How to get moving again after bariatric or weight loss surgery
There are various types of bariatric surgery that can aid weight loss. Bariatric surgery can be performed for many reasons. These include when your weight has become a danger to your health, if weight loss has not been successful using diet and exercise or if you’re unable to control your eating habits.
If you are heading for surgery, you have most likely discussed your options with various health professionals and are now under the guidance of an experienced bariatric surgeon.
Types of bariatric surgery
Laparoscopic Banding
An adjustable band is placed around the stomach, dividing it into two portions. This will make you feel fuller sooner and with less food. It will also help reduce hunger signals.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
This involves the removal of approximately two-thirds of the stomach using a staple. It makes you feel fuller sooner and therefore eat less.
Omega Loop mini-bypass
The stomach is divided into two portions to reduce the size of the stomach. A portion of the small intestine is also bypassed, meaning less food can be absorbed for storage as fat.
What to expect after bariatric surgery
Initial recovery
After surgery, there will be a period of recovery that can vary in length, depending on whether you’ve had open surgery or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. You will need to get moving as soon as possible but initial movement should be gentle - getting out of bed and walking around is enough.
Rehabilitation
In the weeks following surgery, you can expect to have a review with your surgeon as well as have consultations with the dietitian and psychologist.
At about 2-6 weeks following surgery, you will be ready to consult with an exercise physiologist to plan your rehabilitation. This depends on obtaining a medical clearance and the complexity of surgery for each individual. You may already have started to reduce weight at this stage.
Exercise
Exercise will begin gradually with cardiovascular exercises and resistance exercises. Resistance exercise will likely begin with bodyweight movements such as squats, steps ups, modified press-ups.
Similarly, cardiovascular exercise will be light and enough to get you out of breath but still able to have a conversation. Core stability and breath control will be included to ensure your abdominals are working well to support your body, especially if you have undergone open surgery.
Energy
Due to a change in nutrient intake, you may get light-headed more easily and your energy levels will be different from pre-surgery.
This does improve and the change will be worth it. Here at Embody Movement, our Exercise Physiologists work closely with you, your GP and dietitian to ensure you eat appropriately before and after a session to get the most out of training.
Increasing intensity
During the first 3-6 months after surgery, your body will undergo a big change and as such your exercises will be constantly adapted. The goal of exercise is to ensure your weight loss is focused on fat loss and retaining as much lean muscle mass as possible.
After 6 months, the following is an ideal exercise program
A minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity cardiovascular exercise each week
Resistance (weight) training 2-3 times per week
Flexibility exercises and stretches several times per week.
Your Exercise Physiologist can help
Starting an exercise program after bariatric surgery can be overwhelming. An experienced Exercise Physiologist will reassure you and provide safe and effective exercises to help you increase confidence, mobility and fitness.
You will ask things of your body that you may not have done in a long time. Your Exercise Physiologist will encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone and give you relevant information that supports you through the change.
If you’re thinking of having bariatric surgery, come and chat to one of our qualified, caring Exercise Physiologists about putting a plan in place to support your recovery.