Pre-op exercise

Hello all!  One question I have is...What are the exercises that you did before you had WLS to get toned?  I want to tone my arms, legs and stomach as much as I can so my skin will not sag as bad after surgery.  Any advice that you have would be greatly apprecitated.   P.S.  I don't want to lose more than 20 pounds in the next four months because then I will be under the required weight of my insurance company so toning is ideal if you have any suggestions.  Thanks! 

I'm afraid that no matter what exercise you do before, your skin will sag. I wear it as a badge of honor. I would do Tan and Tone. It takes off inches vs. pounds. I'm rejoining tomorrow afternoon.

I was told to walk and walk some more...you will go see a physical therapist as part of the pre op testing she/he will give you exercises to help you. I used the resistance bands to help and lifted weights. But I still sag..which  am proud of...my new "hobby" is to see how giggly the extra skin can be. Just remember this as long as you exercise you are toning..even if its just walking. I also do a walk tape in my home...Just move the body and it will help ya....

Thanks for the replies.  Everyone here is so nice!  I have asked this question on the Exercise and Fitness forum and they were not quite as tactful.  I guess I will keep up the walking and I will probably start lifting some small weights.  Thanks again!

Hi! Sorry I missed posting here before now. Dr. Nelson asks that every patient exercise 5 times per week for at least 20 minutes the month before surgery to better prepare your body for surgery. You can walk, do videos, etc. I enjoy doing the Leslie Sanson Walk Away the Pounds DVD and in it she uses very light hand weights to tone arms and upper body. Dr. Nelson also has you see a physical therapist at the Physical Performance center in Norman and in visit, your PT makes a listing of exercise suggestions and they are all written down for you, along with a PT packet that you are given to add to your notebook. Everything is clearly explained  and you have the phone number of the PT to call if you have any questions. Also, you are given  and  instructed in the use of an incentive spirometer to be used 3 X daily (10 times each session) to better prepare your lungs for surgery. At my initial appt. with Dr. Nelson all my insurance stuff had already been done. After speaking with Dr. Nelson at length and having an exam, I was taken to the office manger's office. Barry, the office manager, went over the program in detail and made ALL my appointments for me that day (PT, psych, nutritional counseling, etc.), including my surgery date! He also gave ma a tabbed notebook that I bring to every appointment and they give me more information for my notebook as resource material to review. Teh notebook also has a calendar section where you write down all your appointments ... and you know all of them at that day. I was given a big bag of nutritional supplements to try so that I would know what I liked best before surgery. I've completed all my appointments, been doing my exercise and breathing as instructed, and just have my full day of pre-op orientation to complete. I'm excited, because during that day we are given loads of information and also get to tour the new dedicated bariatric unit at Norman Regional Hospital. I hope this isn' t too much information, but since we had spoken before I though I'd give you some insight to the program! They have been wonderful to keep me updated and well informed every step of the way and everybody has been very kind and caring.

Thanks for your reply...I appreciate all of the info.  The more I'm equipped the better I'll be when I go in for surgery!  THANKS!!

Jenn, I used my stationary bike alot prior to surgery. I'm ashamed to say that I should have done more, but I hate, hate, hate, the word exercise. I love your avatar, Rita

Great because I just got a stationary bike and we have a treadmill.  Thanks about the avatar I wasn't sure others would find it as funny as I did.

I unfortunatly did not do any before (health was not good). But walking or bike or what ever you can do before surgery has to be a benifit to you.