Exercising after Weight Loss Surgery

 

We so often view exercise as something painful, difficult, sweaty, and energy-depleting, when, in fact, it can be quite the opposite. When you find your “Why,” exercise can become meaningful, enjoyable, and energy-building.

Here are some of the following “Why’s” of fellow RMAP patients:

• Be healthy enough to play with my kids
• Live a healthy life to see my children grow up
• Lower my blood pressure, pulse, and cholesterol
• Lose more weight
• Increase muscle and muscle tone
• Be a good example to my children
• Help clear my mind and focus on eating healthy

Despite common stigmas, exercise does not have to be an arduous ordeal. We feel we must always dress in the appropriate gear, drive to the gym, run yourself ragged on the treadmill, and drive by home. Exercise can be simple, quick, and just as beneficial.

Try this: Finish your dinner, stay in the same clothes, grab your children or your dogs, and walk for 30 minutes in your neighborhood. When you come back home, the last thing on your mind is food, and it will promote a better night’s sleep.

If walking is not your Modus Operandi, find an activity that words for you: swimming, or even walking in a pool, running, water aerobics, join a city league softball team, rollerblading, riding a bike, or using an arm “bike” machine. After you have exercised, do you ever regret it?

Brian Sabey, a Physical Therapist from the Salt Lake Orthopedic Clinic, mentioned that if you do even 20% of the ideal amount of exercise, you still achieve 80% of the benefits. That is a pretty good rate of return!

Parallel to weight loss surgery, exercise is a lifestyle change. It is not a crash diet, or a temporary fix. Find a routine that is enjoyable and can be maintained for life. Strive to find your motivation, your “why” for exercise. If you struggle with that task, fake it ‘til you make it.

Enjoy this journey!

 

For helpful hints on how to curb hunger between meals click here.
For tips on meal planning and dining out click here.

Find more answers to Frequently Answered Questions here.

 

www.RMAP.com
Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians
801-268-3800
1160 East 3900 South, Suite 4100
SLC, UT 84124