Low-Impact Workout Ideas for Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery

If you’re struggling with obesity, you’ve probably tried adopting an exercise routine before with little success. Fortunately, after bariatric surgery, the effects of exercise are much more pronounced.

In fact, while the procedure and associated dietary changes are sure to lead to long-term weight loss, exercise is another lifestyle change you should plan to make. You’ll need to tailor your workout plan to your specific needs and abilities, but we recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, or 30 minutes of physical activity per day, five days per week.

Here are some low-impact workout ideas to help you reach your weight loss goals faster.

Start Slowly

You may need to stay in the hospital for one or two days following your bariatric procedure. Even so, get up and walk the halls as soon as you feel capable. This jumpstarts the healing process and gets you on the right track for going home.

In the weeks after returning home, strive to walk for 20 to 30 minutes in 10-minute chunks throughout the day. You may feel fatigued, but it’s important to still get out of bed and move around. Just stick to light activity, walking around your house and using the stairs as tolerated for one to three weeks.

Ramp Up Your Physical Activity

Double-check with your surgeon, but you should be able to progress from walking to more strenuous exercise within three to six weeks of surgery.

Here are some low-impact workouts to try:

• Go on brisk walks
• Ride a stationary bike
• Run-on a treadmill
• Try out the elliptical machine
• Swim laps in the pool
• Sign up for a water aerobics class

Tips for Exercising After Bariatric Surgery

First of all, your goal isn’t to exercise like a young, fit athlete. That’s unrealistic and not necessary to lose weight after bariatric surgery. Instead, your goal is to get moving every day so you burn more calories than you eat. Use these tips to help you lose weight safely and permanently after your procedure:

• Start all physical activity by stretching and
  “warming up” your muscles.
• If you feel pain, stop immediately and try a different exercise.
• Vary your workout routine to avoid hitting a fitness plateau.
• Recognize opportunities to be physically active in your daily life. Even when you’re not formally exercising, you can take the stairs, park your car far away from store entrances, play outside with your kids or walk the dog.

 
Exercise is second only to proper nutrition for determining your total weight loss after bariatric surgery. Let the medical professionals at Garden State Bariatrics and Wellness Center in Millburn and Toms River, New Jersey help craft a workout plan for you following your procedure. We’ll help you every step of the way to ensure you achieve success!

To learn more about bariatric surgery, please visit our website and our blog. Then, when you’re ready, contact us to schedule a one-on-one consultation.