Post Operative Exercise Routine

**bmhicks78** · 10-20-2013 10:48 PM

So, question for the group out there. I had my surgery about 3 1/2 weeks ago. I'm down about 50lbs already, mostly through limiting intake the week before the surgery through now. Feeling pretty good about it, and quite honestly, don't really even feel like I had surgery at this point. Since about a week after the surgery my body has bounced back really well and I've been able to be extremely mobile.

So far I have limited myself in exercise. My doctor said "be careful" about 30 times to me at my last appointment, so I'm trying not to rush it. I am fine on stairs in the house (about 10 flights a day, no problem). I started walking and am up to about 2.2 miles at a rate of 18 min/mi. I think that's about as strenuous as I'm going to be for awhile, but want to start planning and researching what I can do once the doctor takes the cuffs off so to speak.

Has anyone on here ever signed on with a personal trainer? I used to be a gym-rat in high school, but those habits faded in college and then disappeared completely. I still know 'how' to work out, but think I want someone to not only push me, but also to help me make the right decisions. I have been in touch with the local LA Fitness chain in my area, and they charge $40/session if you sign on for 2 sessions a week, but they are only 25/min each. However, they have a trainer with extensive experience with post-WLS patients. They use the full 25 minutes and expect you to do your cardio before/after the session. They also give you a detailed game plan for days when you aren't with them, and review that with you first to make sure you're on task, and give you additional goals. The price is outrageous ($320/mo???), but the results could be well worth it.

Anyone else have experience doing this?

I'm young still (35) and in suprisingly good shape for as much as I weighed. I'm trying to do anything I can to keep the "excess skin monster" from making my life hell. I'm losing faster than I though, which I know will slow down, and want to give my body whatever it needs to make my skin bounce back. Tons of water, Biotin, exercise...whatever it takes.

Thoughts? On exercise or personal training, activities, etc? I have a couple months before it matters, so trying to get a plan in place now so I can research where to do what I need to do.

Thanks in advance!

**manzerick** · 10-20-2013 11:56 PM

Wow!! Great work outta the gate!! Today, is day one of my pre-op liquids and hope to lose at the rate you have!!

I am also concerned about the "skin monster" and have talked to some folks and they mention weight lifting, and plenty of water. I'm also 35.. and hope that's on our side!!

Best wishes!!!

**Readytobethin@51** · 10-21-2013 12:06 AM

I have a personal trainer and totally plan on continuing to use her post op as well. I went through my local city gym and when I purchased a block of workouts at one time they were cheaper, maybe something you could check into. Congrats on your weight loss thus far, and best wishes for your continued success!

**aroundhky** · 10-21-2013 10:05 AM

Holy.........! Wow! $320 month? That's like buying a new car! So they charge more for trainers who specialize in helping WLS patients? There are some different things that should obviously be considered for bariatric patients....but wow, that's a lot of money. The way I look at it, personal trainers CAN be good for at least 2 things. 1) A good trainer will teach you about lifts and good lifting form/technique. 2) If one is lacking some motivation and/or accountability, they can be good for keeping someone motivated and sticking to the lifting/exercise routine. I'm fairly motivated and comfortable with my lifts and how to do them since I've been lifting for years. But spending money on a personal trainer, at least initially, can be a good idea.....as long as that price is reasonable and affordable for the person paying. I know some people who are fairly motivated will hire a PT initially to learn the exercises then drop the sessions in a couple of months once they are comfortable and knowledgable about what he/she is doing. Others stay with the trainer for both reasons, which is a good thing if it helps with their accountability/motive for exercise.

"bmhicks" regardless of your reasons for a personal trainer, I think it's great that you've been sleeved and taking the steps to be active again! I wish you the best and know you'll be glad you took these steps. Though I do hope you're able to save some money on the trainer sessions.

**gabibridges** · 10-21-2013 11:22 AM

I'm on Day 8 of Pre-op diet as well and have been checking out gyms and workout classes. I'm really leaning towards a studio that does kickboxing, Krav Maga, and MMA for weight loss. I really am lost as to what works best post-op gastric sleeve, but I guess it just comes down to personal choice?

**aroundhky** · 10-21-2013 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by gabibridges

I really am lost as to what works best post-op gastric sleeve, but I guess it just comes down to personal choice?

Exactly. As long as you are being physically active and not injuring yourself.....or anyone else

.......it's all a matter of personal choice. There's really no wrong exercise in my opinion. Speaking on martial arts, I did a few months of Muay Thai last year.....loved it and hope to be able to again soon.

**bmhicks78** · 10-22-2013 04:12 PM

To clarify, the cost of the personal trainer had nothing at all to do with them specializing with post WLS patients. That is their standard cost for ALL personal training, varying only based on amount of sessions per week. They just happen to have a personal trainer that has experience with post WLS patients, which I see as a bonus.

Yes, that's a substantial amount of money. And I used to work out a ton, so I know the fundamentals of lifting, stretching, core building, cardio, etc. However, I haven't done any of that in about 13 years, and never trying to recover from a condition like this. Would want someone to coach me on proper strategies for where I want to be, which isn't bulking up for football anymore

Also, the fact that I would have set appointments with someone would help drive me to be accountable and show up, rather than just saying, "i'm tired, I'll skip today".

Right now I'm leaning towards doing this, even if it is 1x a week ($45/session) since they give you plans for what to do when you aren't with them, and you get a book that tracks what you do when you aren't with them. May not be a long term solution, but I think it's something I want to do up front until I pick up better habits, learn more about where my body is going. Can always cancel, right?

Speaking of Martial Arts, also thinking about joining up somewhere for that too. I have a son that is soon to be 5, and he could use the discipline, and a way to burn the energy. If I go with him it will most likely be Tae Kwon Do. If I go by myself, I'm thinking Krav Maga, as there is a gym a short walk (or JOG!) away from my house that teaches that.

Any thoughts or opinions on this are welcome! Still have a couple months to figure things out, so just polling others experiences

**SuddenlySlimmerSusan** · 10-23-2013 10:44 PM

Brad,

Congrats! Don't know all of the options in Pittsburgh, but I personally am using our local YMCA. I live in a college town and our Y is great. Our cost for personal trainer sessions is $160 for 4 one hour sessions, and then you can buy additional sessions at prices between $34 and $28 per session depending on how many you buy. (There is a volume discount.) In addition paying about $75 per month for a family membership to the Y - I think the individual rate runs about $40. The thing I love about our Y is that there are people there at all different ages, weights and fitness levels. The prices for LA Fitness seem really high. Also watch out for contracts - are you obligated for a 2 year membership???