Crunch time!

[Pottypud]

I have just been diagnosed with degenerative hip problems, lordosis (excessive curvature of the lumbar spine), scoliosis of the lumbar spine, spina bifida occulta (hidden) and I have a 25-50% slip of my 5th lumbar vertebrae. All this is resulting in spinal fusion surgery in the new year which is major surgery with a long recovery period. At 17 stone,i need to get my head out of my backside, and desperately try to lose weight before the surgery. Exercise is very difficult now due to severe back, hip and leg pain, so I am sticking with swimming, a little walking. - back pain permitting, and Pilates. I might try getting on my bike again also. Does anyone else have any experience of this, or tips I could try?

[MW50]

Healthy eating now will not only help you lose a bit of weight before your surgery but will also put your body in a good position for a quicker recovery. The nhs 12 week plan will work well even if you are not able to hit the exercise targets. With regard to the surgery I had 3 lower vertebrae fused with bone graft following an accident over 40 years ago and have had no real back problems since. I am sure you will get lots of physio advice following your surgery, but I have found any routines that strengthen the core muscles to be good for saving undue stress on my spine.

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome Pottypud

I'm afraid I can't help with your specific health needs and suggest you speak to your healthcare provider about them

Take a look at the Pinned Posts section, to the right of your screen (bottom, if you're using a mobile) and have a look at the Welcome Newbies thread.

Look at the Topics section beneath that, for posts that could answer any questions you may have. Consider joining any, or all, of our challenges, as they're fun and motivating.

Join us for the Monday Group weigh-in. If you follow Zest and myself you'll be notified when we post the threads. The latest weigh-in thread can always be found in the Events section, to the right of the home page (bottom if you're using a mobile).

Be active on the forum, as that's where we exchange ideas and get our daily dose of motivation and inspiration.

Wishing you all the best with your weight loss journey