Question:
Exercise and water intake

My surgery date is May 17 and have a question about exercising and water intake. Post-op water intake is just sips, but when I walk or ride my bike, living in Arizona, we drink water by the gallons, especially during exercise. Looking for any help on this as it's already heating up here and even on the treadmill in the cool house, I'm afraid I'll drink too much water. I'm thinking ice chips? Also, is swimming and water aerobics enough exercise for weight loss versus walking or riding a bike? Thanks so much for any help!!!    — Conny M. (posted on April 11, 2000)

April 11, 2000
Hello I had my surgery on 2-2-00 and at first ice chips were the way to go. You will start out only slipping water. And that bothered me alot but now I am to drink water at a lot faster rate and it does not bother me at all. good luck
   — [Anonymous]

April 11, 2000
I was recommended to drink 64 oz. of water a day immediately after surgery-just sip it. To answer your question about exercise; walking briskly is much more effective than water aerobics or laps. Believe me I wish it were not the case because I love the water but a reputable trainer, Bob Greene, in his book Make the Connection, states that walking, treadmill, stairmaster, running and step aerobics are superior to swimming or water aerobics for optimum calorie-burning. My advice is to do both because you are using the optimum number of muscle groups in the water and you will be rewarded with toned muscles doing so.
   — [Deactivated Member]

April 11, 2000
Jennifer wrote: "Bob Greene, in his book Make the Connection, states that walking, treadmill, stairmaster, running and step aerobics are superior to swimming or water aerobics for optimum calorie-burning." That information is contradicted by an article (How to Swim Off Pounds) in the May issue of Prevention Magazine in which the author writes "In just half an hour (of swimming), you can burn at least 272 calories - that's equal to running at a slow pace, with a lot less risk for injury." Betterbodz.com rates swimming higher for burning calories than brisk walking, jogging and cycling. Stair-climbing appears to be about equivalent to swimming. For my money, the best exercise is the one you'll do and enjoy. For me, it's walking.
   — Duffy H.

April 11, 2000
Connie, I think that most people cannot truly appreciate the dry climate here and the intense heat that we live with daily, even after the sun goes down. I am in Phoenix and this will be my first summer as a post-op. I recommend that you carry water with you everywhere and keep track...you should get a minimum of 64 ounces of water...not including other liquids you might drink. When you are exercising, more than that is needed and if you are outdoors then the water will go through you quickly and it will probably be easy to get the water you need. Remember we can dehydrate quickly and it takes longer to get rehydrated because of the small stomach...so that is not a risk you should take. And for what it is worth...swim to your hearts content. Not everyone has the advantage of easy access to pools like we do here. Good luck.
   — S S.

April 11, 2000
Water aerobics is a wonderful exercise for you to be doing. Just keep in mind that you dehydrate in the pool like you do on the ground. Take your water bottle pool side too.
   — Paula G.

April 11, 2000
There are two significant advantages to water-based exercise. First, it is low-impact which is important for those of us who may have complications with arthritis or back/joint problems. The second is that it helps increase flexibility in most muscle groups which is another important consideration for those with arthritis and back/joint problems. One thing that you might consider is "water walking." This is simply brisk walking in water at least waist deep. You have the advantage of low impact exercise and the added resistance of the water. The deeper you walk the more resistance.
   — Nanette T.

September 16, 2000
I am still pre-op, but I have done water aerobics on and off for several years. It is an ideal exercise for heavy people because it places much less pressure on our joints and provides the added resistance of the water. I know that I am not able to walk at what most people consider a brisk pace, although that will change once I lose some weight. When I first began exercising, I was told by the trainers at the gym that water aerobics, swimming and just walking in the pool will provide me with as good a workout as regular aerobics and regular walking. The workout is actually superior in many ways because you can easily incorporate different muscle groups into the qorkout by taking advantage of the water resistance. Don't let anyone discourage you from doing any form of exercise. Just getting up and moving is more than many of us have been doing for a long time!!
   — Terry M.

March 28, 2002
Right after surgery you will only be aboe to sip, but a few months after surgery you will be able to gulp more liquids. You will never be able to gulp a whole lot, but more than just sipping. Your body will let you know.
   — Cheryl J.