Several bariatric surgery patients featured on BariatricEdge.com, such as Carlos and CJ, point to exercise as an important key to their success. Years after surgery, they continue to rely on exercise to help them stay within their selected healthy weight range and stay energized.

Regular exercise, next to following your bariatric program’s dietary guidelines, is an important factor when it comes to optimizing your health outcomes and quality of life after bariatric surgery. Check out the following for what to expect and helpful tips.

One to Two Days Post-op

Your surgical team will likely have you up and walking or doing other leg exercises as soon after surgery as possible. Walking and leg exercises after surgery help patients avoid deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot that can form in veins.

First Few Weeks Post-op

Bariatric programs generally recommend that patients phase in exercise as soon after surgery as possible. You will need to discuss specific details with your surgeon, but most patients are able to walk for at least a few minutes each day. It’s a low-impact activity and a great introduction to exercising.

Patients with a very high Body Mass Index (BMI) (70 or higher) frequently cannot walk for more than a minute or two at a time. However, the average bariatric surgery patient has a much lower BMI and is able to tolerate walking for a bit longer. Regardless of your BMI, be patient and work as hard as you can.

* If you experience significant fatigue, you may want to discuss it with your surgeon.

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POST-OP RECOVERY BARIATRIC SURGERY DIET