Vidorous exercise post RNY

  Hello friends:

Even at my highest weight, I've always done intense exercise (when I could; it still hurts when I do it but I press on) such as running (gave that up because it hurt my knees), CrossFit, and boot camps. With the decreased intake you will have after surgery, do you find that people still have the energy for that sort of vigorous exercise? I'd love to be able to lift heavy weights as it's something I enjoy.

Thanks,

cheremiste

I never did cross-fit, but I did boot camps even when I was in the 300's. You have to know yourself though so you don't get injured. I exercise and do some weights but I personally don't do them anymore, but I see people in my support group doing intense classes, I don't see why not. I was doing a Krav Maga class for awhile at about 10 months out. You just have to be careful not to listen to all their nutrition advice that is based on 'normal' people, we will never be normal. I think it gets easier once you get into a swing with the food and are more comfortable with it. For me 6 months out was the magic threshold, where I wasn't struggling as much with the food and water, felt like I could pretty much eat everything as well as having lost 100lb could finally amp up the exercise.

Growing up on a farm made lifting heavy weights a given, not an enjoyed choice.  I know my farm-strength contributed to breaking an opponent's arm in an arm-wrestling contest and also to a hernia from working too hard.  My muscles were stronger than my common sense back then.  Today, with multiple weak points in my abdomen from surgeries, I know better than to lift heavy weights ever again.

I was back to playing Dance Dance Revolution on expert levels a week post-op. I'm now more active and in better shape than I've ever been in my life. Your energy will come from the fat you're burning. E=mc^2

I was the fittest fat person you've ever met.  I have been exercising vigorously since around month 2.  Even while only eating 400-600 calories/day, I was still able to run, Zumba, step class, boot camp.  Check with your doc on when you are cleared for exercise.  Be sure to drink lots of water too.

You may want to check out the Exercise and Fitness Forum here.  I know over the years we've had many people do marathons post RNY.  The first few months you need to allow your body to heal.  Also when you are exercising intensely you need to be super careful of dehydration.  Dehydration is the # 1 reason RNY patients reenter the hospital...KNOW THE SIGNS!!  We have had at least 3 people post RNY (2 men and 1 woman) finish triathlons!!  So the sky is the limit.  I still remember one man (about 6-8 years ago) going to the south pole about 2-4 months post RNY!!  Talk about a challenge...Didn't come back for 6 months...