Knee Surgery

Carrot1971
Carrot1971 Posts: 272 Member
in Motivation and Support
I just had a knee scope done last week which has put me out of commission for a while. I damaged my knee during the time that I originally lost 25 pounds. I've since gained back almost every single pound due from not working out. While the doctor was doing the scope he informed me that I have pretty severe arthritis. He said I will most likely have to have a knee replacement sometime in my lifetime. I'm only 41. Not good news for me. I'm so depressed! I also have developed atrophy in my leg due to me babying my knee. I can't walk, lift weights or do the elliptical. I can swim and bike (eventually). I guess I just need some motivation again. My diet has been awful from being stuck in bed for a week. I know I need to get back on the wagon and do this...the weight loss will help with my knee problems, too. I know this. But now I'm so confused as to diet/calories because I read a ton different articles. Is 1400/calories enough for me? Do I need more? I've read that eating only 8 hours a day is beneficial. So if I eat at noon, I can eat whatever I like until 8pm. Thoughts? Words of Wisdom?

Replies

  • AJinBirmingham
    AJinBirmingham Posts: 497
    My knees are a wreck too - you CAN work around it.

    The best advice I can give you is to see a good physical therapist with a lot of experience in similar injuries/conditions - and who doesn't mind you continuing to ask questions after your paid rehab period has finished. (Insurance will probably cover the costs, as long as you have a referral from your physician.)
  • jessicaCCCCC
    jessicaCCCCC Posts: 1
    Thanks for posting this and starting the conversation; I am facing Knee surgery at the end of August. I am very worried about the Arthritis in both my knees (I am 43) volleyball injury in college and now weight issues. My Orthopedic also said knee replacement is in my future.

    Depending on how tall you are and your current weight you can figure out how many calories you need. I really hope you are going to seek Physical Therapy post surgery and are comfortable with the therapist to discuss everything with them.

    My goal right now is to drop weight before my surgery (if it's even possible), I am 50 lbs overweight right now, but my exercise is limited due to the pain in my knee, so I am mostly counting calories and just re-started entering info in food diary. If you are a reader, perhaps reading while recuperating would help, or talk to your primary about depression and nutrition.

    I hope you improve quickly and please know that there are others (me) facing a similar situation.
  • themedalist
    themedalist Posts: 3,218 Member
    Are you sure you can't do the elliptical at a lower resistance setting? I have severe arthritis in my right hip and I use the elliptical regularly and get a great workout. My hip hurts some, but it's manageable. One of my MFP friends has bad knees and she can also use the elliptical.

    Regularly exercise is highly recommended for folks with arthritis. I walk 2 miles a day, everyday. Yes, it hurts but so what? If I listened to my hip I'd be stuck in a recliner all day. My heart, lungs and the rest of me need regular exercise and movement and that's what I do. I'm getting a new hip in 39 days and my fitness level bodes well for a speedier than average recovery. Good thing because I have a 10K planned in October.

    Of course, listen to your doctor but I wanted to offer a different perspective. Undiagnosed pain needs to be explored, but arthritis pain...well, for me it needs to kept in its place. I had lost almost 50 pounds and was at my goal weight when I developed arthritis last summer. Because I've remained as active as possible, none of the pounds have returned. I don't think that would have been the case if I remained sedentary.

    Best wishes in finding what's right for you!
  • themedalist
    themedalist Posts: 3,218 Member
    Since you can swim, I'd start with that. It is great exercise.

    Regarding a good calorie level, I really like this post:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/952996-level-obstacles-lose-weight-target-fat-easy

    I do agree with many others that losing weight is 80% diet and 20% exercise.

    If you give it time and accept some trial and error, you'll find an eating and exercise plan that works for you. Some people do use intermittent fasting (IF) to achieve their goals, I didn't. I ate 55%C, 15% protein, 30% fat and just kept my calories in line (1500 to 1750 a day). Always had a significant bedtime snack at midnight. That's what worked for me.
  • dnunny70
    dnunny70 Posts: 411 Member
    I weigh too much to have a partial knee replacement done. I have arthritis in both knees (I'm 43). It has really had a toll on my life. I find it difficult to walk (painful). I'm trying to push through the pain this summer and lose some weight and exercise.

    Water aerobics are great for the knees! I do water classes and I love them. I can do squats, jumping jacks, lunges-you name it (in the water). I would start off with trying that first.

    I also enjoy bike riding. I try to go on at least one 5-10mile bike ride a week. I know that doesn't sound like much, but it is a start. I went for 25 min. with my son and I came home huffing and puffing from all the hills in my neighborhood. It doesn't bother my knee to ride my bike.
  • Carrot1971
    Carrot1971 Posts: 272 Member
    Since you can swim, I'd start with that. It is great exercise.

    Regarding a good calorie level, I really like this post:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/952996-level-obstacles-lose-weight-target-fat-easy

    I do agree with many others that losing weight is 80% diet and 20% exercise.

    If you give it time and accept some trial and error, you'll find an eating and exercise plan that works for you. Some people do use intermittent fasting (IF) to achieve their goals, I didn't. I ate 55%C, 15% protein, 30% fat and just kept my calories in line (1500 to 1750 a day). Always had a significant bedtime snack at midnight. That's what worked for me.

    AWESOME POST!! Thank you so much. I figured out I have been eating 200 calories less than I should every day.

    Thank you to everyone who responded. I think I will continue to try my elliptical since I love it so much. Other than that, I must be diligent about my diet - the one part I really have the hardest time with. *sigh*

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