Having surgery nervous about losing progress

You won't if you set your MFP activity level to 'Not Very Active' then you'll go based off those calories. You will not lose your muscle as long as your getting your nutrition in .

I've been there, and unfortunately, I gained. Looking back, it was because I felt bored and isolated, and I gradually turned more and more to food for comfort. Also, I was taking pain meds that had to be taken with food, and I didn't pre-plan to work the extra snacks in. I also faced the challenge of relying on others to go to the market, and they just didn't get vegetables. In my case, I had a bit of depression related to anethesia (which no one ever tells you about) and that didn't help.

I'm not trying to discourage you, but just saying your worries are real and justified. Knowing that, you can try to develop a plan. Write out a list of things you can accomplish while you are recovering. Maybe do a fun online class or get back in touch with old friends. Get a few good books or maybe do some journaling or a blog. Maybe there are some old family photos that need organizing or scanning. Do your family history on Ancestry.com. Think of your down time as an opportunity instead of a sentence. Most of all, reach out to your friends often for company. I'm sure they will be happy to know how to help.

Before surgery, go to the market with the person who will be getting your groceries and teach them how to shop for you. Keep logging and visit the forums often to stay inspired. Best wishes for a successful, speedy recovery!

Expect to gain some water weight while healing. Don't worry, it's temporary and needed. It'll drop off when it's time.

Please consider eating at maintenance (sedentary maintenance) while healing. I kept up a deficit after a mere laparoscopic gallbladder removal, and it was a Really Bad Plan. Fortunately, my body made healing a top priority . . . but I got fatigued and weak.

Queue up plenty of distracting activities,hobbies, movies, books, TV, etc., to avoid bored eating.

As soon as you're cleared to do some activity, do that, even if it's not your usual exercise.

Reinforce your healthy eating habits by reminding yourself that nutrition facilitates speedy healing.

You can do this!

I'm just coming off of a cervical disc herniation surgery. I'm about 4 weeks out. I was just cleared to walk on the treadmill, do the elliptical (without arms) and the stairmill but still not allowed to lift. Since January I'm down about 25lbs and I was going to lose 10 more this summer (I teach and have more time for workouts). But my plan was derailed by this emergency surgery which was totally unexpected. I went from working out 5 days a week - lifting and running to not able to move. I did three rounds of steroids for the inflammation and pain and didn't gain weight because I was being strict with my eating. After surgery I gained about 5lbs because I didn't eat well. Most sources say that you don't have to work out to lose weight- your diet is how one manages the scale. Keep your eating habits in check and drink your water. You can't have alcohol while on the pain meds so that should also help. Worst thing I ever did was let my eating get out of control. Now I'm struggling a lot because I got a taste of sugar again and now it's all I want. Be strong and stick to your good habits and you will be fine. Promise!!!! Good luck!

Doyouevenlift26 wrote: »

Thank you all so much! I have lost 28lbs in about 6 months so I guess my main goal is to maintain it while I'm recovering. So it sounds like I should just be watching what I eat and letting myself heal because that takes precedent! It's nice to hear from people who have actually been through it!

Congrats on your loss! And yes, watch what you eat and give yourself time to heal. My doctors recommended prioritizing protein while recovering.

I recently had two major surgeries within 4 weeks of each other (small bowel obstruction and cervical disk replacement) and both times the doctors recommended eating at about 250 calories above maintenance (I've been maintaining for awhile).

Good luck with your surgery!