When to start exercising?

[Mom2-3 6]

I am 5 days out and just curious when people started to include exercise. I have been walking since the day of surgery. Not much at any given point but walked the halls in the hospital 6x the day of surgery and post-op day one. Since I have been home, I have been walking a lot around the house to stay active, but still not a lot at one time. Today, however, I took my kids on a short walk....3 blocks. When we got home, I felt so worn out and in quite a bit of pain. I know physical activity is an important aspect with weight loss and I want to make sure I include it in my daily activities, but I want to make sure I don't do too much too soon yet at the same time I don't want to cut myself short and think that I shouldn't do something because I am recovering from surgery. My directions from my surgeon didn't go beyond walking so just a little curious when to start doing more. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks so much in advance.

[McButterpants 2,846]

According to my doc, walking is the best medicine for recovery.

I wasn't cleared for anything but walking until my 6 week check up.

In the beginning, about a week out, I was walking 20-30 minutes. Not a real fast pace, just moving my body. It felt good and when I got tired, I stopped.

Do what you can within the guidelines your doc gave you.

[Kiap82 239]

There is an app called power walk. I started it two weeks post op and am almost five weeks out now. It slowly increases you time and you can adjust your pace as you heal. I walked a 26 minute mile the first day and couldn't even do the whole mile. Now I'm on week three and completed 1.6 miles with a 19 minute pace.

Take your time, don't over do it.

[JerseyGirl68 1,172]

Congrats on a successful surgery!!

Walking for sure right now is your best option. At about 4 weeks, I was ok'd to use the elliptical, without the arms. At 6 weeks I was cleared for all. Only light weights initially after the 6 weeks.

Even the short walks are beneficial and will let you heal. It will get easier every day.

Do you have a pedometer? I wear my FitBit religiously, it will synch with a smartphone and/or a computer and track your movement every day. A great motivator for me.

Best of luck!!

[Miss Mac 6,262]

At my 3 week check-up I was cleared for light weights (five pounds)and strength training. Prior to that I have been using my Walk Your Belly Flat video by Leslie Sanson. It has 3 miles of in the house speed walking. I can do one mile right now....it's exhausting until I recover more from surgery.

[E2013 31]

It'll also be 6 weeks for me before I can do any exercise beyond walking.

[rensterness 375]

I started with one pound strap on velcro weights from wal mart a week after surgery. They have them for your ankles and wrist. I started heavier about 6 weeks out. Hope this helps:-)

[AllisonKara 46]

No need to over-stress yourself. Exercising is crucial for a successful weight loss program. But, you must do it step wise. I hereby provide a link from University of San Diego, Bariatric and Metabolic Institute's article on exercise after weight loss surgery. I hope it helps and guides you well. All the best.

http://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/surgery/bariatric/weight-loss-surgery/post-op/Pages/exercise.aspx

[ohbehaviorist 11]

I'm two weeks out today and was told no lifting or any crazy classes but walking and riding a bike if it's comfortable. I think the sit down stationary bikes at the gym are the best bet since there's no hunching over.

[pat fitz 44]

2 weeks out. I was cleared to get back in swimming pool. 20 lbs max.lift. this Friday is 4 weeks post-op. Can start lifting again. I will still be careful on how much I lift. I will let my body tell me just how far I can push it.

[rensterness 375]

Mom~

I was told the swimming is the last thing approved for because of the stitching or glue, whichever your doctor decides on. It's very strenuous and the Water can affect stitching. Programs have different guidelines, just be cautious. :-)