Gastric bypass surgery will help kickstart your weight loss goals. But, to maximize and maintain fat loss, you will need to make lifestyle changes. Regular exercise after gastric bypass will help you lose more weight and keep it off. Let’s dive into the best post-op exercises to do after you undergo bariatric surgery.

What Is a Gastric Bypass?

Gastric bypass is a bariatric surgery proven to reduce body fat anywhere from 50-80%. Since this procedure is typically laparoscopic (involving a small, non-invasive incision), you can expect a quick recovery time. However, you should still expect to stay in the hospital for one to three days. Most patients are back to work in two weeks.

In other words, gastric bypass surgeries are minimally invasive but require some downtime. This means you should plan to begin an exercise regimen anywhere from 3-5 weeks after surgery. So, where should you start? 

The Best Post-op Exercises After Having Gastric Bypass

As you begin your journey to a more active life, it’s essential to start small. Begin walking for ten minutes every day. Increase this time after the first week. You want to get to the point of walking at a steady pace for thirty minutes every day.  

Once you feel comfortable walking, it’s critical to start aerobic exercises and strength training. Let’s learn more about what each style of exercise offers your changing body.

Aerobic Exercises 

Aerobic exercises are low and high-impact activities that increase your heart rate. This type of exercise helps reduce the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes. You will also maximize fat loss when you increase the intensity of each workout. 

If you are beginning your fitness journey, low-impact exercises might be best for your joints. These exercises include but are not limited to:

• Swimming
• Walking
• Rowing
• Cycling
• Elliptical 
• Yoga
• Pilates

If you are ready for high-impact activities, try:

• Running
• Hiking
• Cross-Fit
• Jumping Rope
• Tennis

High-impact activities will help accelerate weight loss. These types of exercises increase your heart rate and burn more calories. They also help strengthen bones and increase bone density. It might be hard to jump into high-impact training. You can start slow by focusing on strength training. The following exercises can help increase your physical capabilities.

Strength Training

Strength training is an excellent way to build strength and endurance. This type of exercise makes your muscles work harder. You will then increase their power and size or tone. 

For example, going for a hike may feel like a catastrophe. When you start walking up a hill, you immediately feel a stinging pain in your calves. It may take you thirty minutes to get up a small portion of the mountain. You’ll then feel exhausted and defeated. 

Suppose you go home and start strength training exercises. You work hard on your legs for two weeks and try the hike again. This time you are up the mountain in ten minutes. You feel accomplished and proud.

Strength training is a great way to improve muscle strength and endurance, preparing yourself for an active lifestyle. Try these exercises to kickstart your goals:

• Lifting weights
• Working with resistance bands
• Bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, pull-ups, or push-ups

Try to fit two days of these exercises into your workout routine post gastric bypass surgery for best results. It’s also vital to note the necessity of a warm-up and cool-down period. Warming up with stretches will help reduce the risk of muscle injury. Your body also needs a cool-down period to decrease blood pressure and heart rate gradually.  

BASS Medical Group

BASS Medical Group is a leading bariatric surgery center. Our skilled surgeons have proven to offer more successful post-op outcomes with fewer complication risks. For more information about our procedures or to set up a consultation, visit us online today. Start living the healthier life you crave!