The addition of an exercise routine in the post-operative phase after a sleeve gastrectomy will help you achieve excellent weight loss and muscle building results. Exercise is an important aspect of building muscle after a sleeve gastrectomy. Some patients are new to exercise and are concerned about how to exercise and how often. If you’re not experienced with exercise, start slow. At first, you may only be able to exercise 5 to 10 minutes a day. Patients should add an additional 5 minutes of exercise each day until they’re able to exercise for 30 to 40 minutes a day, at least 4 days of the week. Start with walking and then add running intervals to increase your stamina.
Strength building exercise (weight lifting or body weight exercises) make your muscles stronger and may further increase your metabolism. However, I recommend that patients should do cardio most days of the week and weight train two to three days weekly. Patients should also use a combination of cardiovascular, strength building, and flexibility exercises in order to raise their fitness levels and build more muscle.
Remember that your body needs time to recover from surgery. Starting heavy lifting without proper healing can lead to complications such as developing a hernia at one of the incision sites. Typically, you can start 3 to 4 weeks after surgery with walking and then build up to more intensity.
If you want to improve your health while losing weight after a sleeve gastrectomy, building muscle should be one of your top priorities. With the right mindset, goals, diet, and exercise regimen, you’ll be able to see some amazing results.
Some Tips for Developing an Exercise Plan
- Find an exercise partner. You are more likely to stick to your plan if someone else is counting on you to be their exercise partner.
- Listen to your favorite motivational music while you exercise.
- Pack a gym bag so you can head straight to the gym after work.
- Join an exercise club, gym, or class. Try all the classes they offer and find the ones you enjoy the most.
- Use the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Walk as often as you can.
- If you have a dog, take your dog for a walk every day.
- To look good and feel comfortable while exercising – wear comfortable workout clothes and shoes.
- Adopt a weekly plan. Look at your schedule on Sundays and plan how you are going to fit physical activity into your schedule every day.