weight loss

Hi, i'm a 28 year old woman. I had a metal valve replacement along with a pacemaker fitted in 2004. I get short of breath most of the time, especially when i climb stairs. I know i need to lose some weight as that is part of the problem. What I need to know is , what exercises i can do to help lose weight, with out causing any problems with my heart condition? I would be grateful if somebody could give me some advice on this please.

6 Comments

exercise

by sam78 - 2011-12-29 09:12:08

Hi Sam, remember it doesnt have to be cardiac intense exercise. For most people simple walking is enough to boost energy and metabolism. Walking on a flat treadmill at a comfortable pace can do wonders. Good luck!

Eating right vs. exercise

by mike thurston - 2011-12-30 02:12:38

Samsam, I exercise a lot and don't really lose weight like one would think. eating properly goes a lot further than exercising when it comes to weight loss. As an example, last week I rode 130 miles on road bikes and indoor spinning bikes and participated in 4 aerobics classes and still managed to gain 2 lbs. :) Don't make it complicated either. Decide what weight you want to be (say 200 lbs as an example), multiply by 10 (giving you 2,000). This is approximately the calories a person would need to eat daily to maintain 200 lbs. So if you weigh 250lbs. for example then eating 2,000 calories or less per day should result in weight loss. Then any aditional calories used daily (say by walking for 45 mins.) will only add to your progress. Now send this info back to me and I will follow my own advice !!!! Just kidding. Good luck on your journey.
Mike T.

weight loss

by samsam - 2011-12-30 05:12:28

Than you all so much for your comments. Its a great help to hear from people with the same problem i have. Ive taken all your comments on bored and im gonna start my diet plan as soon as ive seen the doctor and cleared with him. Thank you all so much , i really appreciate your advice.

My suggestion......

by Pookie - 2011-12-30 12:12:29

talk to your cardiologist and ask if you can be enrolled into cardiac rehab........I think that is what it is called. You can go to a gym-like facility and there is always a nurse and a doctor there to guide you through what is best situated for your condition.

I'd even ask for an appointment with a Nutritionist!!!!

Good luck,
Pookie

Diet & Exercise

by donb - 2011-12-30 12:12:53

Hi Sam, Cabg Patch has given you the best of advice. I have been through our hospital cardiac rehab program & continued in advanced program for getting in good shape after 15 years of pacemakers & 1 heart stent. After seeing all cardiac patients get back on track I can't say enough.

The nutrician program is very helpfull and they even teach us men how to prepare our food. Can't beat the heart-healthy Pizza short cut method of making it. So many of us go through depression which will be taken care of also in attending rehab. I just can't see why our Drs' don't see to our needs & get us into therapy. Ya, I was also told by my Cardiologist to just go to the "Y" Well, it's just not as effective!!

I am now on my 4th PM since 1992 which I received at age 60. I have had my heart stent since year 2000 and doing well. Donb

Eating right, exercise and medications

by nuhealth - 2012-01-02 11:01:50

I'm glad to see the posts on this problem as I have the same. My son tells me until I'm off the steroids, coumadin and other heart meds, it will be difficult to lose weight no matter what I do. So far (and it's only been 2 mod since i got my PM), I'm vacillating within 10 pounds--hard to get off, easy to put on. I need to lose about 60 lbs to get to an optimum weight. My doctor just recommended a calorie watch--keep intake to between 1200-1800 cals per day. I'll try that and get back to you.

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