Exercise

So basically my doctor has told me not to exercise at all because I have damaged my heart. Is it possible to still lose weight without exercise? I feel so lazy and worthless without my 5 mile run or 3 mile swim. I have been in a sport in my high school since last June and I have not missed a workout since then. I used to exercise everyday for at least 2 hours and now nothing. I'm a 15 year old female btw. I am 5 pounds away from my goal. I have lost 35 so far. Thank you very much for your time.

I would definitely listen to your doctor! However, you can always ask your doctor for some suggestions on what you CAN do. For example, can you go for a 10 minute walk as long as you walk at a slow, comfortable pace? Also, maybe he/she only wants you to stop for a short period of time to give your heart some rest before you can exercise again. I would run everything by your doctor because your heart is definitely something you need! Just keep eating healthy and you should be able to maintain your current weight (maybe even drop slightly) until your heart recovers. Take care of yourself and good luck!!

yes hun, you can. just keep eating very healthy, and ask your doctor what you can do, like maybe light walking and stuff like that. good luck babe

Can I ask how you damaged your heart???

Yes it's possible!

~H~

What exactly has he/she diagnosed you with? Exercise is key to keeping your heart healthy. And at age 15, is he telling you not to exercise forever? Is he telling you no cardio, no strength training, or just plain nothing?

I am recovering from an eating disorder that was eating my heart. I have a pulse rate of 39 when the normal for my age is 60-100. I'm scared to even go swimming with friends! She said that by eating so little and working out so hard my heart began to freak-out and shut down. I am not underweight by any means, I can actually afford to lose a couple.

What is important for you right now is to get healthy.  Follow your doctor's advice and please forget about losing the five pounds until your heart is better.

Sweetie, you poor thing! Eating healthy, nutrient rich foods is what your body needs! Get to healthy and the rest will follow!

Stop trying to lose weight...now. You know you shouldn't be losing weight, and I'm sure your doctor also told you not to lose weight. Get help for your eating disorder.

Definitely listen to your doctor, and at 15 you should not worry too much about loosing weight, and more about eating well, as you still have some growing to do as well and things will equalize when yuo are fully grown. I was a bit heavier and shorter at 15 than I am now (49 on Monday). You may consider getting a second opinion, which is also your right, and talk to other doctors to see if they all share same opinion and have same advice. Main thing is, give yourself time to heal and grow and mature before you get too worked up about weight...

I have never heard of your condition?!  what do you mean eat at your heart? As in heart attack?, has some of your heart muscle ischemic (die because of no oxygen?)   You are awfully young to damage your heart in that way. I understand with eating disorders you do not get enough basic minerals vitamins, and electolytes for your heart to be work, and can go into cardiac arrest. 

Why push yourself, and embrass a little 5lbs, its sounds as if your body could use  the reserve.

As a young woman, you MUST be prepared for your body to grow and change. Be ready to get hips, breasts and a butt. Its natural healthy curves are beautiful.

 

risza, the heart is a myocardiac muscle, meaning that its fibres are all interwoven and it produces its own electrical pulses -- yes, it would continue to beat for a little while after you removed it.  But even more basic than this is that muscle is made of protein. If you do not get enough calories (including but not limited to protein) in your diet, your body will scavenge itself, even including the heart muscle. And that heart will be weakened, and beat more slowly.

disco_chicken, please do whatever your doctor says. Do not worry about the five pounds. Just don't. If your heart was weakened, it needs every ounce of those five pounds to resore the protective layers of tissues and fat around your heart.

Your only young my dear...Listen to your Doctor, their job is to look after you when needed. Your body will heal itself over time, so stay positive, eat healthy and take all the advice from peers and health professionals and you will be ok. Good Luck and take care