So, with the reduced calorie intake, is it exhausting to work out post-op? I don't mean like 6 weeks out, but more like a year out or more, after you've lost all the weight. Not having a big calorie intake for energy and not being able to slug down Water worries me. Part of the reason I want to do this is to gain the ability to exercise more easily (not hauling around all this body weight) and with less risk of injury to my joints. It would bum me out to learn I couldn't do serious exercise anymore.

I've run three half marathons since getting my sleeve (around 2hr 45min), so definitely able to do vigorous exercise. I am able to chug water pretty fast now.

Oooh! That's great! How long did it take you to build up your water-gulp tolerance? Does it stretch the sleeve?

It got easier to drink water quickly at about 6 months. I try not to overdo it. My stomach doesn't seem to be stretched at all. I'm limited to about 6 ounces. My surgery was 1/17/13 and I've been maintaining since December. I ran my first 5K in May 2013, first 10K in Nov 2013 and first half in Jan 2014.

5 months out, I can do vigorous exercise if I add some carbs on exercise days. I can do a strength class (resistence band, small hand weights, lunges, squats, floor work, etc.) directly followed by a Zumba class as long as I fuel properly. Fuel is usually some dairy with carbs sometime during the day (non-fat latte), and a Quest bar about 45 minutes before my work out. Seems to do the trick.

You will quickly learn how much Water you can safely gulp at one time... either the easy way or the hard way! :-P It's become an unconscious habit for me. I can take about 2 big mouthfuls of water without overfilling my sleeve. And no, you won't stretch your sleeve. From what my doc said, and what I've researched, it takes a lot of deliberate effort to stretch your sleeve. And it ain't a fun feeling when my sleeve is over full!

Yes, your body adapts and I am able to do bootcamp, high intensity interval training, go on 8-9 hour horseback rides etc. My main setback was caused by an injury caused by a personal trainer...grumble.