Whether weight loss surgery involves simply changing the size of the stomach or actually making changes to the digestive tract, patients must make significant subsequent lifestyle changes to ensure a successful procedure. Along with following a careful diet, a regular exercise routine will be necessary for long-term weight loss. Exercise after weight loss surgery is extremely beneficial, yet should be done carefully to ensure optimal health and safety.
Benefits
Exercise is not just beneficial after weight loss surgery, it is actually necessary to ensure successful long-term weight loss. In fact, the DocShop.com website explains that "while weight loss surgery is effective in helping patients lose weight in the year after the procedure is performed, it is not enough to help patients maintain a healthy weight." Along with helping you lose weight, regular exercise after your surgery also helps increase your energy, boost your metabolism, strengthen your heart, lower your blood pressure and tone your muscles. In some cases, regular exercise might also help tighten the loose skin commonly seen after tremendous weight loss. Gentle exercise within the few hours and days after your surgery can also help prevent blood clots and other dangerous complications.
Rules
Speak with your surgeon before beginning an exercise routine after weight loss surgery. After an evaluation of your current health status, your surgeon can determine whether your body is physically able to handle the demands of exercise. Work with your doctor to set fitness goals and establish appropriate rules for your routine. He can help you determine which exercises are best and the amount of time you should spend exercising per day.
Dangers
Returning to exercise too quickly after weight loss surgery can interrupt your body's healing process. Vigorous exercise too soon after surgery could lead to infection, excessive bleeding and torn sutures. Additionally, you will likely be placed on a restricted diet after your weight loss surgery. During this time, your calorie and nutrient intake may not be adequate enough to support the physical stress of exercise.
Exercise Ideas
Walking is a popular option for easing into exercise after weight loss surgery. Walking allows the body to heal and gently transition into its new shape and size, while still providing the cardiovascular benefits of exercise. Once your doctor has given you approval to include more strenuous exercises in your routine, find activities that you enjoy. The Weight Loss Surgery Channel website explains that "you can boost your motivation and improve your chances of sticking with a fitness program by finding something that's fun for you." Exercise ideas include yoga, swimming, tennis, basketball, cycling or running on the elliptical machine.
Tips
Along with regular exercise sessions, there are other small ways you can squeeze exercise into your daily routine. For example, take the stairs rather than the elevator and park your car near the back of the lot. Rather than sending a message to your co-workers through e-mail, walk to their offices to deliver the message. Walk around the house while chatting on the phone or do lunges and squats while waiting for dinner to finish. While exercising, pay close attention to your body. If you feel excessively fatigued or experience unusual pain, stop exercising immediately. If the pain or unusual feelings persist, seek medical attention.
References
- Weight Loss Surgery Channel: Exercise after Weight Loss Surgery
- Obesity Help: Life After Bariatric Surgery: The Weight Loss Surgery Lifestyle
- DocShop.com: Exercise - Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Bariatric Choice: Exercise For Bariatric Surgery Patients
- Consumer Guide To Bariatric Surgery: Weight Loss Surgery Recovery
- The University of Chicago Hospitals Center for the Surgical Treatment of Obesity: Physical Activity & Exercise Strategies For Bariatric Surgery Patients
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