If you have undergone bariatric surgery or are considering the weight-loss solution, you know that while it is an incredibly helpful tool, it is not a cure-all. Continued success requires a commitment to lifestyle changes, including a well-balanced diet and a regular exercise routine. At LIMARP in Tijuana, MX, Dr. Liza María Pompa González recommends personalized exercise plans for every bariatric patient. It is important to understand why exercising for weight loss is an important part of success, and how you can develop a routine that will work for you.
Beginning an Exercise Routine following Bariatric Surgery
Technically speaking, we will encourage you to exercise from day one. Of course, you may not be running a 5K the day of your surgery, but it is important to move around as soon as possible to help the healing process. As soon as your surgery is complete, we will help you stand and walk for about ten minutes every hour. Most patients must continue this regimen for approximately three to six weeks, after which we will help you determine an appropriate next step. This may include a wide range of exercises, including:
- Strength training with light weights or resistance bands
- Flexibility training through yoga or light stretching
- Endurance training on a stationary bike or elliptical machine
The Importance of a Personal Trainer
To get the most out of your weight-loss surgery, it is important to exercise under the supervision of a personal trainer. At LIMARP, we believe there is value in a team. That is why our physicians work closely alongside nutritionists and personal trainers, so our patients can receive the utmost in comprehensive care. Each patient is unique. What works well for one person may not work for another. We work together with you to design a personalized plan that will offer optimal results.
Exercising Preserves Lean Muscle
Exercising after bariatric surgery helps you lose the right kind of weight. What does this mean exactly? When you exercise, you burn fat, but build lean muscle. Without exercise, lean muscle is lost. Additionally, research suggests that patients who incorporate exercise into their weight-loss program lose more pounds on average.
Exercising Increases Your Energy
Weight loss helps you feel great. When you exercise, it can boost your energy and help you feel even better. It is important to understand that exercise is about so much more than just weight loss. Exercise can help keep your heart healthy, strengthen your bones, improve your immune system, and regulate your blood sugar.
Exercise Enhances Your Mental Health
If you have struggled with obesity, you know the condition can affect your emotions and mental health, as well. Many bariatric patients suffer from occasional depression or deep emotional wounds. Exercise releases endorphins that directly combat these feelings of negativity. When combined with an emotional support system, exercise can lift your spirits and help you feel more confident.
Learn More about Our Personalized Exercise Plans
If you have recently undergone bariatric surgery, or are planning to do so, a personalized exercise plan is an excellent way to enhance your results and overall experience. At LIMARP, we understand the weight-loss journey is not an easy one, and it continues on long after your procedure is complete. To learn more about our personalized exercise plans, contact us online and schedule a consultation.
