Exercise After Weight Loss Surgery Offers Benefits Beyond The Scale

Weight loss surgery is an effective tool for the treatment of obesity but medical

professionals and bariatric patients alike emphasize that surgery is merely a tool. To lose excess weight and maintain a healthy body mass index often means adopting a whole new lifestyle. Although the physical changes brought about through weight loss surgery make it easier to shed pounds by limiting the amount of food a patient can eat, increased physical activity can not only speed weight loss, but also reduce the risk of illnesses, like heart disease and stroke, that are often associated with morbid obesity.

Of course, bariatric patients should always consult with their surgeon before starting to exercise after weight loss surgery. In general, post-op patients are advised to start slowly by incorporating walking into their daily routine. Simply adding 20-30 minutes of walking each day can increase metabolism and provide cardiovascular benefits. Building on this simple start, patients are advised to increase both the length of time and the intensity of their fitness routine, for example by walking longer distances, or adding activities like stationary cycling, low-impact aerobics and ballroom dancing.

Avoiding Injury

Many people who carried extra weight for several years experience joint damage as a result. For this reason, doctors often advise against activities that can stress joints, like jogging or tennis. Low-impact aerobic activities, like swimming and elliptical training, that raise the heart rate without putting undue stress on the joints can be ideal for post-op bariatric patients.

In the first weeks following weight loss surgery, patients also are advised to steer clear of strenuous activities, such as weight lifting, because of the risk of injury.

Hernias and ulcers are not uncommon for bariatric patients, notes Dr. David Provost, a north Texas weight loss surgery specialist who performs Lap-Band and gastric bypass procedures. Resistance training can increase that risk during the first several weeks of recovery, he adds.

Over time, starting with light weights and later building up to more intense strength training as part of a medically supervised plan for exercise after weight loss surgery can help patients improve muscle tone, burn fat and build bone strength for lasting health benefits.

Exercise is often unfamiliar territory to anyone who has struggled with their weight. Many times, obese adults experience feelings of shame and embarrassment about their body, making them hesitant to join a gym, or they tire so quickly that they give up on exercise after just a few minutes. But, by including regular physical activity as part of a new lifestyle after weight loss surgery, post-op bariatric patients can boost their metabolism and reach their weight loss goal more quickly. Whats more, exercise can help improve muscle tone and bone strength, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, making it an important choice for anyone who wants to live a long and healthy life.

by: Bruce Luu

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