Question:
How much do you exercise?

I was just wondering how much everyone exercises every day....I am 7 weeks post-op and right now I'm walking about 45 minutes daily sometimes more...Where are you at with your post-op exercising? Am I right where I should be for my exercising? Thanks, Lisa    — Lisa F. (posted on October 15, 2003)

October 15, 2003
That would depend on where your surgeon wants you to be. I currently exercise formally 3x week for one hour each time. I combine cardio with weight training at Curves. That's all I do (in addition to the normal- get more activity in general like parking far instead of close, taking the stairs, etc). I think you will find many people do much more. But, this has worked for me so far. I think it's a matter of commiting to what you fee comfortable with and making sure you have a varied rotuine, since this is a change for life. Also, are you interested in building muscle or just buring calories- this should dictate some of your choices. Not being a fitness enthusiast, I can't give you much more advice. However, I think that waking every day is great exercise. Good luck to you!
   — LMCLILLY

October 15, 2003
According to my surgeon: Not enough
   — Amy A.

October 15, 2003
Maybe I should re-phrase: YOU'RE doing fine...he said I wasn't exercising enough :) Good luck Lisa!!
   — Amy A.

October 15, 2003
Here is my exercise routine (I am 5 months post-op). I attend a kick boxing class (1 hour) 4 times a week, attend a weight lifting class (1 hour) once a week and take one pilates class (1 hour) once a week. Sometimes I exercise more, some times less. I only weigh myself every three months so I can't tell you if I have avoided the dreaded plateaus with my exercise, but I feel alot better after I exercise. Prior to my Dr's release I was walking around 6 miles a day. I lost weight walking but didn't always sweat. When released from the Dr. I wanted to attend classes where I would sweat.(I feel I am pushed more in a class than working out on my own). Though it isn't true, I feel more successful with my exercise when I am sweating.
   — jmusser

October 15, 2003
You are doing great. I walked alot too, it just makes you feel better overall and you burn calories. I started attending a wellness center at six months out. I took it slow the first few weeks my upper body strength was terrible. I now do 30 minutes on a cross trainer, 10 minutes on a treadmill, 15 minutes on a stair climber and go through a strength circuit training 20 minutes. My work outs are 1 1/2 hrs. four times a week---its excessive but I love it. I change my workouts every so often. Everyone is different so tailor a workout program best for you. Later try to add some strength training with your surgeons permission . I am 49 years old --down 117lb and lots of inches.
   — debmi

October 16, 2003
I started exercising at 9 weeks post-op. I walked on a treadmill for 25 minutes a day 5 days a week. I did that until I had my tt and reached goal. Now after having been at goal for a over a year, I try to walk 7 miles a week - normally walking 2 miles 3 to 4 days a week on the treadmill.
   — Patty H.

October 16, 2003
I started walking about 12 weeks post op for about 2 miles 5X per week. When my weight loss started slowing down in my 6th month, I began playing tennis for an hour about 5X a week. At 9 months post, I joined the local YMCA and do 30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical machine each workout. I also work out with weights alternating my upper and lower body every other day. My workout takes about 50 minutes and I go to the gym 5-6 times per week. I am 1 year post and down about 127 pounds. It's great that you are starting your exercise so soon post op. Keep it up!
   — Yolanda J.

October 17, 2003
I am 8 months out and down 101 pounds. I started at 5 weeks out and walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes and do weights/machines for another 40 minutes or so, 3 to 4 times a week.I think it helps, but I am still going to need some PS.
   — Fixnmyself