Does exercise get easier?

Hi,
I am pre-op, having the surgery next Monday, and just wanted to ask all you post-op folks about your exercise habits now versus before you were sleeved. Right now I really struggle with the exercise; I try to do it every day but only end up doing about 30 mins of cardio 3-4 times per week. I just really hate it, and I also feel like I'm not doing it right. I usually have to take breaks before I'm really out of breath because my muscles, legs, or limbs are hurting so much.
So my question is this: does exercise get any easier after the sleeve? Did any of you really hate to exercise, but now don't mind it, or don't dread it? How did you get into a good routine or rhythm? Any and all opinions appreciated

Yup, it gets so much easier as the weight melts away. It still does require commitment, though.

Pre-surgery walking up a flight of stairs winded me and hurt my legs. I started walking during my pre op to help with pre op weight loss and it hurt my legs and back and was hard. I did not keep it regular either. Let's face it, it's not fun to do things that hurt and are unpleasant! I truly wanted to like exercise, but I didn't.

Now, I work out 4 days a week minimum. I can easily do 2 1/2 miles on the elliptical trainer on weight training days. On cardio/fat burning days I'm up to 4 miles. I can't say that I always love it, but I'm dedicated and most of the time really enjoy it. I also get off seeing the weekly improvements I'm seeing - sustainability, increase in weights I'm using, and decrease in inches on my body. I couldn't believe that I lost 3 inches off my waist in a month! That totally rocked!

I think I have found my transfer addiction - seriously. I mean my non-work schedule now revolves around when I want to go to the gym. I've never been really good at the whole moderation thing. Gotta work on that.

Thank you, that was exactly what I needed to hear I think. Did you join a gym? If so, did you do so pre-op or post-op? If post-op, how long after? There is this great women's gym about 5 mins from my house that I would love to join but I still don't feel comfortable working out in front of other people

I joined a gym after my surgery at about 10 weeks out. I had lost about 50 lbs at that point - give or take and was feeling a lot more confident. I still feel awkward sometimes working out along with all the hard bodies, but I figure I'll blend in soon enough!

the hardest part for me was building the habit.

I've seen myself and others jump into exersize/working out at a non-sustainable pace and give up because it's just too hard. Because lets face it, when you are deciding whether to go exersize or do something else, if you are discouraged with exersize it won't be your first choice.

I've given this advice before and I'm sticking to it. Just do something EVERYDAY.  Don't start by doing 1/2 hour at a killer speed, don't walk till it hurts or you cant breath. Ratchet it down and just do sometihing for 15 minutes a day EVERYDAY then after a few weeks and a few less pounds you can speed up what your doing or increase the length.

Eventually, you will do more/faster but it will come in it's own time. If you try to meet all the gym trainers goals at this point you will just burn out and not do anything.

Start with making it a daily habit, later you can work on technique or duration.

Just my humble opinion.

donna

Thank you for that reply, I think you're right if I start out at a better pace I might find it easier to maintain and increase. Maybe I put some unrealistic expectations on myself, I want to be able to do everything right now!

Fabulous advice!

This is what I strive to do.. exercise, movement, it all gets easier after some of the pounds are gone- finding the motivation, that is the challenge! Make it something doable and enjoyable, and let it snowball from there.. 

 for me i was not active much pre op.  i did walk a 5k a few years ago and trained a few times a week walking 2+ miles.  during the 5k i felt like i was going to collapse after the 3.1 miles and it took me 1 hour and 45 minutes to finish. 

fast forward to post op 6 + months.  i signed up for a 2 mile fitness walk and walked the first mile and ran most of the second mile in 35 minutes total.  

i think walking for me is much easier, i am faster and not out of breath as much.  
i am training to run a 5k in june and 10k in august, and i have to say, i think it sucks. lol.  i never "enjoyed" exercising, even in h.s. when i was active (track, cheerleading, etc...).  i am hoping that if i am consistent with the walk/running i will soon learn to enjoy it and am hoping it is a transfer addiction but it's not coming fast enough for me! 

Yes, it gets easier, especially after you get your stamina back. Try to find something you love, for me it was aqua aerobics and aqua jogging, and a waterproof mp3 player to keep me going. Then, just make it a habit. Now, I am starting a weight lifting 4 x week and cardio only 2 or 3. For me lean muscle building is where it's at. I did have to up my calories some, but still losing great

Some days post op,, I would give myself permission to do just like 10 mins, and halfheartedly at that. The better days balanced those ones out.