When Can I Go Back to the Gym After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

When Can I Start Exercising After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

You've been struggling with excess weight for as long as you can remember.

You've tried countless diet programs, but each time, you found yourself back at square one and eventually underwent gastric sleeve surgery.

Up to this point, everything is excellent.

After the surgery, as you start losing weight, consider supplementing this process with exercise and becoming the architect of your own body.

You might wonder, "When can I start exercising after gastric sleeve surgery?"

This is a great question, and you're in luck because the answer is quite favorable! You just need to get the timing right!

General Surgeon Gürdal Ören MD explains what you need to know about when you can start exercising after gastric sleeve surgery and more:

"Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as obesity surgery, is the most commonly performed obesity surgery method worldwide.

With this surgery, the average stomach volume (800-1000 ml) is reduced to a limit of 200-250 ml by laparoscopic surgical means.

After the surgery, the stomach takes on a tubular shape lengthwise, which is why the surgery is called 'gastric sleeve.'"

"Exercise after this surgery dramatically affects the success of weight loss. Therefore, exercise should be considered as part of this process.

Even a few minutes of walking daily is a great way to establish a healthy exercise routine.

Remember that exercise is not just about running and lifting weights.

Staying physically active is an exercise in itself."

"While individual diet and exercise programs are created for each patient after gastric sleeve surgery, paying attention to some key points is essential.

First and foremost, you should discuss the exercises you want to do with your doctor. Implementing an exercise program on your own can lead to unwanted complications.

During this process, your doctor will recommend suitable diet and exercise programs."

So, When Can I Start Exercising

After gastric sleeve surgery, you should progress your exercise routine under your doctor's supervision.

Doctors generally do not recommend exercising for the first four weeks.

However, once patients reach the end of the fourth week, they can start incorporating breathing and stretching exercises into their routine.

After the sixth week, swimming, aerobic exercises, and weight training (depending on your condition) can be added to the exercise plan. Abdominal exercises can be performed between the 8th and 12th weeks.

After the 12th week, exercises that fully engage the muscles can be included. Ten days after surgery, you can walk and take 10,000 steps.

How Often and How Should I Exercise After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Staying physically active is crucial for both weight loss and long-term weight control.

As you progress in your exercise program after surgery, you should determine the frequency of exercise and calorie burning based on your general condition and with your doctor's approval.

The number of calories burned during exercise generally decreases over time, so increasing the intensity or duration of fitness activities is essential.

General activity recommendations include brisk walking, running, Zumba, swimming, and strength training in a 150-minute moderate-intensity plan.

However, remember that the number of minutes and the type of exercise can vary from person to person, so consult with your doctor.Your doctor may have specific recommendations for you.

Tips for Exercising After Gastric Sleeve Surgery!

Your gastric sleeve surgery was successful, and you've recovered. But to achieve your new body, you must follow an effective exercise program!

The exercises you do effectively accelerate post-surgery fat loss and muscle development. Additionally, regular exercise can help minimize the sagging that can occur with weight loss.

Here are some things to keep in mind when following this program:

Avoid long and strenuous exercises. Start with 10 minutes a day and gradually increase this time

Warming up before exercising is a must! Otherwise, you may experience uncomfortable injuries

Cooling down after exercise is as essential as warming up. This allows your muscles, stimulated by training, to relax and rest

To minimize potential sagging after surgery, include pilates and aerobic exercises in your exercise routine

You can also incorporate exercise into your daily routine by making small changes. Walking instead of driving short distances or taking the stairs instead of the elevator are great options

In the first week after surgery, you can walk for about 5 to 10 minutes on five days.

In the second week, you can walk for 10 to 15 minutes on five days, and from the third week onwards, you can gradually increase the routine to 6 days of 15 minutes each. After the fourth week, you can walk for 30 minutes every day.

Exercise Routine After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

It's important to refrain from overexerting yourself in this program. You can gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercises over time.

Start this exercise routine by warming up your muscles and then cool them down afterward. A 10-minute light walk is sufficient for warming up. You can gradually increase the intensity after that.

After about 30 minutes of exercise, don't stop immediately; slow down with 5-10 minutes of light movements. This helps your muscles relax.

Remember, exercise is essential for maintaining weight loss. However, it should become a habit and be followed as a routine.

You can find an exercise partner or join a gym to establish this routine.

The Importance of Post-Surgery Exercise

Exercising after gastric sleeve surgery improves your quality of life and helps you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals more efficiently and quickly.

Studies show that exercising after gastric sleeve surgery accelerates weight loss and minimizes the risk of depression during this challenging process.

Studies also indicate that exercise assists in the healing process and minimizes complications after gastric sleeve surgery. And there's more!

You should follow a light exercise routine before gastric sleeve surgery. Pre-surgery exercise can make you a qualified candidate for the operation.

Some benefits you can expect from post-surgery exercise include:
 

• Increased endurance

• A healthier heart

• Reduced body fat

• Increased lean body mass

• Improved mood

These are just a few examples! Remember that exercise offers unique benefits and will help you in the long run!