Fuel for exercise

I am just starting back to the gym. What's the best way to fuel your body prior to exercising? I am one month out. I am not planning on doing anything crazy at this time mostly getting used to the gym and doing some cardio. Also how do you stay properly hydrated when I am only sipping 4oz/hr at this point.

I exercise fasted with no issues.  The only time I fuel is when I'm going to be running for more than an hour and then I eat one Clif Blok per half hour.  I've also never had a problem keeping hydrated.  I started walking immediately post-op and started doing everything else I could find once I was allowed to at 6 weeks post-op.  

Each of us is so different on what our body will allow us to take in before exercising. If I am working out in the gym I don't worry about fuel. I go after work and just do my training. If i am going for a run I usually have a banana with some peanut butter on it. I fuel with maple syrup that has sea salt and ginger mixed in. Took a years for me to find fuel that my body will allow me take in and work out. 

Thank you for your reply

For the gym or yoga I don't do anything but try to hydrate before.  For running I am finding 1/2 a protein bar makes it possible (no fuel, then no running it seems)  Any other high protein snack that you tolerate would be suitable.  

As for your specific drinking question.  What happens if you drink more?  One month out I could drink more than 1/2 a cup at a go if I needed it.  Almost 8 weeks out and can down water like I did before.

I lift weights with a trainer two to three days a week. I find that on days where I get protein and some carbs in about a half hour before a session, I don't poop out midway through. I usually mix a Premier vanilla shake with powdered peanut butter, half a banana and a few ice cubes, then blend. Very delicious. If I sense my trainer is going to be especially sadistic, I'll grab a half slice of 100 percent whole wheat and smear it with peanut butter, and have that followed by low fat milks. After a workout, I'll often grab some chicken breast, turkey or make a scrambled egg with cheese. 

I would just follow your surgeon's plan and stay hydrated. I don't believe many of us here are triathletes training for a big race so fueling our body is not really necessary. And I would suggest you not try to add your exercise calories back. This is rarely successful.

Good for you for getting active!!