Hey. My surgery is on Monday, and I have questions about exercise. How soon did your Dr tell you it was ok to start, when did you actually start, and what do you do? My Dr has told me it's basically whenever you are feeling up to it, about a week after. Just curious as to what people have done. And what types of exercise because I need some new ideas! :-) Thanks!

I wasn't cleared to do anything other than walk for four weeks. When I was cleared, I started on super low impact aerobics and pilates, and then a little while later added in very light weights/strength training.

i am 2 months out.can I start with weights? I cant walk much due to arthritis....upper body exercises suit me.

I was told to wait at least 6 weeks for anything except walking. He said that would give the stomach time to heal and that the last think I wanted was an accident on some exercise equipment and inure the suture line. If you don't believe it can happen, do a Google search for treadmill fail.

It's all about what you are willing to risk.

I was told to walk as much as possible and then at 4 weeks I could add the treadmill and stationary bike only. At 6 weeks I could add light hand weights and slowly add other exercises. Right now I exercise twice a day. In the morning I walk on the treadmill for 15 minutes and the stationary bike for 10 or 15 and then do the same in the afternoon. I can't tell you how much of a difference this has made for me. I do this 5 days per week but I think I will add something extra on the weekends. What ever you choose to do....keep at it and keep moving, it's the secret weapon.

I had no restricitons from my doc on exercise. My brain on the other hand kept finding reasons not to do it... and then i told myself i didnt get this surgery done for nothing, so 2 1/2 month after surgery (middle of Jan) I pulled my finger out and just did it... i walked 2kms and it about killed me... I have not let myself talk myself out of it ever since... i feel so good after I am done and i have lost 4 pant sizes... I can tell you that it is not all because of the sleeve, that is not the end all... but the bad was horrible i never would have been able to exercise with the band, would have never been able to drink the Water needed... if anyone needs some motivation download the runtastic app on your phone and add me because it is awesome motivator to be challenged enore66@bigpond.com ... good luck everyone and everyone of us deserve this!

Thanks everyone for the replies. I figured I wouldn't be doing much more than walking for a month or so. I really hate going to the gym, that will be a big pep talk needed to start doing it again. I think I may try jazzercise or zumba or boxing, but not til I am good and healed :-)