Working Out Before WLS??

Okay so as most everyone knows I haven't had the WLS yet.  I have my first appt to get my date on the 25th of May (30 more days woo hoo). Well my husband suggested that we start working out together at the gym here on base where we live.  It's free and all so we have it right there 24-7.  I told him I wasn't sure if I wanted to do that because I don't want to work and work at my body for it not to show after WLS.  My husband is very supportive in all of this but he is very tall and has a good weight so he is looking for tone and muscle build.  Something that wont really show on me at my weight right now.  So my question is...should I work out before I have my WLS?  Or should I just wait?  I am really not sure what to do.  Did anyone work out before hand? And if so was it a waste? I just don't want to stop dropping lbs and not have any tone to my body.  So any suggestions? I hope this all makes since sometimes I just ramble. hehe thanks.

Bobbye

First off, exercising is never a waist no matter what stage of surgery you are at. If anything it will make you MORE toned for surgery and will help you to get rid of some extra weight before surgery so that you have less to lose after. Depending on which exercises you are doing it will help you build muscle to replace some fat which also burns fat faster if that makes since. I know your wanting to see results fast from working out but it takes time but you will get results especially after you have surgery and start losing weight like crazy. good luck and I would recommend starting now if thats an option, which it sounds like it is.

I hit the gym regularlry prior to my WLS, I concentrated mostly on weight training and as I have begun to drop weight it's great to notice the muscle starting to show.  It is definetly not a waste!  Building muscle is the best thing you can do for your body, it will help your metabolism, and help your recovery.  Also getting in the habit of working out now you realize the importance of protein because your muscle and body needs it to heal after a workout.  So you will be on your way to a good start when you are cleared to start lifting again...  I strongly reccommend you and your husband check out www.crossfit.com.  It is a great program, perfectly scaleable (meaning you can lighten the weights or half the reps if needed) and it will help you gain amazing amounts of strength!  The workouts are posted daily for free and im sure there is a crossfsit affiliate gym somewhere by you as it is very popular with military and law enforcement.  It's possible that your husband has heard about it aready.  

Bottom line, work out before your WLS... and don't just spend all day on the elliptical or treadmill.  Weight training is important and if you combine it with cardio then you will see great results after you have your surgery.  

If you have any questions feel free to ask :)

 The other two posters are correct, you should start working out now!   It's so much more than just something for physical appearance, it's a benefit to your heart, muscles, joints, etc..etc...etc..

I've been regularly working out for the past 7 years and I wouldn't have done it any other way.  Granted, I was still obese but I know if I would have never done any exercise I probably would already have diabetes by now or have had to have knee surgery.  

Don't worry about not dropping weight after surgery, you will and because you have exercised you will already be use to it and it will help you tone your body to drop more weight.   If you don't like even thinking about exercise because horrible thoughts of running for miles pop into your mind, just do things that you enjoy.  Have you ever tried weight machines?  Those are great for beginners and you don't have to put on a ton of weight to feel some results.  Walking is always fantastic and it's something most everyone can do.   Start small, don't try to work out for an hour the first time...just do 20 minutes and then build up to 30 and so on. 

The biggest reason I am pro-exercise before surgery is that it will get your body strong to help you heal from your surgery faster.   If you are even semi-physically fit, you will have the strength to get up and start your walking 2 hours after surgery.   You CAN do it and you will thank yourself a million times over for it if you just start right now!!!  

If you need any tips or ideas on what to do, just ask.... I'm full of them.  :-)  

~Emily~

yeah, what everyone else said is correct. The benefits are so great for your recovery, and any steps toward your goal both before and after the surgery are great. Me for example- I worked out a little before I got my band, and then when I got it I really stepped it up and was exercising 5 times a week and calorie counting. I had trouble with my band and it never actually gave me any restriction- but I kept exercising and eating right and I lost a lot of weight on my own. Now I have a sleeve, and I've had it for a little over a month now, and I'm losing weight more dramatically. But I had a 55 lb head start, and I look so much better than if I had been losing it through diet alone. and I have much more energy- it keeps my metabolism up so I don't feel like I'm wasting away. exercise= golden!

Thank you all for the advice. My husband and I start working out today!! I am excited and I hope I can keep this up.  Thanks again you guys are awseome. Wish me luck on the working out!!!

Bobbye