Life After Gastric Sleeve: 3 Tips to Be Consistent With Your Workout

Gastric sleeve surgery is a great option for weight loss for the right candidate. During this procedure, a surgeon removes part of the stomach and joins the remaining portions together to create a new banana-sized stomach,  or "sleeve." The surgery removes the part of your stomach that secretes the hormone ghrelin, which is one of the “hunger hormones” that is responsible for boosting appetite. In addition, with the sleeve being about 1/10th the size of your original stomach, you’ll feel satiated with a smaller amount of food, which will lead to weight loss. 

Physical Activity is Key

Like any type of weight loss surgery, gastric sleeve is no exception when it comes to the importance of exercise. Physical activity post op is an important step in recovery and sets the stage for your new healthy lifestyle. Implementing, and ultimately committing to, a workout plan long term is crucial to your success in the long run if you want to lose weight with surgery.

Below are 3 helpful tips to keep you consistent in your workouts after gastric sleeve surgery.

1: Focus On Recovery 

Having the right mindset after surgery is key to a healthy recovery. You might be excited to start your new life, or you might be experiencing feelings of anxiety. Both are normal emotions, but focusing on the optimal outcome to the survey is the first step: recovery. The right amount and type of physical activity after weight loss surgery can help you recover more quickly. Most bariatric surgeons will recommend a simple walking regimen during your first week post op. Exercise helps to enhance your blood circulation, promotes wound healing, reduces the risk of blood clots, and improves bowel function. 

2: Set Goals

Setting realistic and progressive goals will help you stay consistent in your bariatric workouts. Experts agree that there are 3 primary facets to a comprehensive exercise program: cardiovascular activity, strength training and flexibility. 

Regular aerobic exercise will give you more energy, improve your quality of sleep, rev up your metabolism, and strengthen your heart, lungs, and bones. It also has proven benefits to improve mental sharpness and increase your confidence. 

When you lose weight at a rapid pace, as with bariatric surgery, your body eliminates both fat and muscle, so strength training will rebuild lean muscle mass, which in turn, will help you burn more calories. More muscle mass also helps protect your joints, strengthen your bones, and tighten the skin. Experts recommend starting with bodyweight exercises like lunges, squats, sit-ups, and modified push-ups before moving up to lifting 1-5lb dumbbell weights. 

Flexibility training is also fundamental in a sound workout program. It plays a vital part in both cardiovascular exercise and strength training because it prepares your body for physical activity. Proper warmups and cooldowns should be an essential part of your workout to avoid injury.  Experts agree that yoga is a great way to practice flexibility, along with the added benefits of increased balance, core stability, and mindfulness. 

3: Make It Fun 

Nothing will throw you off your exercise regimen faster than the monotony of just going through the motions. One of the best ways to stay consistent in your workouts is to enjoy what you are doing in the first place.

Atmosphere or environment changes can make a difference. Try taking your workouts outdoors when you can for the added benefits of fresh air and sensory stimulation. Add a social component to keep things interesting and fun, too. You can participate in group fitness classes at your local gym or YMCA, or seek out walking or running clubs in your area to meet other fitness minded people to keep you motivated, encouraged, and accountable.  

BASS Medical Group 

At BASS Medical Group we have the state-of-the-art facilities and expert bariatric surgeons to help you through the process of deciding if weight loss surgery is right for you.