Hernia Repair Surgery Aftercare Tips
Aug 11
• 2 minute read
After bariatric surgery, adopting a sustainable exercise regimen is crucial to long-term success. In addition to the weight loss benefits, exercise also boosts energy, keeps your bone tissue dense, increases your metabolic rate, and stimulates the “feel good” hormones called endorphins.
You’ll find your bariatric surgery experience more rewarding if you focus on exercise once your surgeon clears you for physical activity. It’s important to have an exercise program that matches your physical ability, personal preferences, and goals for weight loss.
How to Exercise After Bariatric Surgery
When it comes to exercise after weight loss surgery, there are three areas you should focus on:
- Cardiovascular exercises
- Strength training
- Flexibility
These exercises impact your body in different ways, making up a well-balanced exercise program. You need to set reachable goals and gradually work up to achieving your objectives. Your doctor will let you know when it is safe to begin exercising following your procedure. It’s important to follow this timeline to avoid causing complications or hindering your recovery.
Cardiovascular Exercises
Cardiovascular or aerobic exercises have a lot of benefits. They can:
- Boost your energy levels
- Help you work through anxiety
- Strengthen your heart and lungs
- Relieve anxiety
- Help you sleep better
In the first one to two months after surgery, walking is recommended as it is low impact and decreases the risk for complications. Try walking for 10 minutes at a time until you’ve worked your way to 30-minute walks at least five days a week.
Water aerobics and swimming are two other acceptable forms of exercise early after bariatric surgery. They help work the entire body while keeping pressure off your knees and joints.
Once your body has adapted to walking, you can start adding variety. Jogging or using different types of cardio machines are great options.
Strength Training
Strength training is a necessary step as you recover. This form of exercise helps tone your body, maintain your muscle mass, and burn more calories.
You don’t need to lift tons of weight right out of the gate. Just like cardio exercises, it’s important to start slow. Try one to five-pound weights for a start, doing three sets of 15 to 20 reps. Do not try to push through if you feel sharp pain. Many strength training exercises can also be done in a seated position.
As your tolerance and strength improve, you can increase weights and incorporate lunges and squats. Crunches, sit-ups, or other core exercises can also be excellent exercises for toning and producing greater core strength after bariatric surgery. However, you’ll want to avoid core exercises in the first and second months after surgery to allow the incision to heal completely. Be sure to follow your physician’s recommended timeline when adding any new activity to your exercise routine.
Flexibility Exercises
Flexibility workouts can help prevent muscle and joint problems later in life. Stretching is a great flexibility workout. Include a warm-up period before your bariatric workout and a cool-down period after. Set a goal to do at least 10 minutes of flexibility exercises daily.
Reach Your Weight Loss Goals
Losing weight after bariatric surgery requires intentional commitment. Exercise will help you keep the weight off, improve your physical health, and restore your sense of coordination.
Our team at Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgery Institute, PC, is here to support you through every step of your bariatric surgery journey. Contact us today to learn more about your weight loss options.
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