Exercise

I'm having the surgery on the 1st and I know that you're suppose to walk everyday. Does anyone know how much walking I should be doing? How many minutes should I set a target for during the first two weeks or so?

Thanks all!

Cami K.

Walking after surgery is very important.  You will need to listen to your body, start in the hospital and just keep adding time as you feel comfortable. You will know when you can do more, don't rush and talk to your doctor, he/she will probably have suggestions on your post-op activity.  

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.  We can't wait to hear from you post-op!

I took my pedometer to the hospital. From my first day (about 6 hours post-op) I was walking 1/2 a mile at a time. I did 2.5 miles over the next 12 hours or so and then was discharged. I walked the neighborhood at home from the get go and then ventured out to the greenway near the house I recovered in and then to the downtown area near the home I primarily reside in. I liked the variety of locations in which to walk the first few weeks. I graduated to the elliptical and now I am doing the C25K program. 

I feel my best when I am exerting myself 6 days a week and making healthy choices about the food I enjoy daily as well.

If you don't have a pedometer (I use the FitBit) I encourage you to get one so you don't mis-estimate your actual walking, especially in the beginning.

:)

Okay, this one is a crazy face (in a good way)! Seriously, you're a beast, PetHairMagnet!!!  

In the hospital I made it a loop or two around the bariatric recovery ward....I was in rough shape, but each time was a little easier. I'm 8 days out today and I made it a 20 minute mile and had to give in. I'm in pretty good shape for a big girl but my incisions keep getting really irritated. Do what you can. Anything is something. Trust me though...you WILL want to walk...if the gas was anything like I had, it will make you feel horrid and walking is the best medicine for relief. Don't rush yourself if you're not ready for something...but work your way up. When things get easy i.e. you aren't breaking a sweat, up the incline on the treadmill or find a hilly neighborhood to walk. Good luck Cami!

I am a little under 4 weeks out and I started the first week with about a mile a day then progressed from there based on how my body feels I am right at about 5 miles a day I do 2 in the morning and 3 in the evening but over did it Sunday hiking in a park so I had to take yesterday off and my side is still hurting a bit today so just try not to over do it in the beginning. 

I am 6 days out and have been going to the gym for the past 3 days.  I have been walking for a half hour on the treadmill at a speed of 2.2  You have to listen to your body.  The first day, I would get some pressure/cramping in my side and have to slow down, or take a break.  Yesterday I was able to increase speed by .2 and I didnt stop at all in the half hour.  I figure I will increase speed and distance as my body gets stronger.  Do what you feel is best for your body.