Question:
Is WLS the 'cure' for the couch potato?
I've just received notification of my surgery date (3/11 - Lap DS) and so my thoughts are turning towards life post-op. I've long been a couch potato and usually watch excercise, and life, from there. I've read posts here and heard comments in a support group meeting about increase of energy post-op. But I wonder if it's a result of the surgery or if some people were actually active types all along but were just 'weighed down'. Personally, I find most excercise to be boring but I've been convinced how important it is so I'll be looking for interesting ways to be active. I'd be interested in your thoughts, especially from post-op men. By the way, I do understand that it's tool, not a cure.) — Phil M. (posted on January 3, 2002)
January 3, 2002
As you lose weight and your co-morbidities disappear, you'll
notice a surge in your energey levels. When you weigh less,
walking, housekeeping, exersizing, sex....everything beccomes
easier and takes less effort. But, your basic personality doesn't
change! If you don't like exersizing now...you won't like after
your surgery and you'll have to push yourself to do it.
— [Anonymous]
January 3, 2002
What an interesting question... I am married to an AD/HD guy with the
energizer bunny psyche, so it is hard to figure where I am compared to most
people, but I realize I think I am normal. Even though I feel lazy. There
are lots of skinny lazy people, and active fat people. I have always been
a low key person, and I was just waiting for tons of energy after WLS.
Now, 9 months out, I am still waiting. I think I am coming to terms with
the fact that I am just _not_ the energizer bunny, at any weight! I am
pretty active on weekends, and do excercize, but in the evening I would
rather play games, watch TV and relax rather than go for a walk, scrub my
baseboards or go to the mall. I was low-energy as a kid, too. I think it
is just me. I guess you won;t know till you get there. I was pretty
active and not mobility impaired before surgery, so I didn't have to get to
a point before I could move around again.
— M. A. B.
January 3, 2002
I have always been the 'king' of the remote in my house. My husband could
care less about it. Always said that I watched too much TV. I am 8 wks.
post-op and find myself watching less tele than I used to. I did get more
energy than I had before. I walk for about 30 min. twice a day now, did
nothing before, didn't want to. I just feel so good now. Housework is
sooo much easier that it isn't as much as a chore as it was to me before.
Going to the mall doesn't wear me out, and I find that I'm not looking for
the closest parking space like I used to do. I used to ride around
thinking I would get that close one so I wouldn't have to walk. Now I am
looking for places to walk. My kids school is in the neighborhood and I
started walking there 3x a day ( one in half-day K). Unless its too
cold...brrrr. Anyway, I think the energy is from feeling better from
taking off weight. I have lost 40lbs. and feel like it has been a huge
weight lifted already. Congrats on your date, you're gonna love your new
life.
— Cheri M.
January 3, 2002
I was always fairly physically active even at 313 pounds. Now at 204 I can
do a LOT more, but still hate organized exercise! Now walking is OK when
the weather is nice, but not in the winter, I am froze even when indoors. I
get exercise is by doing stuff around the house, parking far away from
wherever I am going, making lots of trips up and down steps when just one
would do.
— bob-haller
January 3, 2002
I don't think this surgery is a "cure" for the couch potatoe, but
I think as the weight comes off and you find you have more energy you are
more likely to get up and get moving. WLS is only a "tool" for
you to use in helping you take the weight off... but you yourself have to
commit to eating healthier, exercising more and maintaining a healthier
lifestyle. You might have a smaller pouch, but you can still eat all the
wrong things... you will definately have more energy, but you can still sit
on the couch and watch the exercise programs as well as the world go by. I
myself have always hated exercising (heck, if I liked it I probably
wouldn't have gained all the weight to begin with!!!) but I have committed
myself to this new life and literally MAKE myself get up and get
exercising! I have come too far and gone through too much to fail now...
Try and get a new mindset that after you have the surgery, life as you know
it know will need to change and a new healthier lifestyle will need to be
adopted. Good luck in your adventure!!!
— Kellie Jo B.
January 3, 2002
Let me tell you I am 10 months out down 170lbs 429-259 I joined a gym and
went a few times, you definitly need to stay motivated to get to the gym
all the time, but as far as a couch potato forget it, I can honestly say
other than sports (sports nut) I havent watched any TV in 8-9 months, trust
me it will just happen (I would of never thought)you will find yourself
doing things you never thought of being so heavy!!! Best of Luck
— sonnybone
January 3, 2002
I am still pre op ( surgery date 1/9) but I have been reading this Q&A
page religiously for 8 months. I don't think the surgery is a cure for
being a couch potato but I think a lot of the energy will come from a
combination of losing weight and feeling better PLUS we will be/are taking
all kinds of vitamin supps that will help us feel better and more energetic
also. I, myself, have never been a vitamin taker.....will take some getting
used to,but my hubby takes vitamins and notices a big difference in energy
level if he forgets to take them for a few days. Just remember , getting
off the couch and taking a walk will help with the weightloss.
— Kim B.
January 3, 2002
Not a guy, but I was thinking of the same thing. Walking bores me since
I've a brain that has to be engaged. So.. I was thinking, window shopping
would be a great way to get excerise, engage the brain and scope out future
clothes/ items / CD's etc that you want. Also cruising around for op shops
as the weight comes off, then you could buy cheap clothes until you're in
the size you want.
Other than that, I brought a boxing stand [getting the bag for my birthday
next month] as boxing engages me more than walking.
Hope it helps.
Box.
— blank first name B.
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