Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Exercising on small amounts of food post-surgery?



Recommended Posts

Right now if I eat a very small amount of food and then try to exercise I get lightheaded, weak, tired, and feel like passing out. Does that change after the surgery? I see lots of posts about people exercising 1-2 hours a day... how do you do that on so few calories without feeling like passing out?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Pre-surgery, I've never felt like that during a workout. Post-surgery, I've only felt like I was going to pass out when I was walking in the Texas heat! I started adding a banana to my diet and that made a big difference in post-walking recovery. I think its less about how many calories I'm eating and more about the amount of nutrition I'm getting from food.< /p>

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

U may be trying to do too much too soon.

Keep it simple...walking is always a good starter.

Even hand weights could be too much until you heal inside and out!

Good luck

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Good question, I wonder that too.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I go to they gym after I have had my morning Protein shake/tea. I have just recently started strength training and I feel pretty good and am able to get thru itit all and still do 30 mins on treadmill.

I usually wait about 40 mins then go, that way I can drink my Water while I am there too!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am on the pre-op liquid diet currently and exercised for 2 hours last night (water aerobics) and felt totally fine. I am sure post surgery I will not be doing an aerobics class though. I'll probably just be walking or water-walking at most. My suggestion would be to have a shake 30 minutes before working out? And make sure you drink Water while working out and listen to your body. You don't want to jump in with 2 hours of walking/working out as soon as you're cleared for exercise. That's the kind of thing you work up to!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Can't tell you why but I've never had a problem with it post op. I do 3-5 mile runs easily on very few calories. If I am going longer than that or am racing I will add some extra carbs--fruit, dried fruit, oatmeal, flax or coconut flour pancakes. I always try and have a Protein shake within a half hour of finishing my run though.

One thing maybe is my exercise has increased as my weight has decreased so I am moving 130 pounds less around and it's not as tiring. My endurance has built up slowly as the weight dropped. So it's different post op that way.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@ Thank you for posting this- I have been wondering the same thing and have been slightly worried!!!

But I think @@jess9395 has a good point, though...maybe once we lose some weight, our bodies will not have to be working as hard to get our groove on therfore will not need as much energy (aka food).

But I have been worrying because if I don't eat very much...sometimes I get really clammy, hot, shaky and feel like I am going to pass out. I have had labs done and my doc didn't show any issues with my blood-work.

I wonder if the loss of ghrelin accounts for being able to work out with little food at all?

I guess we will find out, eh?!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My doc told me to cut back on exercise until I get closer to my Protein and calorie goal I was walking 60-70 minutes a day and getting only 30-40 grams of protein. He said my body will start holding onto the weight. He also said I would start losing muscle instead of fat.. I was feeling great getting that much exercise but I've cut back because The doc knows what he's talking about. .

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×