Exercise after Bariatric Surgery
Exercise is necessary in order to reach and maintain optimal weight loss goals and to keep the heart and bones healthy. Weight loss surgery can be seen as a tool to help patients lose weight. However, it is important to use a multitude of tools to reach the long-term goal of weight loss maintenance and improved health. Understanding bariatric nutrition, participating in support groups and daily exercise are tools used in incorporating a healthy lifestyle. Particularly when struggling with weight regain, a weight loss plateau or after Revisional Surgery, an active lifestyle becomes an important part of reaching weight loss goals.
Recommended exercise after weight loss surgery
The bottom line is to exercise every day, for at least half an hour. What this means to the individual is different from person to person. Patients, who already enjoy a lively lifestyle and enjoy exercise such as dancing and walking the dog, can continue to do so after weight loss surgery. The rapid weight loss will only increase the delight in these activities. If unsure about exercise options, then trying out something new like Yoga, Pilates or Zumba during an On Track Workshop at Griffin Hospital is always a good option. The exercise segment of the On Track Workshop, designed to expose patients to different forms of exercise, can help alleviate fears and increase confidence.
Although we encourage being active, just parking further away at the mall or taking the stairs is not enough to sustain weight loss in the long term. That said, investing in a pedometer and thus being able to see the daily step accomplishments can be quite motivating and encourages regular walking as a sport. Many patients have been surprised by how fun exercise can be, and have enjoyed activities such as hula hooping, roller skating, hiking, softball, soccer and body-building. There is an exercise that fits every person!
Help when you need it
We understand that adopting a healthy lifestyle can be difficult, particularly when it comes to exercise. The local gyms tend to be intimidating and the staff unable to recognize the challenges and health concerns related to obesity. Recognizing the needs of our patients, we have collaborated with Griffin Hospital to create a unique exercise program especially developed for our bariatric patients. Three exercise physiologists evaluate each person, develop an individual exercise plan and help them progress. The focus is to empower patients by coaching ways of incorporating exercise, taking the fear away and encouraging a sustainable and active lifestyle in a judgment-free and non-threatening environment. Eunice Lisk, MS, who oversees the bariatric exercise program, sees the incredible strides that patients make every day: “The camaraderie amongst the participants is an added bonus. Patients share their successes, struggles, and outlook as they exercise and lose weight together”.
Sign up for the Bariatric Exercise Program to improve your outcomes! To receive additional support for successful weight loss and lifestyle modifications, please register for the On Track Support Group and the On Track Workshop.
