Do I Have to Exercise?

Developing an exercise/physical activity plan is one of the most important steps in a bariatric patient's life.

After your surgery, it is essential to start exercising as soon as your surgeon says you are capable. Just a small increase in physical activity will improve the way you look and feel, and most importantly (contrary to most beliefs) it will decrease the chance of injury and soreness.

After surgery your body will be taking in fewer calories. This can sometimes cause the body to “think” it is starving.

As your body takes in less calories and your body looks for the energy it needs, your body will start to burn muscle instead of fat causing your metabolism to slow down. Since you do not want that to occur, it is a good choice to begin a supervised fitness plan as soon as possible. A proper exercise plan will teach your body to burn fat instead of burning muscle.

An additional benefit is that exercising will also help you strengthen your bones, protecting you from osteoporosis.

A proper exercise plan will aid in your goal to look better and feel stronger!