Exercising after weight loss surgery is vital to your new healthy lifestyle. Along with a healthy diet, exercise is key to keeping the weight off and your energy levels up. And while walking toward better health by getting in your number of steps per day is the latest exercise “trend,” walking always has been and still is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise. Not to mention, it’s low-tech and can be done in just about any setting.
Keep reading to find out 10 ways the simple act of walking can transform your weight loss journey after bariatric surgery, along with how much you should walk following your operation.
How Much Should I Walk After Bariatric Surgery?
First, you might be asking how much to walk after weight loss surgery. Most patients can start an exercise routine between 2 weeks to 6 weeks after bariatric surgery but be sure to get the OK from your doctor before starting a moderate to vigorous exercise program.
When you return home from the hospital, start by walking 20-30 minutes each day. You will need to start at a slow pace and build up your stamina and strength. Try taking three 5 to 10-minute walks throughout the day instead of doing it all at once.
After you’re fully healed and are cleared by your surgeon, you can increase how much, how fast and how long you walk at a pace that is right for you.
How Can Walking Improve Your Health?
Walking is great for everyone’s whole health — body, mind and spirit. Here are 10 ways walking can be especially helpful as part of your new life following bariatric surgery:
- Weight management: Walking is a low-impact exercise that helps burn calories, aiding in weight loss and preventing weight regain post-surgery.
- Enhanced metabolism: Regular walking can boost metabolism, making it easier for the body to burn calories and maintain weight loss.
- Improved cardiovascular health: Walking improves heart health, reduces the risk of heart disease, and helps control blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Mental well-being: Walking promotes mental clarity, reduces stress, anxiety and depression, which can be common for patients post-bariatric surgery.
- Muscle preservation: Walking helps preserve lean muscle mass while losing fat, preventing muscle atrophy.
- Enhanced digestion: Gentle walking aids digestion and helps prevent post-surgery complications like constipation.
- Blood sugar control: Walking can help stabilize blood sugar levels, crucial for individuals with diabetes.
- Joint health: Low-impact walking is easy on the joints, making it accessible for most weight loss surgery patients without causing discomfort.
- Social connection: Walking can be a social activity, promoting a sense of belonging and support within a community.
- Long-term success: Incorporating walking into your daily routine can help maintain weight loss and improve overall health in the long run.
Take a Step Toward Better Health
As your experts in bariatric care, we know that weight loss surgery is more than just a medical procedure. It offers you the chance for a fresh start and a whole new-and-improved you. Imagine what a healthy future can look like and find a solution that works for you with us by your side every step of the way.
Take the first step toward your new life and visit us at AdventHealthWeightLoss.com. You deserve to feel whole.
