happyjoycalm's Journal, 28 Aug 22

I think your question would be best answered by a doctor. As for community support and experience, I weight loss had very little to do with exercise. It’s completely optional and made to make you feel good/better in your skin(and your mind), not torture you. 

All I can say is move! And move in any way you can. I broke my back and gained over 70lbs before surgery. I fought and still fight through daily pain. I walk at least 40 mins a day no matter what. In the beginning even walking was excruciating until I lost some of the weight and took the pressure off my spine. Stay positive and move your body . Best of luck. Oh and for inflammation try daily high doses of turmeric. 

I did the same as Malpus. I started off walking. Trying to get out 4-5 times a week. I started slow only maybe 20-30 mins until I felt I could go farther. I wasn’t always motivated and sometimes had to drag myself out. It’s being determined that helped. 

Start light with simple yoga or walking. Try to get your steps in. Focus on being healthier rather than losing weight. It is really hard to start exercising. You may feel worse bc it is hard but in time (say 3-4 weeks) it will get easier and you will get better at it and you can increase the time you are exercising. Please listen to your body. If something hurts, modify the move until you feel comfortable. Maybe start with some physio stretches. Exercise can cost you $ or you can find it for free in YouTube videos. Good luck! You can do it!! I did and am still doing it. 

I agree that you have to discuss this with your doctor and family. Walking is a good exercise if you can. Walking with another person or animal is better because it now becomes team work and you don't want to let down the partner or partners. I walk 4000 to 8000 steps every day... slow walking because my partner is our black cat on a leash. I can't rush a cat so I don't get my heart rate up but I feel better than just sitting here on my butt. 

Just a little suggestion, look into intermittent fasting. You don’t have to restrict calories or avoid certain foods and many people lose weight without incorporating exercise, although incorporating daily walks (8000-10000 steps) is very beneficial for overall health. Fasting in general is very good for our bodies and helps to heal things. In my own experience, I’ve seen quickest weight loss when eating my last meal no later than 4pm. But do consult with a doctor or nutritionist first. You can get more info on YouTube or just Google it. I personally know a few people, who lost a lot of weight this way, including myself. 

I agree with “start light” advice. Changing your eating habits, reorganizing your meals to a new structure, etc etc is already a lot of work and stress, I’d say no need to add even more on top with exercises you’re not used to doing. I myself am starting as well, and my plan is to only walk 10000 steps daily while i’m losing weight and getting used to new eating habits. Then add workouts when i’m comfortable with the first two. Could be slower results, but more sustainable and less risk of giving up early! 

know that there's no one way for everyone. your magic bullet is unique to you. I found my roller coaster journey come back from a traumatic brain injury a challenge as arduous as Syssiphus and his rock...but I want to be well more than I want to be wallowing in my half-life. I fight daily migraines...somedays I win. Somedays, I don't. but I make daily choices to eat better. move a little more. if I can get in water, all the better. if I can walk, super! sometimes it's a yoga day. others it's a put on some music and let my body go. I found a personal trainer who could work with my physical limitations of brain injury and torn carotid artery among other disabilities...and with his patience ( not mine)... progress is finally being seen. I started feeling better within weeks. my body didn't show any evidence for awhile... but I was just stubborn enough to know that I was not going to get better if I kept doing what I had been before ( the old insanity addage). if you are starting from a " bed lump" aim for moving for time...not step counting. try to break a sweat. then drink more water. treat yourself with love and kindness and never forget you are always a worthy work in progress. you are can do this.  

exercise is important, but not if it takes away from your life. find something that is good for your body, but more importantly that you enjoy. it should be fun! for some that's lifting, for others it's walking. there are programs like drum fit that can make movement more enjoyable. there are lots of types of dance. or it can be a bike ride, swimming, even swinging can be a good place to start. some days are going to be better then others, but if you find something that you can do more often then not it can make a big difference with chronic pain. when I was going through nerve pain from a car accident at first all I could do was walk a few blocks. I really liked morning walks to see the sun come up. that motivated me to get out when I could.  

It’s 80% diet, 20% activity. 

My husband got me a walker in June,(2022); I could only do 10mins tops! I thought I was doomed. Hiding at home, afraid of the patronizing looks. It’s really hard to get out of my own way! Cycle forward, this community is awesome! 

I found that walking has been essential to improve my energy, mental outlook, stronger legs/butt and respiratory health. I have rheumatoid arthritis and mild asthma. There is no doubt in my mind that walking 30 minutes each day has helped me in many, many ways, including weight loss. As everyone can attest on FS, it isn’t easy! Lean on us; we are here for you🤗😊