Exercising After Weight Loss Surgery

Consistent exercise, along with diet, is imperative for maintaining long-term weight loss after bariatric surgery. How long do I have to wait to exercise? What are the best exercises? We’ll answer these questions and discuss some of the benefits of post-bariatric surgery exercise.

Why You Should Exercise After Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery can improve the quality of life for people who struggle to lose weight. However, bariatric surgery isn’t a miracle, and it still requires significant lifestyle changes. Lifelong commitment to a healthy diet and regular exercise are part of the weight-loss surgery journey.

1. Lower BMI

After having bariatric surgery, you will begin to shed the pounds. The most dramatic weight loss is within the first three moths following the surgery. During this time you will be losing fat along with muscle. Exercising will help you maintain your muscle while shedding more fat, and in turn lower your BMI. In the long run, maintain your muscle will help you lose even more weight and keep it off.

2. It makes you happy

You might be thinking “No. Exercise does not make me happy.”. But it does. Science says so. Exercise produces endorphins, and endorphins make you happy. They promote an overall feeling of well-being and calmness.

3. Increased Energy

Exercise delivers more oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system to work more efficiently. Increased oxygen in your tissues creates more energy production. Exercise also increases the hormones that make you feel more energized.

When Should You Start Exercising After Surgery?

Days 1-14

In a sense, you should begin exercising right away just as you would after any surgery. Circulation is important for blood flow and healing. Walking is really the only exercise that should be done at this time. Take it slow and take breaks if you need to. The amount of walking you do should increase daily.

2-4 weeks

After about two weeks, you should start adding some light stretches to your exercise to increase flexibility. Any abdominal exercises should be avoided. Water aerobics are a great low-impact option.

1-2  Months

Any exercise plan should be discussed with your doctor, as the safe amount and types of exercises can vary from person to person. Generally, you should start incorporating some low-impact cardio at this time. Swimming and cycling are good options. Always listen to your body, its ok to take it slow and take breaks.

2-4 Months

Sometime in the second month is usually when patients start feeling comfortable enough to start lifting light weights. It is important to start LIGHT. After the surgery your body has been recovering and has gone through a lot of changes. Your balance may even be off as you are not used to your new body yet. Always discuss with your doctor when you should start lifting weights and come up with a safe routine that works for your individual circumstance.

After 4 Months

Around four months after surgery you should be able to do any cardio exercise while still avoiding targeted abdominal exercises. Swimming, Hiking, Weight Training, just remember to start slow and take it easy with any new exercise and gradually increase the amount of time/weight.

After 6 months

Around six months after surgery is when most people will want to start building their core muscles. Yoga, planks, and push-ups are go-to core strengthening exercises when you are ready.

Remember, bariatric surgery is a lifestyle change. For it to be successful you will need to be committed to changing your diet and incorporating exercise consistently. You CAN do it! Exercise has many health benefits but will also help you lose more weight and make it easier to keep it off in long-run. Always, always check with your doctor before doing any exercises or starting any new exercise regimen. This is a basic outline and does not work for everyone. If you have any questions about bariatric surgery or exercise post-op, please visit www.drwadiwala.com or call our office.