Is Exercise Necessary After Weight Loss Surgery?

Weight loss surgery provides a tremendous boost for those hoping to lose weight and keep it off. Although quite effective, bariatric procedures, however, don’t necessarily guarantee all the desired results without a little extra effort. To gain the full benefits of this surgery – like it or not – healthier lifestyle habits must also go into the mix. That means eating right and exercising.

If you haven’t exercised in a while, getting started can be tough. The good news is the exhaustion that often goes along with obesity is likely to wane following bariatric surgery. The bad news is starting a workout program can be tough. Fortunately, there are a few tips that can help make getting started a whole lot easier.

Tips for Starting a Program

First thing’s first – consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program. This is especially so following weight loss surgery. It’s important to make sure you’re medically cleared to start exercising and it’s also important to get advice on how much or how little exertion is in order as you work to add exercise to your routine.

Once you’re medically cleared, it’s time to get busy. These tips can help:

• Start out simple – Making exercise a habit takes time and consistency. The process involves building up to a desired performance level. With that in mind, start out with an easy routine and gradually build up to more rigorous activity as strength and endurance improve.
• Make it fun – Exercising doesn’t mean having to spend 30 minutes on a treadmill. Consider activities that are more personally pleasant, such as getting into sports, swimming, brisk walking on a beautiful day. If you’re moving and your heart is pumping, it counts as exercise.
• Get support – It can be very helpful to have a workout partner at least a few days of the week. If possible, enlist a friend or loved one to make action more enjoyable.

Exercising is critical not only for helping with weight loss, but also paving the way for a healthier life. Getting started won’t be easy, but once you get up and get moving, the habit can become very enjoyable.

About Author

One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson along with a full staff of surgeons, nurses and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Revisions.

Dr. Nicholson knows that you are unique. So he and his staff only perform specialized, custom-tailored weight loss solutions that put you, the patient, first. Becoming thoroughly acquainted with the various options, Lap Band, Gastric Bypass, Gastric