Question:
I really want to work out but can't find the energy? Any suggestions?

I am around one month post-op. I have lost around 34 pounds. I started at 264. I have felt really great and am doing really well. I had LAP RYN and was back at work in two weeks after surgery. I am 28 years old. Everytime I try to exercise I just feel to tried and lazy. It feels all wrong and I really want to exercise because I don't want to be very flabby. I try to do some cardo and lift about ten pounds. Five pounds in each hand. I can't seem to do more than maybe ten minutes (if even that)of the elliptical machine. What can I do so that I can tone and not have a lot of extra skin under my arms? I need some advice to help me get on a schedule!!    — Nicole F. (posted on February 20, 2002)

February 19, 2002
Hi! Exercise is definately a challenge at any point. You may be deconditioned and its more difficult. I always suggest starting slow, maybe doing some stretches in the am and pm (I usually say to rent a tape and pick and choose), start walking 5-10 minutes, twice a day, then increase slowly. Exercise is easier if its not a huge chore and time commitment to start, so starting slow is important. Also, find something you like, water aerobics, swimming, etc. Sometimes taking a class once a week helps get you started. I also recommend to put a star or something on your calender to see how much you have exercised. Start with a small goal, like 2x per week and then go from there. If you say you are going to do it every day, then you end up defeating yourself if you miss one day. Goals that are achievable are often kept better. Anyway, good luck and best wishes! Nat
   — majorcat

February 20, 2002
Hi! I am 6 weeks post op. I started working out again at 3 weeks. The first day, I did the treadmill, and thought 20 minutes was going to kill me and a few weights made my muscles sore. Now, after only three weeks of getting back into the grove, I am going 30 min on the eliptical (my favorite machine- although I find it a harder workout than a bike or treadmill) and some weights. I am not doing anything that strains my tummy. My doc said no abs until I see him next week. My advice would be to push yourself a little more each time you workout, and it will come. I started at 269, and am down to 240. I still don't love it while I'm doing it, but I have a lot more energy for the rest of the day, and I know it will help me in the long run. Like the previous poster said, set attainable goals, and don't give up! Keep trying!
   — Angela B.

February 20, 2002
Can't add much to the first answer. You don't exercise because you feel "tired and lazy." The flipside, however, is that you feel tired and lazy BECAUSE you don't exercise: the two are related. The mort you exercise, the more energy you'll have, not less. Start small, start easy, but start. Do something. It gets easier, bit by bit; but YOU have to start. Know this: if you don't change, nothing else will.
   — Chuck O.

February 20, 2002
One month post op (even from lap surgery) may be a bit early to be forcing yourself to work out if you are so fatigued. You ARE still recovering from your surgery. Many docs don't recommend full excercise (things other than walking) until at least six weeks post op. Remember.. those insides are still healing and the effects of anesthesia can linger for quite a while. I just did walking for the first year post op. Then I joined a gym back in October. The first time on the eliptical machine I could only do 5 minutes! It's HARD... it takes time to work up! Now I can go for 45 minutes. Lifting weights is one of the best things you can do to help shape up your arms. But don't START with 5 pound weights. Women in general, have weak arm muscles.. my trainer started me with 2 pound weights in each hand. Heck.. after 5 months of training, I still only lift 8 pounds in each arm with free weights. You may find that some of the weight machines are easier for you to handle. Ask someone at the gym to show you how to use the machines that work the arms and chest. On another note.. how are you doing nutritionally? Are you taking protein supplements? You can't expect a starving body to look forward to exercise. Make sure you're giving it sufficient energy to perform the way you're asking it too.
   — BethVBG

February 20, 2002
Hi Nicole, I agree with the last poster...you are still a little early post op to really stress over exercise. I didn't feel like doing anything consistently until last week. I just had most 2 month post op anniversary. I am a Mom of 2 little ones aged 1 & 4 and I am NOT in shape, so I wanted something quick and easy...yet effective. I had heard lots of good things about Curves for Women and I decided to go check one out. they are in MOST areas. I really like their concept and it only takes 1/2 hour to do and it's not complicated and gives you an "all over" workout plus cardio. It is inexpensive. I go everyday Mon-Fri and take the weekends off. It costs me $29.00/mo. and they have this incentive program that gives you "Curves Bucks" for each pound AND inch you lose. You can use the bucks to buy T-Shirts, sweats, bags, water bottles, etc. It is really cool. I have some free passes for anyone who wants one...let me know. If you join on the free pass you get 60% off the join up fee, which is like $59.00 after discount. I really am glad I found this place...I wouldn't be exercising otherwise. Good Luck to you!
   — Karen B.

February 20, 2002
Sorry...I meant I just had MY 2 month anniversary.
   — Karen B.

February 20, 2002
I asked the exericise therapist about Curves for Women she said it's a good program for strength training and boosting metablism but not to start until I'm 8 weeks postop because of the abdominal exercises. She recommended 2 or 3 days there and 3 or 4 days walking.
   — Candace F.