Exercise on post-op low calorie diet

[citygirl1962 50]

I am pre-op and following an exercise program. For aerobic exercise I am doing Water aerobics which I enjoy and have been doing on and off for years. I absolutely cannot imagine getting through these workouts on a low carb and low calorie diet. I am currently counting calories, using My Fitness Pal, and I use all my extra "exercise" calories. How do you handle exercise????

[Cervidae 2,389]

I'll be three months out on Tuesday, and honestly, I don't have a lot of energy for workouts yet. Then again, I've been sort of constantly tired since surgery, even though my bloodwork was normal. some people are able to workout no problem within like a month of surgery, and I have to admit, I'm a little envious of them. Some people, like me, have metabolism issues. I hope I'm able to go a day without needing or desperately wanting a nap soon.

[soonergirl619 120]

I was tired for 2 weeks post op but once I started my Vitamins, all I want to do is work out. I am 1 month post op now. Hope things work out well for you. Good luck!

Edited November 15, 2015 by soonergirl619

[gpmed 623]

I was tired for a good six weeks after surgery, which my doctor told me to expect because most people are losing weight rapidly during that time. Your metabolism needs time to catch up. When I was on shakes only and consuming 300 calories a day, I felt tired and weak.

But gradually I could eat more as I moved back to real food. Now at eight weeks I can eat about 500-600 calories per day and actually feel a little more energetic than I did pre-op. I'm eating home-cooked protein-based meals that keep me satisfied.

Trust me, it feels nothing like how it would have felt to eat only 600 calories before surgery. I feel like my food is giving me plenty of fuel and my energy level is good.

[citygirl1962 50]

The idea of working out on 600 calories just doesn't make sense....especially without carbs. I don't get it.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

The idea of working out on 600 calories just doesn't make sense....especially without carbs. I don't get it.

It doesn't. It's very important that you work closely with your NUT to make sure you are satisfying your nutritional needs for your activity level.

The important thing is to get in all of your Protein and fluids. Until you are able to do that, you will need to make sure you keep your exercise light.

By the way, I don't eat back my exercise calories.

[jess9395 5,449]

I was never physically active even in HS, except for a couple of seasons of volleyball. I started couch to 5k at a few weeks out and energy never seemed to be a problem even when I was at 500-800 calories a day. I moved up to at least a mile a day and a couple of yoga classes a week by 5 months out. Trained 10-20 miles a week starting at month 7 and ran a half marathon at 10 months out at 900 calories a day (very low carb). Was doing 3-4 yoga classes a week too by then.

I know you say you can't imagine it, but leave your mind open to it and you may surprise yourself.

[citygirl1962 50]

I guess the disconnect is that it isn't just caloric intake, it is using the fuel your body has stored...which is the whole point :-)

[catwoman7 11,215]

I've been doing Water aerobics & Aqua Zumba since about my fourth week out (when my surgeon cleared me for swimming). I've had no problems at all.

[miiasan 370]

I agree with a lot of the other posters. I am at 4 weeks today. Once I got my Protein and Water levels to what they are supposed to be- and took my Vitamins - my energy level increased. I walk and go to the pool to exercise every day now. I hardly ever even feel the need for a nap anymore.

[c37king 7]

What works for me is working out first thing in the morning after getting up. I find my energy levels are at my highest at this time. I agree with the other posters about meeting Protein and Fluid levels.