Adding regular physical activity is incredibly important for successful weight loss both before and after bariatric surgery. You should begin adding exercise to your daily routine before your weight loss surgery, and keep it up afterward. A recent study showed that those who pursue an exercise program lose an average of 13 pounds more than those who do not.
Before surgery, aim for adding at least a small amount of physical activity each day, such as 10 minutes of walking twice a day. If the Salt Lake City heat is making going outdoors unattractive, try walking at the mall or at an exercise club. You can even get a workout by marching in place while seated if you have problems with mobility. Adding exercise before surgery doubles your chances of successfully maintaining an exercise routine after your procedure.
After surgery, it is vital to start getting exercise as soon as possible. As soon as you are able to walk, take short walks in the halls outside your hospital room. If necessary, a nurse or family member can help you walk. You can also do leg exercises in your bed. One good one is flexing your feet back and forth, holding each position for a few seconds. These exercises will speed your recovery time and help prevent complications such as blood clots.
Once you are home, begin increasing your level of exercise. Chair aerobics is a good option if you are still having trouble with mobility. Many gyms and community centers have classes. You can also rent exercise DVDs.
Try to get out and walk at least once a day for 10 minutes or so. Over time, you can increase the length of your walks as you lose weight and gain endurance. Within a few months, you should be able to exercise for 30 minutes five times a week.