Question:
When can I exercise and how much?

I am 8 weeks post op, I had an Open RNY, and then the week following had an additional surgery for a complication I had called a bowel obstruction. This, of course, has slowed my recovery CONSIDERABLY. I am just now able to work a full day and SERIOUSLY lacking energy. In fact, when I get home I am so exhausted all I can do is lay on the couch the rest of the night, my poor husband is living on Frozen Pizza's. My question is shouldnt I be starting to exercise? What are some of your suggestions for how I can fit in exercise when I am so exhausted, what types of exercise could I do, and am I OK to think that maybe I am not ready yet , since I went thru two major surgeries in 2 weeks? I have lost 63 pounds, but I have NO muscle tone in my body, in my arms or legs at all. Even when I had the extra weight I had muscle tone. I was on my back for 6 weeks recovering from the surgeries so I know that has something to do with it. I guess I am just looking for a supportive ear who can offer some words of encouragement. I thank God for each of the people who offer their advice and time on this website it has given me so much inspiration and help that I just wouldnt be able to get from my surgeon or his staff. God Bless! Stephanie    — Stephanie B. (posted on October 29, 2002)

October 29, 2002
Hey there, though I've not had surgery yet, I am a 14 year nurse. I work at a geriatric rehab facility where they do that kind of stuff all the time. You first have to work on getting off the couch, walking through all the rooms in your house several times a day. Then build yourself up by walking the length of your yard, around the house to eventually walking the block and up. You can't push too hard, but you can't let your fears and weariness hold you back from doing what you KNOW you should be doing. I have had 2 abdominal laps and a c-section, and bounced back pretty quick, but I'm stubborn too.(lol) Just add a few steps everyday and you'll see how fast you get to feeling better. Good luck!
   — Leigh G.

October 29, 2002
I agree with the first poster. Before my surgery I decided that I was going to do the most exercise possible to spit up my weight loss to get it over with. I learned the hard way that your body doesn't always cooperate with your mind no matter how strong willed you are. I found myself not doing anything except walking through the house for the first two weeks. When I did make it outside it was down the block half way (rest) and then back. BUT by the following week I was taking 30-60 minute walks with my daughters. I was amazed at the progress in one week! I found that just making a little effort goes a long way with giving you energy to do more the next time. Take it easy. Recover well. You don't want to re-injure yourself trying to do too much too soon but you don't want to defeat yourself by not trying a little. It will give you energy for the next attempt. Take it easy.
   — wemax2

October 29, 2002
I took the whole walking issue very seriously after this surgery because it truly made me feel better. I went out about 6 times a day and at first I could only go about 4-5 houses then I could go 8 houses then I could make it to the end of the block. Then I went around the block and 4 times around is a mile so I went around the block 4 times a day. Then after two weeks I could walk my mile all at once. I did not ever push it I just tried to up my number of houses every other day and it was amazing before I knew is I was walking a mile all at once. I am 6 weeks post op now and I do Gilad's workout on the tv and I love it. Good Luck sorry you had complications but you can do it. Peggy open rny 9/20 -40#'s
   — Peggy A.

October 29, 2002
hiya! WALK WALK WALK WALK!! i started walking by just walking around the house...by 2 weeks post op i was walking up and down the block. when i got clearance to drive at 4 weeks i taught my daughter how to swim so while we were at the pool i'd do my own "water aerobics"...leg lifts, push ups against the side..stuff like that. and walk walk walk...we leave about 30 mintues from the beach so we go over there and walk-- we can do over 5 miles at a time now. no lifting weights or anything thats going to put strain on your stomach muscles for at least 4-6 months...let them heal! i just started yoga (am 16 mos post op) and man, that uses muscles too! lol i now also lift weights. you might be surprised at how much muscle you have...you've spent years carrying around your body weight and you are STRONG! some ppl have joined Curves...but you're really too soon out for that. give it a few more months. i have an exercise guide for post ops i can email you if you'd like it. let me know. [email protected] kate open rny 6-14-01 pre op: 268lbs goal: 135lbs current: 126lbs
   — jkb

October 30, 2002
hey Stephanie- move around as much as you can! I, too had complications and had 3 surgeries within the first month. I was back to work 2 weeks after WLS, and worked throughout the course of the other 2 surgeries.I was walking 6 weeks after the first surgery, and started at the gym 8 weeks later. My surgeon requested no abdominal crunchy stuff until 12 weeks post op open RNY, even accounting for the opening & closing that came later. It ain't easy, but you can do it!
   — Karen N.

