does anyone have any advice as to what I can do to ensure I won't put back on the weight that I tried so hard to lose? Keep in mind that I will pretty much be off my feet, I won't be able to drive or anything
What surgery are you having & what's it for .
Would you like to share with us.
Does it matter? It's personal and I'd rather not go into the details
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pinkteapot3 wrote: »That's really interesting and a good tip - apologies for my incorrect info above... But should that read "multiply your weight by 1.5" rather than 15?
This is what I found post-op...
http://www.hss.edu/files/Nutrition_for_Healing.pdf
"How many calories should I be consuming since I will be inactive?
Now is NOT the time for weight loss! When people are immobilized, they worry about gaining weight. However, you should NOT decrease your calorie intake because you will be inactive. In fact, your calorie needs are now greater than usual because your body requires energy from nutritious foods to fuel the healing process. You will need to consume about 15-20 calories per pound (using your current body weight). If your overall energy and protein needs are not met, body tissues such as muscles and ligaments will begin to break
down. This will compromise healing and may prolong your recovery period."
ETA I see I was beat to posting this. :laugh:0 -
tracyannk28 wrote: »
Does it matter? It's personal and I'd rather not go into the details
The level of surgery matters. Major surgery is going to require you eat at a surplus for sure.
You said foot surgery? If it involves bone or cutting into ligaments then that is major surgery. If it is just taking off bunions or something like that you don't have to eat at a surplus.
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Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh. That makes more sense!!
With the bit about "multiply your weight by 15" - I thought that meant multiply your weight by 15, enter that as your weight in MFP, and then see what calorie goal it sets you!
That's why I thought it was a typo for 1.5.0 -
SwankyTomato wrote: »tracyannk28 wrote: »I'm already trying to figure out what my maintenance calories will be and I'm a little nervous of going over and gaining weight
I'm also concerned about eating out of bordum...I'll have to make sure I have only healthy snacks in the house
Actually you are not supposed to eat at maintenance post surgery.
You need to increase your caloric intake. Multiply your weight by a minimum of 15 and that is your caloric intake you NEED daily.
Healing takes calories. You need those calories to heal faster. If you restrict calories post surgery you are not going to heal properly.
With major surgery, yes. Foot surgery, not so much. It is important to keep your protien up, but she's not going to need a caloric surplus.
Yeah - this isn't anything totally major, but it is surgery that will have my on the DL for about 3 weeks.
OK, so I should eat at above maintenance, have high protein foods, fiber, stool softeners, codeine (lololol)
Seriously though...my maintenance calories (according to IIFYM) are 1655, but my weight multiplied by 15 is a whopping 2265 calories. I just don't know if I want to eat that much...I'll get fat again for sure 0 -
pinkteapot3 wrote: »Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh. That makes more sense!!
With the bit about "multiply your weight by 15" - I thought that meant multiply your weight by 15, enter that as your weight in MFP, and then see what calorie goal it sets you!
That's why I thought it was a typo for 1.5.
Oh no, lol.
OP, surgery sucks. Good luck to you. It will be OK.
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LOL, not quite what I meant. Just codeine does awful things to your insides. It's great to be pain free, or in my case, not caring that my arm feels like it's going to fall off, until you can't poop. Sorry, TMI, I know.tracyannk28 wrote: »Here's my suggestion. They'll give you pain medication, probably with codeine.Drinks LOTS of water and eat a fair amount of fiber. They, at least for me, are an appetite suppressant anyway. But the big thing is that codeine will stop you up like nobody's business.
God I hope so!!!! hahahahaha
Lots of water!!! lol
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LOL, not quite what I meant. Just codeine does awful things to your insides. It's great to be pain free, or in my case, not caring that my arm feels like it's going to fall off, until you can't poop. Sorry, TMI, I know.tracyannk28 wrote: »Here's my suggestion. They'll give you pain medication, probably with codeine.Drinks LOTS of water and eat a fair amount of fiber. They, at least for me, are an appetite suppressant anyway. But the big thing is that codeine will stop you up like nobody's business.
God I hope so!!!! hahahahaha
Lots of water!!! lol
hahahahaha maybe I'll be in a codeine haze for 2 weeks while binge watching Breaking Bad to the point where I won't care if I'm not eating enough?
I'll pick up some mutamucil or something just in case I have tummy issues
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tracyannk28 wrote: »SwankyTomato wrote: »tracyannk28 wrote: »I'm already trying to figure out what my maintenance calories will be and I'm a little nervous of going over and gaining weight
I'm also concerned about eating out of bordum...I'll have to make sure I have only healthy snacks in the house
Actually you are not supposed to eat at maintenance post surgery.
You need to increase your caloric intake. Multiply your weight by a minimum of 15 and that is your caloric intake you NEED daily.
Healing takes calories. You need those calories to heal faster. If you restrict calories post surgery you are not going to heal properly.
With major surgery, yes. Foot surgery, not so much. It is important to keep your protien up, but she's not going to need a caloric surplus.
Yeah - this isn't anything totally major, but it is surgery that will have my on the DL for about 3 weeks.
OK, so I should eat at above maintenance, have high protein foods, fiber, stool softeners, codeine (lololol)
Seriously though...my maintenance calories (according to IIFYM) are 1655, but my weight multiplied by 15 is a whopping 2265 calories. I just don't know if I want to eat that much...I'll get fat again for sure
I totally downplayed my surgery too, because I had two laparoscopic surgeries in the past and was up and around doing normal things in the same week. I'm still flopping around like a fish out of water trying to get out of bed some mornings. Like SwankyTomato said if you're having bone or ligaments messed with then yeah it's still major. If it's not, then why are you banking on opioid pain meds? :huh:
ETA for the last line you said ... healing your body is far more important than a couple pounds you might put on in 3 weeks.0 -
tracyannk28 wrote: ».
Yeah - this isn't anything totally major, but it is surgery that will have my on the DL for about 3 weeks.
OK, so I should eat at above maintenance, have high protein foods, fiber, stool softeners, codeine (lololol)
Seriously though...my maintenance calories (according to IIFYM) are 1655, but my weight multiplied by 15 is a whopping 2265 calories. I just don't know if I want to eat that much...I'll get fat again for sure
Well if it is not major, then I think you will be OK. Just do not eat at a deficit.
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