Question:
I am 5'9 and weigh 390. when should i be able to have regular excercise sessions

i heard it is good to wait till you are just under 300 pounds.    — nanci L. (posted on February 26, 2002)

February 26, 2002
Bull-pucky!!! You can have regular exercise sessions NOW! I started out at 494 and walked a couple of times a week, around the block. I also bought a Schwinn Airdyne dual action (moves arms and legs) exercise bike as I found it easier to have my weight supported on my butt while exercising. At 530 (about 4 months prior to my surgery), I did Sweatin to the Oldies by Dick Simmons, sitting down. The key is to remember to protect your joints and GRADUALLY increase the amount of time and effort. I started out doing 3 miles in about 25 minutes on the bike. That was all I could stand. Gradually, I can now do 12 miles in about an hour. Barring your doctor absolutely prohibiting exercise, ANYTHING you do will help maintain strength, flexiability and cardiovascular fitness.
   — merri B.

February 26, 2002
I'm still pre op 378lbs and I walk two miles a day and my pcp and surgeon both encourage me in doing so. Start small walk 10 or 15 minutes if you can you'll be surprised what a difference it makes.
   — Laurie B.

February 26, 2002
I'm 5'9 & weighed 350 when I had surgery. I started exercising very gradually after surgery when my Dr gave me the OK, I'd say at about 21/2 to 3 weeks post op. I started walking slowly on a treadmill & began doing arm exercises, then added legs, etc. I had to wait a little longer before doing any sit-ups or crunches. When I first started, I couldn't even go 5 minutes on the treadmill, but I just kept up gradually doing a little more. I think it's very important for you to get in some exercise, ANY exercise now. If you can only walk for 5 minutes, fine. You will discover that after a week or two you will be able to walk for six minutes, then seven... Your ability will gradually increase. It's true that while you are this large, it will be difficult, but if you start small and increase gradually, as you can, it will be so much to your advantage. You don't mention if you've had or are having surgery, but they really do start you exercising in the hospital; they want you up & walking around those halls. You just continue walking when you get home, adding as you can. I don't believe there is any point at all to waiting til you're under or close to 300 pounds or any other weight. Start today, start now and do what you can. It's for your health.
   — Kathy W.

February 26, 2002
Try Yoga for beginners..Or the Richard Simmons tapes. You can do it..You go gurl!!!
   — Ruth S.

February 26, 2002
You'll have to start slow, but you can enjoy regular exercise at any weight. At 407 lbs., I could only walk about 5-7 minutes before I was TOTALLY worn out. Now, at 240 lbs. (and shrinking!), I can do at least 30 mins. of cardio in a stretch or about 2 miles of walking. What will I be able to do 50 lbs. from now? The sky's the limit!
   — Terissa R.

February 26, 2002
If you can find a pool - water is great. I get in the deep end and run - no stress on joints and the fat keeps me afloat LOL.
   — Sunny S.

February 26, 2002
I'm 5 months out from my RNY and down 102 lbs. I started at almost 300 and also have Lupus which hinders my ability to excersize significantly. Water is the best answer. If you have access to a pool you're all set.(although, if you feel like I did, I was NOT going to a public pool in a bathing suit at 300 lbs, I know... I'm a wimp) If not, start with what you can do. I started walking as soon as I came home from the hospital. The first week I walked less than a tenth of a mile. Even if it seems like it is too little to make any difference, we have to start somewhere. Now I can walk a mile and could probably do more if I wasn't on a tight schedule. I also use Richard Simmons stretching tape. As opposed to the Oldies excersize videos, it is very low key, but at least it is something! Another possibility is either excersize videos or classes designed for arthritis patients. There is a program called "Sit and be Fit" which you can do sitting down. Best wishes to you, wait until you see how much difference even a small weight loss makes in how you feel. It is so exciting!
   — Bobbie B.