Exercise?

Hi everyone! I am 6-1/2 weeks post-op and have lost 41lbs. I still have not found the energy to exercise more than walking. Dr A. wants me to start "aerobic" exercise, anything that gets my heart rate up, but I am still very sore inside. What is everyone doing for exercise? Does anyone have any suggestions? ~Robin 285/244/165

Robin, Check with some physical therapists in your area and see if they have an after care program. A local physical therapist near where I live offers a program for $20 a month (no prescription necessary) and you can go in and use the equipment (including treadmill and steppers) along with all of the nautalis (sp?). He instructs you how to use them and makes sure you are using the proper dynamic. That's what I'm doing and it's working really well. I work at my own pace and am doing strength training as well as aerobic. Another idea is to try your local YMCA. They usually have a pool exercise program, and this puts no impact on your joints. Hope this info helps. God bless, Deb

Walking IS aerobic, depends on how long and how far. I've been walking 30 minutes a day since June 22nd, had surgery on June 15th. If walking is working for you, just work up a few minutes at a time. But, I hear muscle wasting is a prob with this surgery so doing something with a Physical Therapist is probably a good idea. They'd have gentle, kind on the body suggestions for working up to greater muscle mass... I have worked with PT's for many years, and believe in them whole heartedly. You need an MD referral but shouldn't have any problem with that Jo

Robin, I'm with you! I'm still having a lot of general weakness, even though I've been walking since the day after my surgery. (Don't get me wrong, I'm counting the laps in the hospital). I've started Pilates at the local YMCA, and it's really hard! Mostly because survival since the surgery (Open) has depended on finding ways to do things without using those abs. I still have a lot of aching and soreness, too. I'm just trying not to pu**** too hard, but that's been hard for me. As a Marine Corps veteran (how many of us do you think have had WLS?) it's not in my nature to not push myself to the limits physically. I believe that a big part of my problem is that I'm still not getting enough fluids or protein, so I've also been working from that angle. I haven't noticed a change, but I want to give it a real chance. I know it's not going to hurt. My dear neighbor is not only a physical therapist, she is a PT instructor at the Medical School here in town. She has really been encouraging me to tread water for at least 45 minutes per day. She wants me to do it with her, but she exercises between 11 and 12 in the evening. (I have two active kids to keep up with during the day, and still require a full nights sleep!) She said that it's the best aerobic exercise there is. Uses all of your major body groups without impact, and won't aggrevate the incision site. She's still encouraging me to not over stretch or over use that area, even though my doctor has given me an all clear on exercising. Yes, walking is an aerobic exercise, but so much depends on how far, how fast, and the difficulty (hills, etc.) My knees, hips, and ankles determine how aerobic my daily walks are. The treading water shouldn't be affected, and it is much cooler in this heat! And like pilates, it is calming, peaceful, and tranquil as long as the kids leave me alone. Hope this helps! Good Luck! Kristie

I joined the Y and go swimming at least 3 times a week. It is the best for me because you work your entire body and you don't get all hot and sweaty. Lisa

I still have weakness, protein and fluid issues, but I am able to do an hour of water aerobics. And, it's fun! Good Luck! Sharyn

I agree with the swimming. It is aerobic and yet the water supports you so you don't feel as sore. Good luck and congrats on your loss!!!! Kate