Weight loss and walking after my injury/surgery: Your opinion?

SSG Stan Morrison Jr — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 19:52:41 -0400

When I was a young man, in my military days, I was a trim 165lbs, soaking wet. Advance 25 years , a wife, 2 kids, almost 40 lbs. At 47 I have reached 207! Shoot me now. A few years ago, I said enough, started walking, next thing I know, I'm jogging 6 miles 2 to 3 times a week. Weight came down to 185. Doing good. Them I blew upy left knee. Torn medial meniscus. I had surgery to correct it. Problem being, a year out and I still can't walk for exercise. So here I sit, putting on the pounds. I want to get back out there and walk it off. I guess my question is, would going back to walking, would I do more damage to my knee. I know only I can answer that. But what do you all think. Is it mind over matter? Ignore the pain? No pain no gain. I'm just looking for some motivation. Thank you all

Response by SGT Nia Chiaraluce made Mar 27 at 2015 8:04 PM

SGT Nia Chiaraluce — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 20:04:17 -0400

So, two years ago I weighed 180 labs at 61". I have sciatica and an IT band injury, low impact cardio became my best friend not walking. 30min a day on the arc changed my life.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 8:06 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 20:06:58 -0400

Your probably better off switching over to something like swimming, I know it's a bit more difficult to work that into a daily routine... however I'm sure your knee will thank you.

Response by SSG Stan Morrison Jr made Mar 27 at 2015 8:09 PM

SSG Stan Morrison Jr — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 20:09:26 -0400

Not sure what you mean by "arc".

Response by SSG Stan Morrison Jr made Mar 27 at 2015 8:12 PM

SSG Stan Morrison Jr — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 20:12:02 -0400

Would I do better riding a bike, than walking?

Response by PO1 Jerome Newland made Sep 17 at 2019 4:24 AM

PO1 Jerome Newland — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 04:24:04 -0400

To be motivated to do the wrong thing is a bad plan. First. Weight gain boils down to taking in more calories than you burn. A possible cause is diabetes and not lack of exercise. A second cause could be hypothyroidism which slows metabolism. A third possibility is you did not clear your plan with a doctor or physical therapist which is why you're asking us. A fourth possibility is as you age most people's metabolism slows down. Your weight gain, weight loss, injury, weight gain. Is a typical jock kind of pattern. So, it isn't exactly unusual for anyone to do this. So don't let yourself get angry or embarrassed at me for what I am telling you. Remember that you asked.

Before you do anything involving that knee you need to be motivated to see three people who are professionals, not Curly, Moe, and Larry, or Shemp. You might be playing the part of Shemp even, treating yourself with a public opinion poll.
1. You need medical clearance from your surgeon, who will...
2. Send you to the Physical Therapist for an examination and evaluation. You did that but maybe it seemed useless to continue because you were fine. So, maybe you just quit without going back. Now, maybe you're afraid to go back, and want us to support you in that decision. Nobody should do that on the entire Internet, so withdraw the question.
3. See either a nutritionist or a dietician who can explain how to adjust your caloric intake to fit with your ability to exercise. Keep a food diary and write down every tiny morsel of food each day. If it a measured amount, include the measurements. If it is a cheeseburger from McDonald's or any other fast food place. They can supply you with a list of their products and the amount of calories in each item. This will help in figuring normal, and how to taper it down to more helpful.
It is natural for anyone concentrating in a particular area of physical training, and seeing success to think its the only way. It never is. Low impact aerobics, pool therapy, passive exercise or no resistance exercise can keep your weight in check, create a positive feeling to motivate your continuing, protects your knee, and it can include the family at the pool or beach. Also, don't start any exercise without a medical clearance. That will help keep you alive and lower your risk of permanent injury. Which is what we agree, you don't want. Also, destress yourself. This situation is workable, triple heart bypass, much more complicated.
I am not a doctor, these are my opinions only. Seek the advice of a competent medical provider for treatment.
I practiced medicine for 20 years in service. Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. Life experience would at least make me a physicians assistant, but I am not one. I only stepped into this conversation to educate you enough to stop what you're doing.
Jerome Newland HS1 /USCG /Ret