Losing weight with bad knees

[AndyMurrayFan]

Hi! I'm New here. I need to lose weight for knee replacement operation - I am 2 1/2 stone over my max weight and due for op over the next 4 months. My problem is what exercise to do due to knees! No high impact, even swimming is no breast stroke (my only one ha ha!) All suggestions welcome. Thanks.

[Ruby8]

Hello there. That's a tricky one, swimming would be my usual suggestion. Can't the Doctors give you some advice here? What about brisk walking, would that be ok? Lot's of people swear by walking. If you could do that several times a week with a low fat, high fibre diet I'm sure the weight would start to come off. I wish you well, I am sure you will find something to help you and achieve your goal.

Ruby8

[AndyMurrayFan in reply to Ruby8]

Thanks- yes I do walk to work, and am on my feet a lot at work...

I've got some post op exercise sheets and am going to start them in advance to strengthen around the knees to aid recovery. I need to get my 'middle' down!

[Ruby8 in reply to AndyMurrayFan]

Tell me about it, I need to get my middle down too, lol! Good luck, I am sure you will do well.

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello AndyMurrayFan 😊

Firstly, good news! Losing weight is more about eating than exercise. 😊 Have a look at the NHS 12 week plan and also the pinned posts with links to finding your metabolic rate (BMR) and target calorie allowance.

Secondly. Ask to see a Physio as keeping muscle tone is important for our joints, healing/recovery is about the correct balance of movement and rest. It is rare to be advised to do nothing as the joints will stiffen.

I was in a similar position a year ago and with eating properly and regular gentke exercise I am slimmer and fitter with considerable less joint pain. 😊

Good luck

[AndyMurrayFan in reply to IndigoBlue61]

Definitely sorting out my eating and have always followed the 'if you don't lose it you lose it' policy for my knees. I walk to work often and am on my feet a lot but am not really fit. My middle is way too fat! 😎 Thanks for replying

[IndigoBlue61 in reply to AndyMurrayFan]

You sound like me!! Work (on my feet all day) became too much and I had to finish 2 1/2 years ago 😕 But generally agree, keep moving 😊😊😊

[AndyMurrayFan]

Good advice- thanks 😀

[Blinks52]

Hi, I too have problem knees. One gave way just before Christmas last year. They are both painful and I had physio two months ago. I am over weight although not massively, but the best advice I got from my physio was to use an exercise bike. Helps to build the muscles around the knee without the stress of the weight on the joint.

This has really helped, just 10 minutes a day is enough at the start.

Now I'm onto losing the weight! Just joined a slimming club.

I saw my friend go through having both knees replaced and I really, really, don't want to go down that route.

[Zest Healthy BMI]

Hi AndyMurrayFan,

Also do have a look at the NHS Choices website and search around in there, as you may find some helpful resources there to meet your needs.

Good luck and a warm welcome to the Weight Loss NHS forum. I hope you've seen our Welcome Newbie post and that you're finding your way around ok.

Lowcal

[YellowRose55]

Hi, I had both my knees replaced last year and the main exercise I do is walking and using my exercise bike every day. I know it can be painful walking but if you do a little each day it can help stop the knees getting stiff which can be more painful. When I had physio after both my operations they introduced me to the exercise bike, only 5 minutes to start with. Now I use it every day for 15 - 20 minutes at a time. Hope you find a exercise that suits you. Have a good weekend.

Rose

[AndyMurrayFan in reply to YellowRose55]

Thankyou! I have an exercise bike- will dust it off! I'm nervous about post op pain- any advice?

[YellowRose55 in reply to AndyMurrayFan]

I would have plenty of ice bags in as it helps with the swelling and pain relief after the op. Just remember to take it careful and slowly at first and you will soon get there. Do all the pre op exercises they give you as they really do help you recovery. It's only been 10 months since I had my last one done and this month I'm doing the "Walk all over Cancer" fund raising which is doing 10,000 steps a day, so the knee replacements certainly make a big difference. Good luck with the op and all I can say is I'm so glad I had mine done because I can live my life again instead of watching life from the side line.

Rose

[AndyMurrayFan in reply to YellowRose55]

Oh Thankyou! I keep reading negative things about pain and no success it's a relief to hear a good one! I'm looking forward to getting my life back! I will definitely follow all instructions to the letter and have lots of ice. Glad you are doing so well- you are going to be my inspiration!

Fish fruit and salad today 😀

[YellowRose55 in reply to AndyMurrayFan]

Try not to listen to the negative things because it was just upset you before you go in. The way I looked at it was, the first week to ten days was the worst because your just getting over the operation. Make sure you take all the pain relief in the first 2 weeks so the pain stay at a dull ache. Since July I no longer walk with any sticks and I'm hoping to go back to work by the end of this year, so if I can do it you can too. I'm here if you need any support.

[AndyMurrayFan in reply to YellowRose55]

Brilliant! Thankyou!