Very active before lap band, worried about endurance post-op

[beanie80 146]

I was very active before I got the lap band. I went to spin class twice a week, walked 3 miles twice a week and worked out on the elliptical once or twice a week. Since getting lap band I haven't been back to the gym (only 6 days post-op now). Was anyone else like this? I'm curious how long it took for you to get back up to your regular stamina in the gym. I feel weak now and like I would pass out in spin class.

[Terry Poperszky 2,784]

We are all different, give your body time to heal and I wouldn't plan on being too active until you are back on regular foods. Even then remember you are running a severe calorie deficit and this will definitely affect your endurance.

[beanie80 146]

We are all different, give your body time to heal and I wouldn't plan on being too active until you are back on regular foods. Even then remember you are running a severe calorie deficit and this will definitely affect your endurance.

Terry how many calories do you eat a day and do you eat your exercise calories? I miss exercising so much. I walked my dog for about 20 minutes yesterday (very slowly) and it was hard on me.

[SolracSpree 133]

At 6 days I could walk down my apartment stairs (3rd floor) let my dog use the bathroom and walk up. I would be ready to passout after just that!

[Terry Poperszky 2,784]

Terry how many calories do you eat a day and do you eat your exercise calories? I miss exercising so much. I walked my dog for about 20 minutes yesterday (very slowly) and it was hard on me.

I was eating 1300, but I upped it to recently to 1500. I generally try not to eat more than 1/2 of my exercise calories, but it is hard since extreme exercise ramps up my hunger for days afterwards. Now, I haven't lost any weight for the last 6 weeks, fat, yes, weight no. This is pretty standard for me since and your mileage may vary.

FYI, the lack of scale movement really isn't bothering me right now, for me the scale is being replaced by the increased ability on the bike and hiking.

[Pygo 63]

Even with that fitness level previously, you still needed a Lapland for weight loss. The fact is that the band will help you lose weight and improve health from not carrying around as much weight especially around the organs etc so don't worry about exercise yet. Heal and it'll all come together. I started elliptical about 10 days post op but no lifting or ab work TIL at least 6 weeks.

We are very similar.

[Pygo 63]

Energy levels return after about 2 weeks post op.

[karenw 21]

great advice and great question glad for this web site

[beanie80 146]

Even with that fitness level previously, you still needed a Lapland for weight loss. The fact is that the band will help you lose weight and improve health from not carrying around as much weight especially around the organs etc so don't worry about exercise yet. Heal and it'll all come together. I started elliptical about 10 days post op but no lifting or ab work TIL at least 6 weeks.

We are very similar.

Pygo, my other sport was eating. I've always loved to exercise, but I've always loved to eat. If I didn't exercise like I did I would have probably been even larger. My weight was beginning to get in the way of my exercise and it was really bothering me. I remember doing a yoga class and glancing in the mirror and thinking 'oh that's good that big woman is doing yoga' only to realize it was me. Hence the lap band.

[redpumpkin 6]

I'm in the same boat...I just got my band last Wednesday and know I need to recover from surgery before I get ideas of grandeur for working out. I'm looking forward to my 2-week post-op appointment to see if I get the OK from my surgeon to start hitting the pavement again.

[goalseeker 695]

You are only 6 days post op. Give it a few weeks as you will see your stamina increase. Right now your diet is extremely calorie restrictive and thus you will be tired. My surgeon told me to stick to walking and light exercise for 6 weeks. I was cleared for weights but no abs after that. At 12 weeks I was allowed to start ab exercises. Now I'm an exercise junkie...something I definitely was not before surgery. You will get back to your old routine in no time. Just try not to overdo it.

[beanie80 146]

I'm in the same boat...I just got my band last Wednesday and know I need to recover from surgery before I get ideas of grandeur for working out. I'm looking forward to my 2-week post-op appointment to see if I get the OK from my surgeon to start hitting the pavement again.

I ended up waiting 3 weeks before returning to spin class. I was kind of slow at first and it was weird because my port starting hurting about halfway through. I just took it really easy, but still enjoyed myself. At the two week mark I did some walking, but nothing strenuous. I still haven't done any abdominal exercises and I probably won't for a couple months.

[GodsTyro 63]

Unfortunately with cardio endurance you lose the endurance quickly when you aren't going to the gym. For me, I didn't go back to the gym for months because it's the one thing I HATE to build up, but once I have the endurance I'm good to go.

I know for me, I was given the okay for strenuous exercise about 6-7 weeks out, but you need to talk to your doctor as each person will be different. Once you are given the okay, unfortunately no matter what you were doing originally you are going to have lost a lot of endurance and will have to build it back up, but do not worry - because the endurance will come back and you will be just as active as you once were

[lellow 1,713]

You've built it up once, you can again. Lapband surgery or anything else will make it harder for you because you are forced to take a break. I broke my tailbone skating, then my foot straight after, and was unable to do any cardio for close to 6 months. It's one of those things. In fact with the band surgery it was an easier recovery than broken bones because I was walking again within a week, and cycling within 2 weeks.

On the aside, I think if you enjoy exercise pre-band, you'll kill the whole weight loss thing post band. Those who do best with the band, imo, are the ones who utilise the satiety that the band gives them alongside exercising.