Getting Active One Day at a Time

Next to adopting a new diet, the second biggest change you’ll make after Lap Band surgery is engaging in daily exercise. If you were not regularly active prior to Lap Band surgery, it’s important to remain realistic. Starting a new workout routine can be mentally and physically challenging—it’s easier to cope with this big change one step at a time.

“Exercise to stimulate, not to annihilate. The world wasn’t formed in a day, and neither were we. Set small goals and build upon them.”—Lee Haney

You will not be able to partake in vigorous activity for several weeks after gastric band surgery. However, once your bariatric surgeon in Macon has cleared you for exercise, begin easing into your routine little by little each day.

Here are some tips for transitioning into exercise after gastric band surgery:

• Begin at the house. Don’t worry about hitting the gym right off the bat—start easing into exercise in the comfort of your own home. Incorporate more activity in your daily routine by raking the yard, mowing the lawn, washing the car or mopping the kitchen. You don’t need a bench press and a treadmill to get fit, any activity that elevates your heart rate helps boost your metabolism.
• Pick an activity you enjoy. Make sure you stick to your new fitness routine by keeping yourself motivated and engaged. This means choosing exercises you actually enjoy doing—whether that is dancing around your house, hiking in lush parks in Albany or swimming with your kids. You’ll be able to stay motivated for weight loss if you’re partaking in exercise that’s meaningful to you.
• Record your workouts. It’s easier to stay on top of workouts when you schedule them. Schedule times for exercise just as you would a work or school appointment in your personal calendar. This way, you’ll be more aware of upcoming workouts and less likely to forget or skip out on them.
• Be realistic and optimistic. Transitioning from little to no exercise to daily physical fitness is a big change. You can’t expect to become a powerhouse overnight. Building strength and endurance will take time and becomes easier as you lose more weight with your Lap Band. Don’t let small setbacks keep you from seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Remain optimistic so you can stay on track for weight loss success.

Adjusting to daily physical fitness is challenging after gastric band surgery, but gets easier with each passing day. In the meantime, reduce the mental pressures of this new lifestyle change with some of these helpful tips. Remember to take care of your mind and body—drink plenty of water, stretch before and after every work out and get enough sleep. Every day that passes puts you one step closer to your ultimate weight loss goal.