When do you start exercising?

Ok Post ops this question is for you. I know we are to walk right after surgery. But do they tell you how long, how much and when can you start your regular walking or exercise routine?

Martha, Obviously I am not post op yet, but my instructions for exercise say when the doctor releases me to exercise. I think it will depend on each doctor's view on it, just like post op food plans do. Hugs, Mo

That first walk IS the start. You start there and build on it. You add frequency of walks, distance, intensity even in the hospital. When you get home, you keep on. Now the real story. I'm struggling here! I do not like walking around my housing area because we live at the top of a very steep hill and the worst part of the walk would be the last uphill climb. I can't drive to the park where I do like to walk. I have been getting on my gazelle each day and extending my time. I'm up to 12 min today, but feel I should be doing better. I don't hurt--I just don't have much energy yet. It seems like making sure I eat/drink right and doing basic personal chores wears me out. So I am here, caught between the "ought to's" and the "really doing's"! Joy

Hello Joy, can you give me your oppinion of the Gazelle? I hear so much about them...I am interested in buying one with my b-day money, how expensive are they? Do you think they are worth the money, My sis swears by hers, but she also walks the whole golf corse everyday...It took her almost 6 months to work up to it, she got a great tan also doing it also, she lives in texas...Thanks in advance Hugz Mary

I like it better than a treadmill for several reasons. You can start at a slower level so that it hardly seems like work, but I can tell the difference in my energy level after a short period of time of using it. You can increase the intensity by working harder on it and by varying your position, you can work out various muscle groups. Mine has the option of adding resistance, which give you the opportunity to let it grow with your fitness. Mine is a Tony Little brand (the guy is totally annoying). I watched the video enough to learn several ways to use it and have no****ched it since! There are several knock-offs which are probably as good. You used to have to mail order the tony little--I bought mine off Ebay. Prices have come down lately. I'd start looking at Walmart, Sports Authority and the like. Another thing I like is that it is so much quieter than the treadmill that I can watch (and hear) TV using it. I could not do that with the treadmill I had. It has been gentle enough (no impact) that I could use it immediately post op without hurting myself. I asked my Dr about it and he said that he did not feel it gives the anticlotting benefit of walking, so don't replace walking, but add to it. That is because you do not have to bend your ankles and calves as much. Hope this helps. My theory is that a machine that you use is better than one you won't use. Try one in a store before you order it. Joy

My surgeon wrote out for me to not exercise (meaning extreme exercise like lifting, ab work outs, etc...) for 2 weeks BUT I can start walking ASAP. He wants me to be at 2 miles by 2 months. Hope this helps!! Bethany AKA Da Offishal Riddler 8 Days into NewPouch and feeling great! A riddle a day will keep the Marchers pounds AWAY!

Once I'm home from the hospital my instructions are: 1. Walk as much as I can without getting overly tired 2. Slowly increase the distance I walk. By my six week follow-up visit, I need to be walking from one to two miles each day.