I was banded on 5/19, so I'm obviously not ready for major toning exercises, especially anything using the core muscles. I have been walking, and I'm able to do that without discomfort at a decent pace, and longer each day. But I am losing pretty fast right now, and I really want to know when I can do something that builds muscle a little bit. I guess I have this fear of getting that "deflated" look. Probably more than a little irrational, I know.

They generally say 5-6 weeks for strength training, right? But what if I'm 3 weeks post-op, my incisions are healed completely, and I don't feel any pain? Can I, say, do some squats or arm curls, or anything like that? Does it all affect the core or are there exercises that I can work on that will not dramatically affect my core muscles?

Also: is there any harm in doing the elliptical rather than the treadmill? Is there a certain time one should wait to do that? If I can't start doing any strength training for another month, I'd like to at least get my upper half moving with the elliptical.

Any help appreciated. I am following my food plan to a tee and won't do anything my doctor doesn't approve. Let me know what your experience was in easing back into working out after you were banded. Thanks!

You should ask your doctor about being cleared to start lifting weights. You can start light (which is a good idea anyway because it'll help you prevent some of the soreness.)

I can't imagine any reason that you couldn't use the elliptical if you're cleared for walking. In many ways the elliptical is easier than walking (no impact at all). The upper body action may cause your heart rate to elevate a little more, though.

If you haven't done any strength training at all, a good way to start is to hire a personal trainer for a 6 week session or so (once you are cleared for it). S/he can teach you proper form for the exercises and help develop a few workouts for you that you can use on an alternating basis.

In terms of which exercises use your "core" muscles-- most free weight exercises, if done appropriately will use your core muscles (both front and back) for stability. You can decrease this by doing many of the exercises in a sitting (arm curls, triceps) or reclining position (chest press). But even standing, they aren't using your core muscles in a huge way- not like sit-ups for example. So with doctor permission, they are likely to be ok. Excercises like squats do use more core (again for stability) though they don't involve spinal flexion when done properly (your back stays straight). Typically when a doctor says "no core work" they mean crunches, situps, etc.

I was banded on 5/19, so I'm obviously not ready for major toning exercises, especially anything using the core muscles. I have been walking, and I'm able to do that without discomfort at a decent pace, and longer each day. But I am losing pretty fast right now, and I really want to know when I can do something that builds muscle a little bit. I guess I have this fear of getting that "deflated" look. Probably more than a little irrational, I know.

They generally say 5-6 weeks for strength training, right? But what if I'm 3 weeks post-op, my incisions are healed completely, and I don't feel any pain? Can I, say, do some squats or arm curls, or anything like that? Does it all affect the core or are there exercises that I can work on that will not dramatically affect my core muscles?

Also: is there any harm in doing the elliptical rather than the treadmill? Is there a certain time one should wait to do that? If I can't start doing any strength training for another month, I'd like to at least get my upper half moving with the elliptical.

Any help appreciated. I am following my food plan to a tee and won't do anything my doctor doesn't approve. Let me know what your experience was in easing back into working out after you were banded. Thanks!

Congrats on your band first of all, however while I know that you are pumped up about doing exercise you are still in post op mode. If you want to do arm curls and stuff you need to check with your physician.

Here is the main reason they want you to take it easy, any form of exercise that you do with your legs core or arms has an affect on your port, which could flip. or the cord that is attached from the port to the band which can become detached.

Keep up the walking but remember you are healing and in this process you will gain some weight and that is expected this is the time you need to pamper yourself take your time, soon enough you will be able to do core, legs and arms. But as always double check with your Doctor~

Thank you both for the great advice! I see my doctor Thursday and will consult with him about it. But it is good to remember that I am healing, and that walking/elliptical may just have to do for right now.

Really appreciate the thoughtful responses!

I was banded the 17th and I was told that I am free to do whatever I feel like doing, including weights and intense cardio. I was told if my incisions start to hurt just take it easy.