I'm currently pre-op and am looking to plan out some of my post-op exercise routine sooner rather than later. My Dr. and NUT both tell me one of the key differences between those who have 40-50% EWL after WLS and those closer to 90-95% EWL is in the exercise. I can barely afford the loan for surgery, so paying for a trainer isn't an option right now - though it's certainly something I hope to do long term.

Can you all please share with me an example of what your exercise routine looks like, both shortly post op and longer term? Currently, despite my high BMI, I raise 70% of my own calories on my hobby farm and spend my evenings hauling hay, 50# bags of grain, and taking my dogs on long walks around the lake - I'm nervous that since I don't eat junk and excercise as above now but still have 54.1BMI, what will I need to do post-op for exercise to see success? I'm willing to wait long term, but am very eager to be in the 90-95 crowd.

I didn't eat junk and was taking Water aerobics 2-3 times a week preop. Certainly not as active as hauling hay but it keep me pretty flexible. Honestly I think it helped me snap back after surgery. I was walking in recovery and walked in my house and on my street as soon as I was discharged. Once my incisions healed I resumed water aerobics. I now do water aerobics 4 -5 days a week. I also do short core strengthening workouts at home either off my DVDs, youtube or On Demand. My goal is a minimum of 30 minutes of something each day even if it's just taking a walk. Longer range goals are to add in some light weight weight lifting, either a zumba or pilates class and start biking again in the Spring.

Edited January 2, 201511 yr by BLERDgirl

I am down 75 pounds since pre-op October 1st (exactly 3 months ago) and do 30 minutes of walking almost everyday. Exercise is important, but sticking to a low calorie, high protein diet is more important early on. I've read many research articles that conclude this as well. You have to do some light exercise, but it is not necessary to do a workout like they do on the "Biggest Loser" show.