Maybe the Dr is right?? And if so should I take his advice??
Since then I have been in so much pain! My feet, ankles, joints, bones and hips are so painful.
You know when you see like a grandma get up to walk and she hobbles across the floor?? that's what I feel like.
I knew walking to work in my flip flops wasn't the smartest decision but didn't expect this much pain. So the only conclusion I have been able to come to is that between walking in the flip flops, wearing them at work, shooting hoops and working with the horses I over did it. I rested yesterday and still hurt today so am resting again today.
My Dr tells me that I need to start slowly, like no more than 10 minutes on the treadmill, and has explained to me how much force all my weight puts on my joints. I hate the treadmill so haven't spent any time on it. He also says to not worry about the length of the workout or the intensity just to get movement in.
His wife (who is a NP and who I usually see) wants me to take an appetite suppressant for a few months. Her feeling is that losing 20 more pounds or so would make such a big difference to my pain level and my heart that it would be worth it. That if it helps me lose the weight I would then be able to be more active and therefor lose more weight. I have taken this once before and did good at losing weight but gained it back. She thinks b/c I am seeing a therapist, working through my issues and taking my meds (have a habit of not doing that very well) that I won't gain the weight back; tells me that the fact that I haven't given up even though I am in pain so often makes her believe I am ready to lose.
Anyway...the whole point of this long, drawn out, babbling blog is that I'm torn on listening to my NP and maybe taking the med she wants and I'm thinking maybe I should listen to my DR a bit more and maybe not work it so hard. I have trouble remember that I am 330 lbs and can't do everything I want and expect my body to hold up okay. But I do want to get this weight off and I'm not convinced that if I don't work out I'll still lose.
You could do 10 minutes a couple of times a day. If my knees are really bothering me, that is what I do. I normally do 20 minutes at a time. But on days when my back hurts and my knees hurt, I divide it up into smaller segments and it seems to help. I agree with folks about the pool - it helps. Problem for me is the time it takes. Takes time to get to the pool, do the exercise, shower & get dressed and then get home again. I would rather just get on the treadmill for 20 minutes in the comfort of my own home. (Yes, I am a bit lazy). Good luck to you!
It sounds like you have a few good choices.
Is there any reason you could not do both?
Both are giving you good advice, it sounds like. It's hard to take it slow and easy when you're ready to go, but it's smart to do that; your body will thank you for easing into activity in small chunks, maybe 10 minutes at a time two or three or more times a day. Just 20 pounds will make a huge difference; make the decision that feels right deep down. You can do this!
I have been exercising too much and as a result not losing weight after I cut back on my exercise some I did lose. So too much exercise can stop the weight loss I guess my body went into defense mode. My guide now is not the clock but my body if I am worn out one day I will exercise less and if I'm doing okay I will do more exercise.
I agree, I think they are both giving you good advice. I don't think you will de-rail your progress this time...you are willing to work on your issues and are staying in touch with all the right people. I also think the pool might be the way to go right now. If you can't do that, listen to your doctor. Put on some music on your ipod or phone, set the treadmill to 10 minutes and walk slowly. Or go to the park and do the same. But stick with 10 minutes for awhile. There is no reason to push beyond that and cause injury that can't be undone. You are doing great, I'm really proud of you!
I give you props for carefully weighing your options! I think there is truth and good advice in what they have both told you. Take care of your joints, and they will take care of you! I too, have joint problems and painful arthritis in my knees, so bending my knees to ride a bike or even walking are difficult, so I have had to get creative. I am doing water aerobics, which is wonderful or the joints nd I can feel myself getting stronger every time I go. I do strength training with hand weights and resistance bands on the days I don't go to the pool, and also have a couple of Chair exercise videos Chair Salsa Dancing and Chair Belly Dancing, which are great fun!), and Spark People has some great ones as well. I use the Wii sports programs and do Wii bowling, tennis, baseball and boxing, which are also fun. For myself, I have learned if it is not fun, I am not going to do it. I have lost 50 pounds so far and I can't describe how much better I feel, even though I still have 24 pounds to lose to get under 300. When I lose 25 more pounds, I am going to add an extra day at the pool and am looking forward to being able to walk and do some more conventional exercise as I continue to get stronger and more mobile. Stay strong, carry on and do whatever you can do, and I promise it will get easier! I am right beside you- we can do this!