Question:
How soon after lap RNY did you feel like exercising?

I'd like to join the local Y, but will most likely be having lap RNY in February (3 months from now). I'd like to start exercising but am worried that in a few months I won't feel up to it for a bit. How long is that "bit"? I'd like to do water aearobics, swimming, volleyball and possibly raquetball for activities. Any answers appreciated! Thanks! =)    — Sarah C. (posted on November 27, 2001)


November 27, 2001
The recovery time for Lap is pretty short. I would think that you should be able to start exercising very soon after your surgery. It couldn't hurt to start before surgery it may even help speed up your recovery, besides then you have already gotten into the routine! Good Luck. Vicki Mize
   — vmize

November 27, 2001
Hey! Go ahead and join the Y! The best thing you can do for your surgery recovery is to exercise now! I had lap RNY on August 28, 2001. That was on a Tuesday. I went home on Thursday and was at the Y on Sunday walking on the treadmill. Now, I was not at my best yet and I walked much more slowly than normal, but at least I was moving. I continued to go every couple of days to walk and my stamina slowly returned. My surgeon released me to return to weight lifting at about 2 to 3 weeks out. I was back on my full routine at 3 weeks out. I did try to go back to water aerobics at one month out, but all the jumping made my "insides" hurt, so I haven't been back to that class since.
   — Denise C.

November 27, 2001
I had my Lap RNY in Dec. 2000, and my surgeon would not let me walk on a treadmill for almost six weeks, and would not clear me to return to weight training for 8 weeks. I could walk at the mall or in the park, etc., but he wouldn't let me resume going to the gym for quite a while. I was going nuts at the end of three weeks, though. I felt ready to start back on my weight training routine after that time. I would be sure to ask the surgeon how long after the surgery it will be before he clears you for going back to the gym. If you are doing water aerobics and swimming, it may be sooner, depending upon how well your incisions heal. Good luck and be sure to ask your surgeon what his protocol is for after surgery exercise.
   — Maria H.

November 27, 2001
I had surgery on a monday, out of hospital on wednesday morning, started walking around my neighborhood the next day. One week from surgery I walked 1.3 miles and met my wife at work. I did lots of walking till my one month anniversary then began moving lots of heavy deliveries at work. Moved about 20,000 pounds of stuff, in 20 pound packages in 2 weeks. My profile has more details. Exercising NOW will help you recuperate from surgery better. My surgeon says my fast recovery was helped by my being physically active pre op.
   — bob-haller

November 27, 2001
It's been three years and 7 months since my rny...and I still don't feel like exersizing! (lol). I just can't force my self to do it. I don't worry about it anymore. I lost 120lbs. with out doing anything. So, I'll never be a size 8. It's ok beccause I'll never be size 28 again either.
   — [Anonymous]

November 28, 2001
Following my lap RNY, I was instructed to "walk daily as tolerated, but not to the point of fatigue" during the first three weeks. After that, I was free to swim, weight-lift, and exercise "as desired". I had no problems with that regimen. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

November 28, 2001
only one thing here!!! I was told to remember that Lap Rny RNY heals faster on outside of course bec of smaller almost no scars..BUT TO KEEP IN MIND THAT INSIDE WE ARE ALL HEALING ABOUT THE SAME..and should be careful very careful for a few weeks to months. AM I WRONG HERE???? Be careful out there!!! You have a whole life ahead of you
   — Jackiis

November 28, 2001
I am 1.5 year post op and and I NEVER yet felt like exercising.... :)
   — Karen R.




Click Here to Return
×