Question:
Exercise prior to Surgery

I exercise regularly & weight 220lbs. It's because I exercise that I don't weigh more. I'm scheduled for surgery next month & been told that if I continue to exercise, I may gain weight instead of loosing it (which I have to prior to the surgery 15-20lbs). Now I'm afraid to exercise for fear of gaining weight muscle & although I'm dieting and have lost 14lbs thus far. What do you think? I DO plan on returning to exercising after I'm well from the surgery. Can't wait!    — Ruth M. (posted on January 28, 2009)

January 28, 2009
Definately excercise so that your skin will stay tight and not hang to your knees after you lose all the weight.
   — Carlyn M.

January 28, 2009
Ruth, It's true that muscle weighs more than fat, however you have to exercise in order for the body to burn fat. If you're concerned about gaining muscle weight prior to surgery, just do mild exercises to raise your heart rate and get your metabolism moving (like walking, etc) and dont do anything that packs on muscle mass such as weight lifting, swimming, etc. Best wishes!
   — Elizabeth J.

January 28, 2009
Don't you believe them! Keep on exercising. I signed on for surgery at 239 and had been exercising after a car accident. The day of surgery I weighed 202 (almost 8 months later). Now after lapband surgery in August I weigh 173 and I am still exercising. Whatever you do now, will only help in the long run. Never give up! Marti in San Jose
   — Marti P.

January 28, 2009
The added MUSCLE will ACCELERATE your weight loss! KEEP EXERCIZING. The more muscle you have, the more FAT you will burn.
   — hubarlow

January 28, 2009
I would continue exercising but focus solely on cardio instead of weight lifting or resistance trainin
   — thundercat

January 28, 2009
keep exercising. You are not going to lose as quickly as say someone who was completely sedentary and weighs over 300 lbs, but it will come off. I weigh about 215 now and I am finding my weight loss has slowed down considerably, so that means I need to exercise more, add strength training to the mix, and watch my diet more carefully. I lost 40 lbs before surgery and another 40 lbs after surgery. It has been 5 months since my surgery. I have approximately 70 more lbs to go. At this rate though, and the size I am now, frankly I am very happy at how I feel. I have not been this size since my early twenties and I am 55 years old! Everyone loses at their own rate. I will lose 2 or 3 lbs one week, and nothing for a few weeks then lose a few more lbs. Just be patient and drink your water and exercise and eat what your nut tells you to eat. You will do fine.
   — cydthekid50

January 28, 2009
Hi! I was able to walk 2 miles the day after I got home from my August Lapband surgery. I had always exercised prior to surgery as you have. I have been going to the gym 5 days per week since my surgery and have lost 50 pounds. Hang in there--definitely exercise--you will lose weight and you will feel fantastic!! ner50
   — nerna50