Obese Father

[keg]

hey all , I need some opinions from some knowledgeable bro's about my father. He's in the hospital again with infections in his lower legs, below his knees, I believe there calling it cellulitus. When he went in the hospital I was there and when they took his wraps off, I almost had to leave the room. They were extrememly red, open sores and leaking ooze that just smelled awful. That was on Tuesday, he's doing better now, and they say his legs look better. Hopefully he'll be home Mon. or Tues....My father will be 60 in april, he's a short man maybe 5' 6" , between 350 and 400 pounds. His knees are shot, he can walk, but not real good. When he's laying down he can't move to good either. His age and weight has finally caught up with him. Now the good parts, he isn't diabetic, and his blood pressure and cholesterol are so good that the doctors are in aw every time they check them. He doesn't smoke or drink either. Believe it or not he doesn't eat very much anymore either, but that doesn't seem to matter because the weight stays on. His exercise that last few years consists of getting off the couch, going to the bathroom, going back to the couch. When he gets back home, what should I suggest to him to do for exercises? When he's sitting on the couch. Should I buy him some dumbells and give him some exercises to do? I just need some ideas on a starting point with his immobility. Walking is out of the question,along with laying exercises. I'm not looking to make him a lean,mean, fighting machine, just wanna get him to a starting point, where he feels a lil better, then maybe lose some weight, then get him on his feet and walk around the house. If I can get him to lose some weight, he would be able to get surgery to repair or replace his knees. I just need some ideas on where to start. I will go over to his house every day if I have to, to keep him doing his exercises. I know for it to work, it's his choice, not mine, but I really feel if he felt just a little better, he would want to feel even more better. Any and all suggestions are welcome. Sorry about the long post. Thanks for your time


Keg

 

[stevemac]

He needs to be as active as he possibly can so weights are a good way to start, but as far as eating habits, its not how much he eats but what he's eating. I bet his diet is terrible. I mean, if hes only eating 1 whooper and some fries, its till bad for him. If the rest of his health is fine I would get him on the atkins diet or something, that way he can eat alot and still lose weight.

 

[patsfan]

I would register with Web MD and post in the forums over there. They have doctors who answer your questions within 24 hrs.

We have a doc or two here so you might get some good info.

Good luck I hope your dads feeling better.

Pats

 

[thick]

with that situation and lack of activity db's and a very strict diet seem like your best option right now. he can do upperbody w/o's with the dumbbells and he will need to eat very very clean. It will be a uphill battle since he has let himself go so bad. Good luck

 

[Bob Smith]

Would it be possible for him to use a stationary bike? Pretty much any physical activity along with a very strict diet will be of benefit.

 

[keg]

thanks for the replies bro's. I would love to get him on a stationary bike, but theres no way he could get on one, let alone peddle it. I'll talk to him about a diet, and decide on one he thinks he can stick with. I'll buy him some dumbells and show him some exercises. I guess if all else fails, I'll have my mother kick him out of the house and move his big happy ass in with me. Sounds drastic but I would really like him to be around to see his grandchildren grow up. Thanks again for your time and replies



Keg