Exercise Instructions
It is important for the patient to begin an
exercise program as soon as possible after surgery.
Penn Presbyterian Medical Center surgeons highly
encourage bariatric patients to walk, not only
in the first days after recovery, but to continue
to make walking a part of their daily routine,
even in addition to other forms of exercise.
Walking is one of the most beneficial forms of
exercise and it is easy on the body.
There are some general
guidelines that patients
should keep in mind when beginning an exercise
routine:
- Our staff encourages you to be up and walking
beginning the day of surgery.
- Walking aides in recovery, but don’t
over do it. If you become dizzy or lightheaded,
nauseous, are experiencing pain, or become
so winded that you cannot talk stop immediately
and sit.
- If you feel lightheaded, lower your head
or lay down.
- As long as you feel good, walk as much as
you are physically able.
- Work toward walking 30 minutes twice each
day. Make a plan to work toward this goal.
If all you can do is 10 minutes a day, start
with that and add five minutes the next week,
five more the week after, etc.
- Break up your walking in the beginning.
Take a 10-minute walk in the morning, five
minutes in the afternoon and five minutes in
the evening. You still get the benefits of
walking for twenty minutes. When you feel good,
move on to walking for a longer time.
- Do not begin weight training until your
surgeon approves this exercise. Remember that
for at least the first four weeks you should
not lift more than 15 pounds.
Exercise is important for the following
reasons:
- Increase muscle strength and tone
- Improves endurance
- Improves your ability to complete activities
in daily life
- Improves circulation and helps heart and
lungs to function more efficiently
- Decreases bone loss that could lead to osteoporosis
- Maximize total weight loss
- Improved energy levels
- Improved sense of well being
- Decreases stress
- Increases high density lipoproteins (good
cholesterol)
Choosing an Activity
- Choose something you like to do
- Include variety
- Consider your physical needs, fitness goals,
lifestyle, and interests
- Walking is a good way to get into shape
and increase muscle strength. Floor exercise,
biking and swimming are also good low-impact
exercises.
Creating an Exercise Habit
- Think about your daily and weekly schedule
and plan for opportunities to be more active
- Start out slowly; work your way up to a
higher level of activity
- Set easy to achieve goals
- Choose something you like to do
- Make activity a consistent part of your
day
- Find opportunities to be less sedentary
- Problem solve – find what works for
you
- Exercise with a friend
- Keep exercise clothes and shoes in a prominent
location
- Explore new activities
- Reward and acknowledge your efforts
Focus on Being Active
- Take the stairs
- Walk instead of drive
- Choose the furthest parking spot
- Take a walk at lunchtime
- Stay off the couch
- Be active with your family
- Get on or off the bus several blocks away
- Take fitness breaks; walking or doing desk
exercises
- Dance to music
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