losing weight when you cant move about?

Question

I am 66 and diabetic. I have been overweight every day of my life (weighed 10lbs at birth) I dont eat bread, cakes or sweets, I am a vegetarian (hate salad!!!) Since I was 14 I have had arthritis in my spine and hips, and am not very mobile without an electric scooter and a converted motorbike. I went to see a consultant recently about having a metal section fitted in my spine, and he said that before he could do the op I needed to lose 6 stones (I weigh 15 st. 5 lbs) and that I had to take lots of nice brisk walks, go to dancing classes and take keep-fit classes!!!!!!! As I was in his office in a wheelchair, which has to be propelled by a friend, I was both grossly insulted and very humiliated. I am lucky if I am able to leave my house more than twice a week, and then have to use an electricscooter. I have lost weight over the last years, 2 stones, through being unable to eat (I feel sick all the time). Any ideas out there??? I am becoming very depressed.

Answer 1

Get started within your limits. If you don't mobilise much, then even walking round the house regularly will be a start, start doing it four times a day, and increase over a couple of weeks to doing it ten times a day - once every hour that you're awake.
Start doing arm exercises every half hour in the chair - enough to make you a little breathless.
Get a little pedal exerciser (teletrimmer) and start doing 5 minutes each day, increasing to 15 minutes each day after two or three weeks, and then to 20 minutes, and then half an hour.
Progress your walking to twice round the house at a time, or take your scooter to your nearest supermarket, and start walking round the shop floor - it will have an even surface and you can use a shopping trolley for support. Easy to do in any weather.
Arthritis in your spine and hips is no reason not to exercise - talk to your GP re getting adequate pain cover to enable you to do this.
Start a bed exercise programme - bending and straightening each leg, 10 times with each to start and increase from there.

If your consultant told you to do all those things, in a way that's a good thing - obviously there's no structural reason not to exercise a little every day.

Attitude is a huge factor - if you're used to branding yourself as immobile or chronically sick, then you will unfortunately tend to react to most suggestions for change with "I can't do that"....for whatever reason. The biggest challenge is to change that "I can't" into "How" and "I WILL".

Another option to investigate is getting into your local swimming pool three or four times a week and start doing lengths. A very safe form of exercise.

It sounds like your activity levels are pretty non-existent. You will have to work really hard to motivate yourself to start doing more. Have a look at calorie expenditure tables - they're a good way to pat yourself on the back for doing even normal daily activities - at least you're burning some calories.

Bear in mind that although you say you don't eat sweet stuff, you could still be overeating very much - you don't need a lot of fuel when you're burning very little. SMALL portions of nutritious food is what you need. If most things you eat tend to be fried or battered or have lots of butter on, you're in trouble straight away.

Good luck - there's no easy way out. A gastric band would only go so far, and my guess is that they would be very reluctant to go that route with you given your history.

Make a start - that's the most important thing, and bolster yourself as much as you can to change your outlook.

Answer 2

I also have a weight problem which is hard to overcome having had spinal surgery and knee surgery. My stand bys are breakfast of porridge with cut up apples and a very small amount of maple syrup (keeps the bowels open) and a wonderful vegetable soup with everything in it, including chicken breast. Avoid alcohol, it is pure sugar and too many carbs, though we all need some to live.
Weight training exercises are out, but can you get to a pool? A heated pool where you can swim or float and stretch will help to keep you supple. Drink lots of water and try some homeopathic remedies for the arthritis (Rhus Tox). I agree the consultant was a tad thoughtless.. but he is a man...say no more. Well done for losing 2 stones. Proves you are committed to losing weight. You should ask your Doc about the nausea. Am sending healing llight and love to you with my best wishes for your increasing good health. Bless.

Answer 3

There are two things you might want to look into. One is called Stack Body Tune Up. It works with you and your current lifestyle. The other is called Advanced Cell Therapy. It is an energy drink mix. It is not like the other energy drinks.

I have Type 2 diabetes and when I started taking these products, my blood sugar was 250. In 24 days, it came under control and has been since. I started on July 15, 2006 and have lost 33.5 pounds or just a little over 2 stones.

If I can be of further assistance, please let me know.

[e-mail]
http://www.geocities.com/pktull

Answer 4

talk to a real doctor about hot-tub therapy. It helps ease the pain so you can move easier and exercise without all of the pain and stress. E real doctor would have given this type of info. instead of being an arrogant jerk. I wish you the very best of luck!!! And do not give up on yourself. If there is a will there is a way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 5

Have you tried chair exercise. They have them on public TV mid morning. It is a way to get some exercise in your day when it is hard for you to get up and move around.

Answer 6

Watch and follow yoga and exersise programs on your tv at your home

Answer 7

take a shower instead of a bath

Answer 8

have you consulted a surgeon about a possible gastric bypass?

Answer 9

eat lots of fruits and vegetables