Question:
What if you don't or can't exercise?

I guess I'm using this as an excuse, although I have enjoyed walking. What if the weather is too bad you can't get out and walk,you don't have exercise equipment, and can't go to the mall to walk? What do you do at home? I'm 5 weeks post-op, RNY open. Thanks,    — Betty Todd (posted on February 20, 2001)

February 19, 2001
There are plenty of exercises you can do at home without equipment. If you have stairs you can walk the stairs. If you don't have stairs you can walk around the house several times, you can do stretching exercising. If you have a video tape you can do low impact aroebics. Since you are new post op you are limited in what you can do anyway.
   — [Anonymous]

February 20, 2001
May I suggest Yoga? If done properly, Yoga is great for strength building, flexibility, balance and it is not JUST stretching. Do four salutes to the sun and tell me you're not sweating. The other great thing about Yoga is that it's suitable for any size or shape, only do what you can without hurting yourself, but do lots of it. It may require a book or video, but can definitely be done indoors. I also suggest finding a good slow class that meets at least weekly. Good Health :)
   — kcanges

February 20, 2001
You are a new postop and need to start slowly. Without any exercise equipment and without going outside, you still have options. I suggest putting on some good, brisk music that you enjoy and plan, say, a ten minute exercise period. MOVE your body, that is the key here. You could march around inside your house, pumping your arms. You could carry a couple of big cans and pump your arms as you march. You could walk up and down stairs -- even a couple of steps up and back down. But, I must say, I LOVE my treadmill. Don't invest in a cheap one and by all means, it must be electric! I made a new year's resolution at 8 months postop to get on mine every day (prior to that, I was sporadic with my exercising). Now, I don't feel right unless I get my 20 minute walk in. Now, I know that's a lot less than what some people do -- but 20 minutes has always been the recommended amount of brisk exercise for a healthy heart and I am using that as my goal. I also have Fibromyalgia and the docs say to do the exact same amount of exercise daily for Fibromyalgia to keep from flareups and that works for me. I'm very near my goal weight, am firming up nicely and won't need any tucks or nips. Congrats on your decision to make a better you! You are doing good, but please LOOK for ways to exercise and not EXCUSES for not exercising. The change will do you good and it will get easier as you get further past the surgery. Don't overdo, but do something!
   — Cindy H.