Operation Advice

carinthea

I am going into hospital in two weeks (just got the call today) to have my gallbladder removed. I have been having constant painful attacks for nearly 9 months and have stones between 2 and 5 cm in size (so they won't pass on their own). I ideally would have liked to lose more weight before the operation, but my brain and willpower weren't on the same page, hopefully I will have lost more before the date 10/9 (or 9/10 if you are American).

My question is in two parts:

1. What would you recommend to ensure maintaining fitness (at the level I currently have) before the operation? I eat mostly SBD and exercise a minimum of 30 minutes 6 days a week (at present following Hip Hop Abs and doing a short workout 3x a week with weights and medicine balls)?
2. I don't want to gain while I am in my convalescence which could be anything from 2 weeks to 3 months depending on the operation I end up having...what would people recommend so I continue to lose weight while I am unable to exercise (first two weeks minimum it's apparently a total no no).

I know that I will get advice from the hospital, but would really like to hear recommendations from people who have been there and know how their bodies reacted (though I know everyone is different).

Thanks.

Unknown

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jkwolly

Exercise has nothing to do with weight loss. Calories in vs. calories out.

Measure, weigh and track everything that you eat/drink! You'll be golden.

ETA: more stuffies added

kjm_723

I had my gallbladder out before I had any interest or thought of being fit or losing weight so I don't have any experience with exercise after surgery. However, for the first month or so eating was not normal. My appetite was less and it was kind of painful to eat (that only lasted a short time). I wasn't tracking my weight then but I'd bet I lost weight, just because I couldn't eat normally. Also, I'd advise knowing where all the bathrooms are wherever you go for the first few months!! Eventually all of those symptoms settled down and I felt a lot better overall after having it out. I started attempting to lose weight about 6 months after the surgery and I've lost 80 lbs. Good luck!

carinthea

Thank you all.

With regard the calories in vs calories out thing, I know this, I have been dieting pretty unsuccessfully for decades (unfortunately literally), but I have introduced exercise as I have a lot to lose and doing so without exercise and toning will lead to a definite issue with plenty of excess skin, which I would prefer to avoid. I don't 'enjoy' the exercise exactly, but it is a habit that I don't wish to get out of (as it's helping me a lot psychologically...getting a few treats [albeit small ones] here and there because I have done a hardy work out is gratifying).

Also good to know (?!) that the side effects I already have (bathroom visits and drop in appetite) will continue, at least for a while.

I_Will_End_You

Just stay under your calorie goal while you can't exercise. There is really nothing else you can do. I don't think not exercising for a few weeks while you're in recovery will automatically lead to loose skin. (honestly? depending on genetics and how much you have to lose, you could have loose skin even if you do exercise) You have to give yourself time to heal. Ask your doctor if there is any kind of physical activity you can do, and when. Maybe you can just take walks until you're back to your normal self again.