Marathon Running

There is no reason that you can't do it after surgery but that is not the complete answer.  It may or may not take some experimenting to find out what works for you with a post-op stomach.  You may have to avoid anything with sugar or there may even be particular bottled water that does not agree with you.  You may be fine in those areas but perhaps not.  I can't run a long race and depend on their water if it's poland spring.  Just something I have to factor in.  Here is my caution that I give everyone who aspires to run long distances:  Give it some time after your surgery to cement some good eating habbits.  When you start doing runs of an hour and more, you will need carbs and your appetite may increase. 

In 5 or 10 years when the appeal of the marathon has worn off, you will want good eating habbits to fall back on.  This surgery is about good eating habbits and moderate exercise.  You will want to do the marathon for the reasons that you choose, not because you have to. 

I would not run more than 6 miles in the first year.  After 4 marathons and a slew of half marathons, I can say that my appetite goes through the roof when I do runs of 8 miles or more and when you marathon train, you will be doing a lot.  I ran my first 1/2 marathon 7 months after my surgery.  I wish that I had waited a bit to cement those good eating habbits. 

Many of us on this board have completed marathons after RNY.  Unlike others on this board, I completed my first marathon five years after RNY.  I ended up running two last year.  I took a while to build up to the marathon, running 5ks, then 10k, then 10 milers and half-marathons.   The training for the marathon is extremely intense and time-consuming.  Also, when running the longer distances you may find that your appetite increases significantly, which can lead to weight gain.   Good luck to you.
Rob

Congratulations on the committment to good health and good exercise.

I ran my first marathon in December.  On the whole it was a great experience, but not one to be taken lightly.

Hydration and nutrition is the key!!

Good luck!

I've also done 2 marathons.  One with good training, one without.  Also 6 sprint tris, several 5 and 10ks, and 4 half marathons over the past 4 years.  Experiences I wouldn't have had without the RNY.  Plus, I was 38 when I started running and still did fine.

Linn