vigorous exercise

I know everyone is different and so is each surgeon...but how soon were you able to start vigorous exercise (more than just walking)? Right now I do have the ability to exercise vigorously (for short amounts of time...like I could run for 1 minute...very short amounts of time!), so I know it will only get easier after surgery and I"m very excited to get started ASAP because I want to run with my brother and sister in a 5k in April. 

Thanks!

My recommendation is to follow your surgeons advice. I can't remember for sure what my doctor said... 6 - 8 weeks maybe? I know that I was pretty tired for several weeks because of the low calorie intake.

Good luck!

Dejah

I started exercising hard as soon as I felt up to it, around 2 months post op.  I'm sure you'll be able to train and finish a 5K by April.  Still check with your surgeon.

I was told nothing more than walking for 4-6 weeks.  Honestly I didn't feel up to much more until 4 weeks.

I am almost 4 weeks postop and started back at the gym on week 3.  I was told to begin as soon as I felt good enough after surgery.  I started with 20'mins on the elliptical and am gradually working my way back up.  The one thing I am itching for is weight lifting.  I cannot wait to go back.  I am told I have to wait 6-8 weeks for that.  I go 5 or more days a week to the gym...I love exercise!

I was only allowed to walk for the first 6 weeks, so that's what I did.  

I don't know how old you are or if you have any knee or back problems.  The surgery aside, IMO running at your weight (or my old weight) should only be done after clearance by an ortho.  You do not want an injury or to deteriorate your knees or back and then need surgery in 5-20 years.  I would not be running until you are at least under 200 pounds, or whatever you ortho says and ask them what a realistic training program would be. (I think you would work on the 5k distance by walking before adding any running/jogging. But I am not an expert.)   I find that the surgeons release patients for any exercise, not fully appreciating that patients will run and not fully understanding the pounding your knees and back absorb when you are heavy.

I think that my goal would be to finish the 5k in April, and not concentrate on time until you weigh less.  That being said, you could work back up to walking 5k quickly and race walk the 5K if you are cleared.  Ask you brother and sister to stay with you rather than try for their own personal best at that time.  Then start going for personal best times.

You can probably find a 5k given every weekend.  If you think that you will enjoy them, I would have one picked out for May, June, July, etc, so if you are not ready in April, you have plenty of other goals to keep working towards.  You might be ready in April, but it may be close or you might need more time.     

PS - My ortho (ortho for a NFL pro team) that the pressure on your knees is 7 times the weight.  So if you lose 70 pounds - that is 490 pounds off your knees.  That is why I say, wait until your weight gets down before running.  You can train on the elipicycle for low impact to pick up your speed.  Again I would talk to an ortho first.