Can someone help me please...

Hi! I had RnY and hiatal hernia repair surgery on March 13th 2013-- I live on post in germany - and my surgeon is 4 hours away. My first pre op appt is not even intil May 27th- so almost a whole 'nother month away. I want to start doing some sort of exercising - but have no idea where to start or what to do.I have lower back problems-  so no situps or anything strenuous like that. Can someone please suggest some things that I can do at home - Im still very very shy abt going to work out in a gym.. especially one on post ... TIA

Start with regular walking, then advance to power walking.  Your first goal should be a 15 minute mile.  Just make sure your surgeon's office has cleared you for exercise (which can be done with a phone call).

Try to get over the gym fear.  Most people ARE NOT interested in you and what you are doing, they are concentrating on their own workout.  And, most people have major respect when an overweight or out of shape person shows up!

thanks for the helpful and encouraging advice!! I plan on implementing it starting in the morning.

You have been given good advice. I would only like to add that your journey to a healthier body is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't go out for your first walk and expect to achieve that 15 minute mile. You will come home, plop onto your couch and cry! Start very slow and gradually add time as the weeks go by. If you can manage to walk up and down a street, I would recommend that over a gym. Although a gym is a good alternative, I prefer to enjoy the fresh outdoor air. Good luck!

Thanks for your reply. I almost did do that, go out and time my walk, but then I decided I would just go for more walks each day and then make them longer and a little faster. Thanks for the encouraging info.. I do prefer the outdoors to the gym.. so much more!  Best wishes!

Hey Tia,

 

Another thing you can do for exercise would be to swim, that's actually better than walking and would probably be good for your back at the same time.  I have bad knees so I am limited to my exercise too, I started out walking around the block three times a day, now 4 months out I walk a mile three times a day, and I really enjoy it, I also walk outside.  Good luck to you.

Wow, thanks so much! Im almost 2 months out-- so hopefully I will be walking a mile 3x a day by the time im 4 months.. Congrats on all of your success. I plan on coming to the states for the summer and am hoping to do a lot of swimming while Im there! (One of my fav things to do) .. Best wishes!

I had surgery 5 days after you and I was cleared for all exercise even lifting weights by my surgeon....although my trainers said go lightly for a few more weeks. I would suggest walking like everyone mentioned. Plus how about getting some hand weights? You can use them sitting and work on some arm exercises while sitting. I also thanks to my kids have found on youtube tons of exercise classes online. I go to a gym but since most people know I had the surgery I can tell they are checking me out daily to see if they see a change. So I found a great dance class I like to do with my kids, also Leslie Sansone has walking DVDs that you can walk 3 miles with. Finally have you thought about a bike? I love spin class but I know you don't want to do a gym would you ride a bike outside? Finally the Internet might have options for workouts with a bad back. Good luck on your journey!!!!!