Exercise and Weight Loss Surgery

Written by Jane Long

As the last weight loss option, you have already undergone a bariatric procedure. You passed all the health qualification tests, came through the surgery with flying colors, and are anxious to watch the pounds drop off as you begin to eat to live, and no longer live to eat. But, there is one more life-change necessary to ensure you can achieve a healthy weight and maintain good health. Exercise and weight loss surgery are partners in your health.

Before your gastric bypass or other bariatric procedure, exercise is probably not a part of your daily routine. Not anymore! If you are really serious about making sure the weight comes off, and stays off, you will need to participate in regular physical activity. It may be difficult to get into the habit at first, but the benefits are worth every drop of sweat. Eventually, you may even come to enjoy how a good workout makes you feel.

Physical Benefits of Exercise

As soon as possible, after surgery, the doctor will want to get you on your feet. It will actually help speed up the recovery process. Although it may be painful, you need to get out of bed and start moving around. Exercise does not have to mean shaping up for a marathon. In the beginning, simply walking around will seem like plenty of exercise. You need to make yourself walk just a little further. As you begin to shed those extra pounds, a daily constitutional with a friend or family member can be an activity you actually look forward to each day.

As you heal and begin to drop the first pounds quickly, you will want to exercise to help burn body fat. Fitness begins the day you have your weight loss procedure. Forget waiting until you have recovered 100% of lost a certain amount of weight. You will start feeling healthier more quickly, if you give your new self a boost. Not only will regular activity help you shed the pounds, you immune system will also benefit.

You will want to build up your immunities, because infection and illness are common complications after surgery. You want to start getting into shape as soon as possible, so your body can fight off any bug that might derail or delay your new body and a better quality of life.

Although it may seem contrary to logic, the more you exercise, the more energy you will have, translating into a better quality of life. When you start to get discouraged, think of all the activities you can soon participate in, rather than always sitting on the sidelines. For example, swimming is a great low impact exercise, and also a great way to cool off in the summer. If you are not partial to water, you can take up cycling. Riding bikes can be a family outing, or you can find a safe place to ride alone, so you can marvel at all of your new abilities since the weight loss surgery.

Emotional Benefits of Exercise

As your body gets into shape, you will also experience the emotional benefits of exercise. In truth, after all you have been through before, during and after weight loss surgery, you might actually find these benefits more rewarding.

First, how long has it been since you have been able to exercise? Have you been spending the last years as a virtual couch potato? No, imagine how good you will feel, when you can walk, ride a bike; use a tread mill, or whatever form of exercise you prefer. Physical activity will bring you one step closer to greater self-confidence and self-esteem.

In addition to improving your self-image, exercise after weight loss surgery will also help you reduce your stress and negative emotions. Even though this bariatric procedure is something you really want, in order to achieve better health, there will be times when you are stressed out, depressed, anxious or moody. It is only natural, when you are experiencing a complete lifestyle change, to get down once in awhile. Your body and your spirit are going through a lot of changes. You need to realize that there will be days you will need to exercise to regain your positive perspective.

In short, exercise is a key component of any weight loss program, including weight loss surgery. Of course, the doctor will want you to participate in physical activity as soon as possible. You will recover from surgery faster, if you get up and get moving. But, it will also help you to shed those pounds. However, the greatest benefit of weight loss exercise is probably emotional. Instead of always sitting on the sidelines, you can become an active participant in life. Plus, if life starts to get you down, you have a healthy alternative to comfort food. Exercise and weight loss surgery are the beginning of the new you.