Post-Op Exercise and Activity

There are really NO restrictions for every day activities after surgery, but go slow for the first several days.

Most people begin driving three-five days after surgery, but only after stopping their prescription pain medicine.

The first week post-operatively, you must push walking.

At 7-10 days, you may slowly begin to use the treadmill, stationary bike, or elliptical machine.

I advise no strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least 3-4 weeks post-op, such as no golf, no aerobics, no weight lifting, etc. Long term, there are generally no restrictions.

Post-operative progress varies from person to person. Please consult your surgeon for clearance to begin or resume the above activities and/or other exercises.

Long term, you must incorporate exercise into your daily routine (at least 30 minutes/day) to maximize the results of your weight loss surgery. Do not try to find the time, you must “make” the time to exercise!!

Weight loss surgery is effective in reducing the number of calories eaten each day. Exercise adds to this by increasing the number of calories burned. When you exercise and build muscle, your metabolic rate increases and you will burn more calories, even at rest.

To lose weight, you must reduce your ‘calories in’ or increase your burning of ‘calories out.’ Or, better yet, DO BOTH!

You must decrease your calorie intake by 500 calories a day (3,500 calories per week) to lose one pound per week. Or, for example, decrease your caloric intake by 250 calories per day and burn off an extra 250 calories per day to achieve the net deficit goal of 500 calories per day.

Soon, you will have more energy, you will feel better about yourself, and you will be even more motivated to continue the changes that have made you successful.