There are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding weight loss surgery, and one of those is that if you have a bariatric procedure, your weight-related problems are solved. The surgery alone will allow you to lose weight and keep it off. No more worrying about eating healthy or working out. 

This idea is wrong on both counts, and in this article we will discuss why it’s important to exercise after weight loss surgery

Why Exercise Is Important After Weight Loss Surgery

We do want to recognize that having gastric sleeve surgery or another procedure at Birmingham Minimally Invasive is a huge step! But it’s your first step in your journey of weight loss and becoming healthier. The work does not stop once your procedure is complete.

Regular exercise will help you recover faster, reach your weight loss goals, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Exercise can help you lose more weight and keep it off after surgery. According to several studies by the National Institutes of Health, those who exercised after weight loss surgery saw their body mass index (BMI) decrease 4.2% more than those who did not.

It’s also important that you lose weight the right way. When you lose weight, your body will naturally eliminate both fat and muscle. Exercise will help you preserve the lean muscle that we want to help you stay healthy.

Here are some additional benefits of exercise after weight loss surgery:

• Maintain weight loss
• Improve circulation
• Strengthen your heart and bones
• Increase your metabolic rate
• Develop muscle strength and endurance
• Improve immune system
• Improve blood sugar control
• Relieve stress
• Improve your mood 
• Make it easier to complete everyday tasks and activities

Exercise can also help you have more energy and feel better, which is especially important after undergoing such a life-changing event. Exercise produces endorphins that help you combat anxiety and depression. The time after surgery can be tough for many patients for a lot of different reasons, and exercise can help you deal with stress, anxiety, and depression.

Tips for Exercising After Weight Loss Surgery

BMI Surgery will provide you with guidelines regarding exercise after your surgery. You will be somewhat restricted initially, then you will gradually be able to build up your activity level.

After surgery, there are three key areas you should focus on when it comes to exercise:

1. Cardio – Regular cardio aerobic exercise will burn calories and give you more energy. Getting your blood pumping through cardio can boost your metabolism, help you work through anxiety, and help you sleep better. 
2. Strength training – Strength training will help you maintain lean muscle mass, which will also help maintain your body’s calorie burning engine. It will help keep your bones strong as well. Strength training is great for toning and building muscle so that you can be more active.
3. Flexibility – Flexibility training is important to help you avoid injuring yourself. If you feel sore or tight after your workout, flexibility training can help. It can also help you avoid straining yourself when you’re running or lifting weights.

While there are many benefits of exercise after weight loss surgery, we know that it can be challenging, especially for those who have been very inactive prior to their procedure. But you are not alone. Many others have been through this process and come to love exercise. We’ve found that patients who seek out support, follow an exercise routine, and stick to a healthy diet are far more likely to lose the weight and keep it off.

Contact Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery to Get Started on Your Weight Loss Journey

The caring group of professionals at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery will help you get started on your weight loss journey and stay with you every step along the way. Dr. Long and his team specialize in all types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and the LAP-BAND. Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907.