Exercising After LAP-BAND Weight Loss Surgery

Tuesday, 12 May 2009 10:36

Leading a healthier life after weight loss surgery is crucial and doesn't only include eating a well-balanced diet. It is also important to follow an exercise plan after LAP-BAND weight loss surgery is completed. Exercise will not only speed up weight loss, but will also help to make your body stronger, increasing lean muscle mass and your cardiovascular system.

Beginning to exercise before the surgery occurs is a great way to adjust to make regular workouts a routine. It is important to remember that years of physical inactivity will take some time to reverse. When the weight begins to come off, it doesn't mean that you will be able to run a marathon or bench press 100 pounds. Being in good physical shape takes a lot of work and requires a regular exercise schedule.

Depending on your weight and overall physical health, you may find that at first, you can walk or do other types of physical activity for only a few minutes at a time. However, it is important to keep at it and stay motivated. The medical journal Obesity reported that about 68% of 190 patients surveyed who had bariatric surgery were physically active after their procedure. As a result, they reported losing an average of about 13 more pounds than those who didn't exercise and experienced less depression and anxiety. Their general health was also greater than the non-exercising patients.

Creating an Exercise Plan

Everyday Health states that exercise can begin 2-3 weeks after surgery. Consulting with a personal trainer and/or a physician is the best way to create a personalized work-out plan;  however, there are some basic physical activities that are easy to do and will benefit almost anyone. Walking is a low-impact exercise that can be done year-round. When the weather is nice, use a track, local park trail, or the sidewalks around your neighborhood as a walking path. During extreme heat or cold, walking in a shopping mall or on a treadmill in a gym are great ways to continue an exercise routine. You will need good walking shoes and a pedometer and stopwatch to keep track of the distance and time of the workout.

Begin by walking for as long as you can. For many, this may only be 10 minutes or less. Remember that this is okay. For each workout, try to add 1-5 minutes to the workout time. As your physical fitness level increases, incorporate different forms of cardiovascular exercise (like yoga, biking, and jogging) along with weight training. Doing some weight training 2-3 times per week will help increase muscle mass and make cardiovascular exercise easier. Ideally, exercising 3-6 times per week is a great goal and will help you maintain the levels of physical fitness that you have achieved.

Staying Motivated

Many people find it hard to stay motivated to work out on a regular basis. Madhur-Nain Webster, a marriage and family therapist in Napa Valley, California states that it takes about 40 days, or about 6 weeks, to make any action a regular lifestyle habit. Mark this 40-day mark on a calendar as a goal to reach. If a regular fitness routine has become a part of your lifestyle during this time, consider a reward such as a manicure, new shoes, or a fun camping trip. Mark each workout on the calendar or personal journal with a fun sticker or big colorful “X”. This will serve as a great visual reminder of how much work you have accomplished and help you stay on track.

Remember Your Commitment

Choosing a life with a LAP-BAND means a commitment to a healthier lifestyle that includes better food choices and a regular exercise routine. Success in terms of better overall physical health and amount of weight lost will be achieved relative to the effort that each individual puts in.