How Can I Lose Weight After Undergoing Disc Fusion Surgery?

Good Morning, Ouch! I can feel for you and let me see if I can help. First, your metabolism has probably taken a dive from inactivity and you kept eating the same amount as when you were active? Now your mobility is limited and you are stuck on a weight plateau with pain issues. An immediate concern is the amount of laxatives you are taking. Lactulose in particular may cause bloating and cramping and general misery along with an electrolyte imbalance. If you are constipated, please see a doctor and make certain it is not something more serious than just a slowing of your g.i. tract. Also, despite taking Miralax I bet you aren t getting fiber in your diet. Magnesium Citrate as a liquid laxative can work wonders but if taken every day can upset the balance of other needed nutrients such as Calcium which you need for bone healing. Now, if you were my patient I would first make certain your nutritional needs are being met with regards to protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. So, I would have you take a hypoallergenic multi-vitamin, have your blood tested for vitamin D and replete as necessary, supplement with omega-3 fatty acids due to your restricted ability to get them from your diet, assure you had adequate iodine in diet and thyroid functioning normally, assess your protein needs on the high side at 1.5 g/kg and provide it through a low carbohydrate/high protein supplement such as Atkins shakes (as prescribed by a Dietitian which I recommend you see) and low fat sources of calcium such as Greek Yogurt, and ask your doctor to refer you to physical therapy for an exercise program. A low protein intake can cause water retention as well and after surgery you need a lot of protein to heal. It takes 3,500 calories to gain one pound, so I can t see you gaining 20 pounds of fat in a few days. The exercise program is absolutely necessary and because of your condition I would advise emphasis on low weight bearing activity to build muscle so emphasizing pool workouts and exercises under water including walking in water. Some therapy places have a pool with a treadmill in them which would be optimal once you have healed enough to use it. Let Physical Therapy design your exercises and I am sure the doctor would be happy to prescribe the therapy. This is the best I can do without more information. Be safe, be well and I wish you the best of luck. Regards, Kathryn Shattler, MS, RDN