Exercise ???

Hi all, I just found out about this message board and just in time! I was starting to feel alone because everyone else I talked to has been post-op for over a year. I'm so happy to have found this group! A bit about myself... I'm 30, originally from Puerto Rico but living in Holland for the last 5 years. I had open RNY on Jan 16th - at 311 lbs. I have lost 37 pounds so far and have not had any complications, except for a stricture which was fixed last Friday. I will post more info on my profile if I can ever find my way around it --- I don't even know how to post my picture yet! My question is about exercise as I have not really started to do anything yet (shame on me!). What kind of exercise is everyone busy with? How long? Any advice you can give me? I want to go to the gym later today and sign up but other than walking I'm not sure what I should start with. Thanks for your help! Vilmaris

Vilmaris, Welcome to the Boards! Well, I have to say I guilty as well. I have not been really exercising either. I have 3 kids I chase around though and I do shop alot, so im sure that counts for something. But for the 1st time Saturday I went to the rec center and got on a treadmill. I was really impressed. I ran 15 out of the 20 minutes I was on there. With a 3 % incline too! But I paid for it yesterday. I was so sore I could barely walk! So I didnt go yesterday but im on my way now! So good luck to you..and again welcome. Michelle

Hi and welcome!! This is a great board here and everyone here has been so helpful and encouraging to me. I hope that you have the great experience!! We are very similar. We started at the same weight and I am down 35 lbs so far as well. I had my surgery on 1/11/06. As for exercise, I went and joined a gym yesterday. I did the treadmill for about 15 minutes (which is a huge step for me) and also did some low impact weight machines. Ask the person at the desk what they recommend. Also let them know that you had stomach surgery so anything low impact on the abdomen is a great start for now. I also just bought the "Biggest Loser Workout" DVD and have not used it yet, but figured it's great when I can't get to the gym or for when I come home from work and am awake and such. Hope that this helps! Let me know if there is anything else I can help with. Congrats on the 37 pounds gone forever!! That is fantastic!! Best wishes and have a great day!! ~amber~

Welcome to the boards!! We have so mu*****ommon. I had surgery the day after you (but went in on the 16th to have a filter put in). And I started out at 320lbs. and I had a stricture which was fixed last Saturday!!! Wow, someone who is going through the same as me at the same time as me! I have been walking 2 miles everyday on the beach. The doctor said the sand is an extra exercise I started walking again Monday after coming home on Sunday and I must say I feel great!!! Hugs, Julie

Thanks everyone, this is great help!! Amber, you are right, we are very similar... just yesterday I was looking around for the Biggest Loser Workout! Only I could not find it because they don't sell it in Europe yet Congrats on the 35 pounds! Doesn't it feel great?! Julie, this is the closest I have ever been to having a twin It's so good to know that other people are going through exactly the same and at the same time! You all made my day! Hugs from Holland, Vilmaris

Welcome! I was walking everyday(almost) up until about a week ago. I've started going back to the gym and I am just about addicted! I usually use the treadmill for about 30-45 mins or the elliptical for the same amount of time. Usually burns about 300 calories (so says the machine). You may want to start walking around your neighborhood first then maybe work your way up, just so you'll be comfortable. Good luck! You'll drop those pounds in no time! April

Hi Vilmaris, I'm glad you've found us. I have some mobility issues so I've started very slow. I bought a treadmill and have been using that to walk. Per my surgeron I am just to add one minute per week and I am up to 5 minutes a day. The first time I tried it I did 2 minutes and thought I was going to die so I am pretty pleased. Regards, Ronna