Physical activity is an important part of an overall health and weight loss program following bariatric surgery. According to Florida Hospital doctors, while the surgery may help you to eat less, exercise will help you maintain a lifestyle that supports your ideal weight and its maintenance. You should follow the instructions of your physician and physical therapist before starting any exercise routine on your own to prevent complications following the surgery.
Walking
Many doctors have patients up and walking within hours of the surgery. According to Winthrop University Hospital, short and long-term success relies on regular exercise that includes walking. Patients should increase the distance walked as they build strength. You should be able to walk one to two blocks within one week of the surgery. Continue building time and distance in your daily walks until you can easily walk for 30 minutes uninterrupted. Continue walking most days of the week.
Daily Movement
Changes in your lifestyle can help to increase the amount of exercise you perform every day. According to the University of Chicago Hospitals, a weight-loss exercise program should be built on daily increased movement such as parking at the end of a lot when you go to the store, taking the stairs whenever possible, doing your own yard work and walking the dog. Planned aerobic exercise should be performed for 30 minutes five days a week and sports or leisurely physical activities that improve muscle tone should be done two or three times a week.
Strength Training
It's important to incorporate strength-training exercise into your exercise routine to build muscles as you lose fat. Muscle toning exercise will help you to look and feel better as the weight drops off. According to Bariatric Choice, you should start slowly with light weights. Begin by lifting no more than 1 or 2 lbs. If you don't own weights or prefer not to go to a gym, you can stand in the kitchen and grab a can of soup for starters. Hold the can in one hand as you extend your arm in front, keeping your palm up. Lift the can straight up in the air eight to 10 times. Then bend your arm at the elbow while continuing to hold the can for 10 more repetitions. Switch hands and repeat on the other side. Eventually, you should invest in free weights so that you can increase the amount of weight you lift.
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