Question:
I have a question concerning exercise.....

I am a pre op and am sort of confused about how it's possible to be able to walk or exercise vigorously right after WLS. How do you do it? I have had 2 knee surgeries on my right knee, was in a car accident this last August and am STILL going to the chiropractor for that...and have various other aches and pains that usually go along with being MO. It's these aches and pains that are keeping me from exercising properly NOW. How is that suddenly going to change after WLS? I guess I'm afraid it won't and I'll not be able to do it...and therefore not lose my weight like I want to. Any suggestions/encouragement would help. Thanks, Jeralyn    — Jeralyn Merideth (posted on November 15, 2001)

November 15, 2001
I don't think you understand that you won't be able to vigorously exercise right after WLS. You begin your walking while in the hospital - I was walked from my ICU room to my regular room! This is to prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You are encouraged to walk several times a day, but at your own pace. Once you are home, you should continue your walking, increasing the distance and time walked at your own pace. You should not try any tummy crunches or other vigorous moves until released by your doctor, usually 6 weeks. And don't try to lift anything over 10 lbs until your doctor says you can. After you are released, then you can do whatever you are physically able to do. This will be different for different people. As you lose the weight, you will be able to do more and more. Your energy level will increase, and you will be amazed at how much you can do. Hope this helps answer your question. Best of luck! (((HUGS)))
   — nealp

November 15, 2001
I started out at 407 lbs. and could barely walk around my floor of the hospital after surgery. In fact, for the first three months after surgery, I didn't exercise at all. But by then, I was down to 300 lbs. and starting to feel halfway human again. Then there was no stopping me! I'm now about 250 and exercise rigorously 4 times a week. Don't worry, you'll get skinny QUICK, and then you'll actually feel like exercising. Personal opinion only, but I think that rigorously exercising when you're MO is just asking for injuries. Best to wait until your BMI is down to 45 or under before you go crazy with the cardio. Good luck to you! You'll succeed!
   — Terissa R.