Do you have to force yourself to walk those first few weeks?

[Longhorn 1]

That is, are you so uncomfortable that you'd rather not or does it actually feel good to get up and walk around? Or something in between?

Thanks!

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

It feels good. You feel so much better the sooner you start walking. Besides, right out of surgery you want to walk anyway to avoid blood clots.

But yes, it feels good. I wouldn't go power walking right out of surgery but just a stroll around the block? Absolutely.

[Jachut 487]

It will definitely make you feel better. Just strolling, not powering along. But I felt well enough to go for a 3km stroll 24 hours after surgery.

[Sula 0]

Walking feels good and doesn't hurt for the most part. Sometime the jarring of the step will jar a jiggly stomach so that is just a twing of pain. I sometimes used to hold my stomach still (sad fact but true).

I think it is good to get a mindset about this as well...you have to do it. It is important. It helps with a bigger pain...the GAS!! Now, not to scare you, because the gas pain is tolerable...but it is worse that the incision pain. And walking helps.

[Longhorn 1]

Thanks! I was hoping this is the case. Walking isn't particularly easy in my neighborhood because it is very hilly. But I have a very long, level driveway, so I can at least walk up and down the driveway.

Also, I'm hoping to be back at work Monday after a Thursday surgery and I have a couple of hours between each of the three classes I teach so I thought I'd go outside and walk then, too.

[OregonHolly 0]

I've been banded for 2 days and I took a 1-mile walk today. Sloooooowly, but it was good. Helps get that gas moving through. I do not believe I would be able to return to work as quickly as you plan to, but it all seems to depend on your condition pre-surgery (your age, comorbidities, general fitness level, type of work you do, etc.)

[Longhorn 1]

I've been banded for 2 days and I took a 1-mile walk today. Sloooooowly, but it was good. Helps get that gas moving through. I do not believe I would be able to return to work as quickly as you plan to, but it all seems to depend on your condition pre-surgery (your age, comorbidities, general fitness level, type of work you do, etc.)

Congratulations! I'm 52 and in really good health, except for these extra 70 pounds. :cool: I hate to cancel classes but I can take a wait-and-see approach to the Monday classes. And except for standing while I'm teaching, my work isn't physical at all.

Thanks for your comments and good luck!

[Brewa2000 1]

I actually enjoyed the walking. For the first few days, I'd sleep a few hours, then walk a little, even at night. Had a lot of gas to get rid of....

My better half is also a teacher. She had a Thursday surgery and taught a half day Saturday class. I was on call in case of problems, but there were none. She's a tough cookie, but you should be OK.

Good luck!

Bruce

[Longhorn 1]

Thanks, Bruce!

I'm usually a tough cookie, too, so that's encouraging! :eek:

[Brewa2000 1]

Longhorn-

When is your surgery?

[Longhorn 1]

Brewa:

I don't have a firm date yet. I see the doctor for my consultation next Thursday but I have discussed dates with his office and I'm hoping for November 1. The date is available but I want to talk to the doctor about using the new band and if we decide on it and he has to order it, that could delay things.

[DonHoll1 0]

Walking really helps get rid of the gas build up from surgery Let us know when you get your date. You will find a lot of support and info here on this site. Donna