Exercise after Weight Loss Surgery

A common trait among individuals who have bariatric surgery is a sedentary lifestyle. Physicians suggest patients start slowing walking regularly. This should be done even before the weight loss surgery is performed. A person who walks a minimum of ten minutes daily prior to the surgery will begin the process of developing a habit that will make it easier to continue once the surgery is complete.

It is recommended a person start their walking program approximately a month after surgery in Mexico to achieve the best possible results. This program should start with a person walking for up to 20 minutes daily. During the hot summer months or if the weather is hot and humid, it’s possible to walk inside and use a treadmill. Walking in a climate-controlled environment eliminates the concern of dehydration. The time spent walking should slowly be increased until a person is walking up to 60 minutes each time. Since people after gastric sleeve surgery may have a limited diet, walking may be the only effective exercise in the beginning. The pace a person walks should be slowly increased as they feel stronger. It’s also important to avoid overexertion. This can be accomplished by walking for shorter periods at different times during the day. It should be done in the weeks right after surgery.

In order to have an exercise program be successful after gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico, it must be progressive. It’s important for a patient to wait a minimum of six weeks before they attempt any type of exercise considered vigorous. Should they start intense exercise too early; they could slow the healing process. It could make them more prone to having an infection and possibly rupturing their incision. Many physicians recommend patients slowly increase their routine by adding light free weight training. It’s also a good idea to work with a trainer if possible. It is common for individuals to have a good experience with adding yoga to their exercise program. As weeks and months pass, a patient will be able to add more time and additional elements to their program. This will increase the chance of meeting their weight loss goals.

The people who are most successful with maintaining their exercise program after bariatric surgery find something they enjoy and stick with it. An aerobics class will burn more calories than walking. If a person avoids it because they don’t like doing it, aerobics is not the right type of exercise. A person should try different types of exercise. A cycling class, dancing, strength class, power walking and more. The goal is to find some type of exercise that is enjoyable. It is recommended to keep doing an exercise routine for a minimum of 45 minutes each day for times a week. A person doing this will not only lose weight but feel healthier and stronger.