Exercise, what to expect?

I had open surgery and now I am trying to figure out how much exercise I should be doing. I have read about people doing 1hr a day aerobic exercise. I have tried going to the gym and just walking. I walk a little over a mile and am completly exhausted. The next day my stomach/ abdomen is so soar I have to take a break. Any one else going through the qualms what should one be doing. What is to little and what is to much. I am trying to figure out what is realistic at only being 2 1/2 weeks postop.

I had Lap RNY, and I was told 30 min a day, walk walk walk. No weights AT ALL until 6 weeks post op. I am only 2 weeks out now, but at 4 weeks I was told ok to do water aerobics. I can't walk for 30 min straight without feeling icky, so I take 2 15 min walks and that works out great. I have a CD I listen to and after 3 songs, I know it's time to turn around and head home and Wa'la! Brandi

If you're only 2.5 weeks out of open surgery, don't push yourself too hard yet. What's your walking speed? At this point, I'd say don't go faster than 1.5 mph, and only walk for about 30 minutes. As you start to feel stronger, extend your walking time, then increase your speed a little. If you're feeling too sore the next day to do it again, step back a little! You might find it a little less stressful on your abdominal area if you use an upright or recumbent bike for cardio - check with your surgeon to see if it's okay.

My doc requires 45 minutes/day from the day you go home!! But, he said, it can be broken up into nine five minute increments. So, when I first got home I'd do like 5 minutes here and there and occasionally slip in a 10 minute walk. Within a week or so I was able to walk a little over 1/2 a mile with no problems.