If you are planning to have bariatric surgery at Cooper University Health Care, it’s important that you understand how to exercise pre- and post-procedure. The following workout tips for before and after weight-loss surgery are a great way for bariatric patients in South Jersey and the Delaware Valley to ensure that they’re in peak physical condition.
The style and intensity of workouts will change as you move through different phases of this weight-loss procedure. Continue reading to get a full rundown of the recommended fitness routines.
Pre-Surgery Workout Tips
Preparing for bariatric surgery is a detailed process that requires patients to achieve a nominal level of fitness to help improve the overall effectiveness of the procedure. The healthier your cardiovascular system, the better your body will be at responding to the upcoming changes.
The emphasis of pre-surgery exercise includes losing as much weight as you can and improving your overall stamina. Not only do cardio-oriented workouts—such as running, biking, or swimming—boost your cardiovascular health, they also improve heart health, which is another key to successful bariatric surgery.
Going to the gym and ramping up your intensity as much as possible is the ultimate goal, but it starts with small, healthy fitness decisions that you can make every day.
An easy way to start is to include more movement in your daily routine, whether this means parking farther away from your office or workplace, using the stairs as often as possible, or performing physical activities around the house, such as cleaning or organizing.
Post-Surgery Workout Tips
As you begin to transition back to exercise after surgery, your routines will alter significantly, with more of an emphasis placed on flexibility, deep breathing, and a comfortable return to everyday physical activities.
Depending on the results of the surgery, you may be able to start working out again within two weeks or so, although the timing should be discussed with your surgeon beforehand. When you return to the gym, walking and modest biking are two commonly recommended exercises that provide benefit but won’t cause much physical strain.
Abdominal exercises are out of the question, at least until approximately 8 to 12 weeks after surgery. This restriction is important to allow time for the incision to heal properly. No matter what type of workout you’re performing, don’t push yourself past your pain threshold.
Dietary Recommendations
Strict dietary guidelines should be followed post-surgery to aid the rehabilitation process. One reason why you won’t be able to work out immediately after the procedure is because your daily caloric intake will drop considerably, leaving you with less energy and physical endurance than you might normally have.
Slowly, you’ll be able to increase your caloric intake along with the intensity and frequency of your exercise routines. Your surgeon will be able to provide you with more specifics regarding the number of calories you should be consuming, the types of exercises you should be performing, and many other variables.
Follow These Workout Tips Before and After Weight-Loss Surgery
Having bariatric surgery at Cooper University Health Care’s Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Center will undoubtedly have a positive influence on your life.
This article provides tips to help you prepare for the procedure. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us and speak with one of our experts!