October 30, 2002
hey Stephanie- move around as much as you can! I, too had complications and had 3 surgeries within the first month. I was back to work 2 weeks after WLS, and worked throughout the course of the other 2 surgeries.I was walking 6 weeks after the first surgery, and started at the gym 8 weeks later. My surgeon requested no abdominal crunchy stuff until 12 weeks post op open RNY, even accounting for the opening & closing that came later. It ain't easy, but you can do it!
   — Karen N.

October 30, 2002
hey Stephanie- move around as much as you can! I, too had complications and had 3 surgeries within the first month. I was back to work 2 weeks after WLS, and worked throughout the course of the other 2 surgeries.I was walking 6 weeks after the first surgery, and started at the gym 8 weeks later. My surgeon requested no abdominal crunchy stuff until 12 weeks post op open RNY, even accounting for the opening & closing that came later. It ain't easy, but you can do it!
   — Karen N.

October 30, 2002
hey Stephanie- move around as much as you can! I, too had complications and had 3 surgeries within the first month. I was back to work 2 weeks after WLS, and worked throughout the course of the other 2 surgeries.I was walking 6 weeks after the first surgery, and started at the gym 8 weeks later. My surgeon requested no abdominal crunchy stuff until 12 weeks post op open RNY, even accounting for the opening & closing that came later. It ain't easy, but you can do it!
   — Karen N.

October 30, 2002
hey Stephanie- move around as much as you can! I, too had complications and had 3 surgeries within the first month. I was back to work 2 weeks after WLS, and worked throughout the course of the other 2 surgeries.I was walking 6 weeks after the first surgery, and started at the gym 8 weeks later. My surgeon requested no abdominal crunchy stuff until 12 weeks post op open RNY, even accounting for the opening & closing that came later. It ain't easy, but you can do it!
   — Karen N.

October 30, 2002
hey Stephanie- move around as much as you can! I, too had complications and had 3 surgeries within the first month. I was back to work 2 weeks after WLS, and worked throughout the course of the other 2 surgeries.I was walking 6 weeks after the first surgery, and started at the gym 8 weeks later. My surgeon requested no abdominal crunchy stuff until 12 weeks post op open RNY, even accounting for the opening & closing that came later. It ain't easy, but you can do it!
   — Karen N.

October 30, 2002
hey Stephanie- move around as much as you can! I, too had complications and had 3 surgeries within the first month. I was back to work 2 weeks after WLS, and worked throughout the course of the other 2 surgeries.I was walking 6 weeks after the first surgery, and started at the gym 8 weeks later. My surgeon requested no abdominal crunchy stuff until 12 weeks post op open RNY, even accounting for the opening & closing that came later. It ain't easy, but you can do it!
   — Karen N.

October 30, 2002
hey Stephanie- move around as much as you can! I, too had complications and had 3 surgeries within the first month. I was back to work 2 weeks after WLS, and worked throughout the course of the other 2 surgeries.I was walking 6 weeks after the first surgery, and started at the gym 8 weeks later. My surgeon requested no abdominal crunchy stuff until 12 weeks post op open RNY, even accounting for the opening & closing that came later. It ain't easy, but you can do it!
   — Karen N.

October 30, 2002
hey Stephanie- move around as much as you can! I, too had complications and had 3 surgeries within the first month. I was back to work 2 weeks after WLS, and worked throughout the course of the other 2 surgeries.I was walking 6 weeks after the first surgery, and started at the gym 8 weeks later. My surgeon requested no abdominal crunchy stuff until 12 weeks post op open RNY, even accounting for the opening & closing that came later. It ain't easy, but you can do it!
   — Karen N.

October 30, 2002
hey Stephanie- move around as much as you can! I, too had complications and had 3 surgeries within the first month. I was back to work 2 weeks after WLS, and worked throughout the course of the other 2 surgeries.I was walking 6 weeks after the first surgery, and started at the gym 8 weeks later. My surgeon requested no abdominal crunchy stuff until 12 weeks post op open RNY, even accounting for the opening & closing that came later. It ain't easy, but you can do it!
   — Karen N.

October 30, 2002
Hi Stephanie! I agree with the other posters about taking it slow and easy, but I think you need to make sure you are getting your nutrition too so you won't be so tired. Are you drinking protein shakes? Taking your vitamins? I know I'd be a lump of dough if it wasn't for my protein and vitamins! And drinking water!! I really think that - at least in the beginning - protein shakes, vitamins, and water all are more important than food for us. Get them in first! :)
   — ediecat

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