Tell the truth, exercising

[TealSister 296]

It's hard going from laying around feeling fat and depressed to exercising 30 min/day 7 days/week - at least for me! My surgeon's office gives all patients a Garmin Vivofit after surgery and I finally started wearing it (14 weeks) again. Having a desk job it is so sad how few steps I get during the work day! Bad days or good days, we just have to remember to keep moving. We can do this! We have to do this. Unfortunately, this tool isn't magic so we need to utilize it the best we can

[MarceMonster 161]

I started exercising regularly about 3 weeks before surgery, then I took a week off after surgery. I started going back to the gym at about a week out and at two and a half weeks out I added in HIIT classes. So now I go to HIIT 3 days per week, the gym for weight training and a half hour of cardio a min of 2 days per week, and on my "relax" days I usually take my dog for a half hour to an hour hike. This had been my regular routine since a little over two weeks out, that being said, I only set a goal for me to work out 4 days per week. Now, this may change when the semester starts up again in September. I hope not though....

[hockeyfan7 249]

I have not started exercising yet. I'm on week 6 post op. I have really bad osteoarthritis and had to give up my meds because they were an NSAID.

I have a lot of knee pain constantly and I can't walk very far at all without pain. I need to get my behind to the Y and do some Water classes in the pool.

[BigTink2LilTink 723]

I think I've done more cardio in the last 6 months than I have in the last 3 to 4 years. Its easier for me doing it throughout the week. My job is one that promotes healthy living, so along with going to the gym at my job once a day during work, I have a co-worker that enjoys walking with me during our morning and lunch breaks. So I've probably averaging about 8 to 10 miles a week in just walking along.

Besides the continued 1 to 4lb per week weight loss that I am still seeing 6 months post surgery, it helps with giving me more energy. The other added benefit I get out of it now, is that it helps me to clear my mind. I have been going though some serious depression, especially post-op, so getting my ass moving and physically moving/exercising out the negativity has helped greatly improve my over all mood. I no longer feel like having the VSG was negative, but instead view it as it truly is, a positive change for the better.

[katcycler 95]

I have been exercising since 1month post op. I started with a personal trainer once per week and now 7 months post op I have a trainer 3 times per week. I feel the exercise has really helped me to lose 126 lbs so far in 7 months and have yet to have a stall. I also add 1 or 2 more days per week of cardio as well. Exercise is key!! Only 15 pounds till goal.

[TexasGirl86 37]

I can't wait to start exercising. I want to start now, but the dietician at the hospital told me no cardiovascular/heart rate up/jumping around until 6 weeks.

I'm only at like, 1 1/2 weeks now.

[Elode 8,093]

@@judyoz I just started as in a week ago. I didn't exercise at all until now.

[Jason In Houston 93]

I was doing fine without a lot of formal exercise for the first couple of months, but I didn't realize how weak I was becoming.

After a stall and a little encouragement from a work friend, I joined a gym just to do their Water aerobics class 3 times a week. In the class, we also use Water "weights" which look like normal hand weights, except with plastic fins, not a hunk of metal. The the water causes the resistance, so the harder you push, the more it pushes back. You literally get out of it what you put in to it.

I'm stronger and losing more consistently. The instructor is a little goofy and brings great music. I actually enjoy going, which is not something I thought was possible.

Edited July 7, 2015 by Jason In Houston

[joatsaint 2,814]

I have never enjoyed exercising, but starting my 2nd month post-op, I began a walking program with the goal of getting to 10,000 steps a day. After reaching that goal, the next was speed, trying to get up to 4 mph/hr for 1 hour. I did that for a little over a year. The one thing that kept me going and motivated was my best friend. He was there to walk with me every day, 3 - 5 days a week. If he hadn't been there for me, I would have skipped many days when I didn't feel up to it. :-)

[Bonawanabfree 280]

I have yet to exercise. I immediately began feeling pain in my back and hip and have terrible sciatica. I want to exercise and I am in too much pain. Hopefully my 3rd steroid shot will work next tuesday and I will be on my way to walking. I have lost 59lbs so far since march.

[jane13 2,256]

@@judyoz - hope the surgery for your kidney removal goes well - I think like @@Daisee68 said you get a pass!

[BigTink2LilTink 723]

I was sort of the same way. I have a co-worker who has been beyond encouraging me to stay healthy and fit. If it wasn't for her getting me away from my desk and walking while at work I probably wouldn't as consistent in it as I am now. It is easier to do when you have people around you helping you stay positive and motivated.

I have never enjoyed exercising, but starting my 2nd month post-op, I began a walking program with the goal of getting to 10,000 steps a day. After reaching that goal, the next was speed, trying to get up to 4 mph/hr for 1 hour. I did that for a little over a year. The one thing that kept me going and motivated was my best friend. He was there to walk with me every day, 3 - 5 days a week. If he hadn't been there for me, I would have skipped many days when I didn't feel up to it. :-)

[Jb1176 79]

Three months out from surgery and walk 4 miles 7 days a week. I meet to start some strength training but don't know what to do. Guess I need a gym membership and someone to help me set up a program and instruct how to use the equipment. I never exercised in my life before this surgery.

[rosepose 105]

Yeah I think kidney removal gives you a giant pass until you're healthier.

I was told not to do anything strenuous enough to break a sweat for the first month. On my first surgical follow up the nurse asked how much I was working out. I was confused and said that I had been told not to start working-out until my follow up with the fitness specialist at one month so I hadn't. She said "good answer! that was a trick question."

That said I'm more looking for activities I enjoy that also count as exercise. I used to love hot yoga and hiking as well as swimming or really almost any Water related activity. I'm sure the fitness specialist will have other plans but I'm hoping there will be an overlap. I would however like to get into running at least a little which has never been something I enjoyed. I saw some pictures from a tough mudder that an in law posted and it looked like soooo much fun!