Exercise Guidelines for the Bariatric Patient

An exercise regimen is of the utmost importance for individuals following bariatric surgery. This is true for a number of reasons. Exercise wards off the ill effects of a sedentary lifestyle following surgery --- it builds muscle mass, stamina, and endurance. It dramatically improves bone density and blood circulation, resulting in greater overall health. It also optimizes weight loss potential. The biggest and most noticeable differences in body weight are seen in bariatric patients who follow exercise guidelines to the letter.

Walking

• Walking, even if it's only a few steps at a time, stands head and shoulders above the rest of the exercises an individual may to do improve overall health. It's not difficult to learn (in fact, most bariatric patients have been doing it for ages, haven't they?), it doesn't require any requisite amount of skill or strength, and it can be done absolutely anywhere. From the very day you receive surgery, you may begin walking. While the dullness of such an exercise might be a hindrance to some, walking can be made fun. Patients should try walking like a "power walker" with sweeping motions of the arms. Try stomping in place for several minutes. Anything to get the "juices flowing" is a good idea. Bariatric patients are advised not to overdo such exercises --- straining the muscles won't burn calories.

Sitting

• When recovery makes it difficult to get up and walk around, seat exercises may be just the right medicine. Individuals may try locking their fingers over their heads and, stretching, sway slowly back and forth. "Jogging in place" by holding the sides of the chair and moving the legs for two minutes is a great substitute for a walk-around. Kicks, flexing and relaxing, and circling the arms (starting with small concentric circles with the arms outstretched and then moving to larger ones) will work as well. Best of all, exercising in the seat prepares you for getting up and moving around.

Strength Training

• While no one is looking for a bariatric patient to be a body builder, gaining muscle mass by introducing resistance into the workout is a great plan. Soup cans, which are fairly small but heavy, can be used as a substitute for weights. Concentration curls with soup cans will build biceps, forearms, and chest mass. Standing on one leg improves balance and trains the legs to be able to work harder. Adding additional weight (books work quite well) or repetitions of these exercises can pay off quickly.