Since having the Lap Band and exercising more, I screwed up my feet. Doc says I have a bunion that needs to be operated on prior to Dec or it will end up being even more extensive surgery. I am at my wits end. First I had Archilles Heel Tendonitus, got heel lifts to help, and now my bunion is huge. He basically said it's usually genetic, but being obese puts lots of pressure on the feet, and that's why they are so bad. (He said I was a 6 or 7 out of 10 - 10 being the worst case scenario!)

I am so scared if I stop exercising, I will stop losing weight. Actually, I've been losing/gaining the same 4 lbs for about a month since I cut back on exercising. I can't use the treadmill at all. I was doing the eliptical, but now that even hurts. I can do the bike - but it doesn't seem to get my cardio up there. I now just do 5 minutes on eliptical to loosen up, then do some weightlifting, then 10 minutes on the bike. (I use to do 45 minutes on the eliptical... - but can't anymore, or I limp for a couple days).

I'm concerned because I've read you lose the most during the 1st year post-op. And once I have surgery in September (bunion), my doc said I won't be "normal" for a COUPLE months!!

Just getting discouraged. Seems like I take one step forward, and 10 steps back.

Dr. said to try swimming - but the only gym with a pool around here is the YMCA and it's really expensive.

Anyone else have bunion surgery? Or getting injured the more they move?

Brenda

I'm losing great right now and almost up to my 3 yr bandaversary. So don't worry about only losing great in the first year. I think my loss rate right now is better than in the first year, actually.

And yes, I hear you. I just started the Couch to 5k - was finishing my 2nd week -- when I got nailed by a bulging disk in my back. Now I can't run until my PT gives me the thumbs up, since it'll be too jarring. More than about 3 minutes of walking and my back starts hurting, too -- I think my gait needs help and I'll probably end up with orthotics to straighten it out by the end of all this.

I'm contemplating swimming myself, but for me it's never been as good of exercise as walking/running/elliptical. Oh well.

Keep at the diet. If swimming is out, would you be able to do something like Pilates or Yoga, or would those also be too much for your foot? Weight training to tone up some muscles while waiting?

Oh, I hear your frustration. I deny it but deep down I know that all my running is the reason for my back pain.

I am thankful beyond belief that I have no disc degeneration or pathology, its entirely postural/muscular in my case, and one day there is a small glimmer of hope that someone will be able to help me with it.

But I know that I feel better after about two weeks of no running, all that awful knee back and foot pain I have on rising disappears.

But I cant stop, I'm afraid of weight gain yes, but that's not really it. I truly love running.

I will have to face it sooner or later, my hope is that I can run just enough to be able to participate in races, and go to the gym the rest of the time - so maybe run no more than twice a week. Its all you can do, suffer the discomfort (which is what I choose for now) or find an alternative.

I can certainly relate to gaining and losing the same 4 pounds over the last month.

The only problems I have had is badly spraining my ankle and had to take 10 days off my walking. i try to walk a minimum of 4 miles a day.