Weight and Injuries

[rickandkryss]

Hey all,

I posted sometime ago a thread on being overweight and how it affects your injury, even just 20 pounds can make the difference on your pain levels. Well I mentioned that I was joining weight watchers to work on my weight gain after my injury and wanted to update what I have learned.

First of all when I went to my first weigh in I was shocked to find I had gained 50 pounds since my injury (I thought it was more like 20 pounds). So I have plugged a way for the last 8 weeks working through there program, losing between 1-4 pounds per week. I am not at a total of 16 pounds lost and it has already started to make a difference on my injury. My pain levels have decreased a lot and in fact my back feels the closest to normal it has felt in 2 years now. WOW!

Now whether the pain levels are better due to my weight loss or whether it is due to maybe adding nutrients my body was lacking is what I am not sure of. I eat a lot of fruit and vegies (5 per day) and I am curious what you all think about the nutrients vs. pain aspect of this all. Obviously the weight loss plays some role, but I think that the nutrients must as well because I was feeling better within 2 weeks and I doubt 5 pounds made that much difference.

What do you all think on this?

[Still in Limbo]

I'm sure both the weight and better nutrition has helped you. I know with my Meds. I don't have the appetite I used to so my system is probably out of whack, and I would probably feel better with the right nutrients in my body. Congratulations on your weight loss and I'm glad you're feeling better!!

[WinggedEagle]

As somewhat of a health buff I can attest to the fact that the proper nutrients and being near ideal weight both play huge parts in recovering from injuries and pain. Further the specific nutient zinc is an absolute must to repair the body. You have done the best possible thing you could have done for your body to reduce the weight and provide a balanced diet for yourself. Congratulations and keep up the good work.

WE

[rickandkryss]

Thanks guys I appreciate the encouragement. I was thinking that potassium and fiber might also play a role...I hear that potassium is good for muscles.

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

R & K, I do know that what you said here is so very true. And now, I'm at a point, with my knee kicking my butt, I have to figrue out a new program for myself. But trust me on one thing, I like to cook, but I also cook the good things, and make sure there for ones better health. Wife even likes it better too that way. Also, I was taught, to eat 5 small meals per day, instead of 3. For a Injured persons body, will require certain nutrients through out the day now.

[Bummer Knees]

I am not familar with the wieght watchers diet.

Is drinking lots of water part of the diet.

Been told my members of the medical profession that drinking lots

of water will reduce pain.

[rickandkryss]

Bummer Knees Wrote:I am not familar with the wieght watchers diet.

Is drinking lots of water part of the diet.

Been told my members of the medical profession that drinking lots

of water will reduce pain.

Hmmm...good thought on the water. Weight Watchers urges you to drink plenty of water everyday. I do feel much better if I maintain the amount I am supposed to on water and that is 6 glasses a day.

The program basically consists of two different programs the Flex and the Points...I do the points. The program urges portion control as well as eating 5 fruits & vegies daily, 2 healthy oil servings, 2 dairy and protein, as well as a multi-vitamin. I can basically eat what I want as long as it fits into my daily points amount and I include the above into it as well. I like that I can eat what I want as long as I keep it at serving size, because I really love food, lol!

[Bummer Knees]

I like my vegtables and don't eat fish or meat.

I haven't found a diet I can follow with my limitations.

[rickandkryss]

I know that they work with vegitarians at Weight Watchers, because they are always saying if your vegitarian don't forget to include your protein somehow at our meetings. How do you get your protein?

[Bummer Knees]

Thanks, I will check the program out.

Do they have a web site?