After a surgical weight loss procedure it is important to develop a regular exercise routine. The definition of exercise varies quite a bit from patient to patient. For some it could be cardio kickboxing, while for others just walking 100 feet can be difficult. Regardless of where you start, the important thing is to have a regular schedule of 3-4 days per week dedicated to some form of exercise.
Right after surgery, however, it is critical that you take it easy for a little while. No lifting, pushing, pulling or tugging over 10 pounds is allowed for the first week. You can increase the limit by 10 additional pounds for every subsequent week. After 4 weeks you can lift as much as you feel comfortable.
If you like, you could start walking slowly on a treadmill (or even an elliptical with low resistance) starting in the second week. Try it for just 5 minutes, if you tolerate it well you can increase the duration by 5 minutes each subsequent time you do it. Try to work up to 30-40 minutes by week 4.
Developing the right exercise habits after weight loss surgery will increase the likelihood that you reach (and maintain) your goal weight, so get it going and keep it going!
