One Week Post OP- where do I start

I use to be physically fit- 20 years ago...it's been so long.

But after many years of living a couch potato life, I'm not sure how to start.

Any advice would be great...like do I start just walking, swimming and how far?

Just move a little. When that gets easy move a little faster and so on. Start slow but be consistant. I would also tell you to add weights when the doc releases you for it. Better to keep the muscle you have than try to rebuild it later. But remember start SLOW AND STEADY.

If you can handle it start with a walk.  How far is up to you and your body.  When I started walking I shot for 30 minutes and and then pushed for another 5 or 10 minutes every other wee****il I was at an hour.  Once I hit the hour mark then I started increasing my distance it took a few months but worked up to 4 miles.

Start with what you can physically handle and what your surgeon will allow. I was limited to 30 minutes at a time until 8 weeks out, and wasn't allowed in a pool for 6 weeks.

I echo what the guys said.

Walking is free and available to everyone.  you can walk outside, you can walk in a mall when the weather is bad.  If you have access to a gym, you can walk on a treadmill.  Slow and steady.  It's ok to walk for 10 minutes, sit down for 10 minutes and walk for 10 minutes (after surgery, that was all I could do).  when you master that, add 5 minutes.

When you are feeling better, think about what you might LIKE to do.  biking? rock climbing? skiing? snowshoeing? yoga?  Tennis? 

There are plenty of things available in your area that you don't even know about, I'll bet.  Once you start looking around you'll see them.  Don't be afraid to try!

You start by giving your body time to rest and heal from the majory surgery and trauma it just endured. That could take a couple weeks or it could take a couple months. Exercise is not necessary for weight loss so don't feel like you need to rush into anything before your body is ready (hint: your mind will be ready before your body...I couldn't even get my fluids in for weeks, let alone worry about exercise)

Then when you are feeling better and more energetic, start walking. As you shed the pounds, you can try different things and hopefully you will find something you love to do.

Whoo-hoo!!!! I love your arms! They look so good. Muscled but not manly. When I grow up I want arms like yours!!!



Pre-Op Diet -20 lbs, Surgery 10/19/10

It all starts with walking, just keep it simple until you heal up and keep your surgeon in the loop regarding your plans. Best of luck and welcome...