Exercise Recommendations Before and After Bariatric Surgery

Posted: Aug 23 in Weight Loss Surgery by Staff

Exercise after gastric bypass weight loss surgery is essential for effective weight loss. We often lose muscle mass when we start to lose weight quickly, and because of this it is important to maintain lean muscle mass to keep your metabolism stable and facilitate weight loss after bariatric surgery. Developing a healthy exercise regime prior to Lap Band surgery in Naples, FL makes it easier for people to adjust to an exercise regimen after weight loss surgery.

• Before Surgery – If they don’t already have an exercise routine in place, people who are going to be undergoing bariatric surgery should begin an exercise regime six to 12 months prior to surgery. For those who carry a lot of excess weight around it may be difficult to exercise, and for this reason it is good to start out slow. Some example exercises include walking or marching in place for 10 minutes twice per day. The goal should be to work up to 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity at least three times per week. Morbidly obese patients should receive a full physical and cardio work up prior to beginning a new exercise program.
• One to Six Months after Surgery – After two or three week’s post-bariatric surgery, the weight loss surgery patient should resume exercising. At first, the goal should be increased range of motion. Because muscle loss occurs with weight loss, strength-training exercises should also be introduced at this time. Walking, swimming, biking, using weight bands, dumbbells, and fitness machines are all good exercise ideas in the short term time period following your bariatric procedure.
• Six to 12 Months after Surgery – One year post gastric bypass surgery, most patients should be able to exercise for 45 minutes at least four times per week. Yoga, kickboxing, dancing, and aerobics are example exercises that fit in well six to 12 months after surgery. Balance exercises should be performed using a balance ball to strengthen the stomach muscles. Strengthening the abdominal muscles improves posture, which changes as weight is lost.
• One Year (or Longer) After Surgery – Many weight loss surgery patients have lost 100 pounds or more one year after their operation. While this amount of weight loss may make some patients think they no longer have to exercise, that is far from the case. Patients should develop the mindset that opting out of exercise is not an option. Patients over the one year mark need to continue to exercise for at least 45 minutes four days a week.