To exercise or to not. It would seem that in the bariatric world there are two camps. Camp Exercise and Camp No Exercise. For me personally, I knew that once I had VSG that I wanted to exercise to decrease loose skin and to be physically strong. I am not interested in being a small weak person. I also discovered that exercising helps to boost my energy. Having said all that I know that some following their surgery may not be physically able to exercise or at least right away. For those in the other camp I have nothing against them, but I want exercise to be a part of my journey.

What do you think? Should we exercise or not? I know some of you may want to comment with well as long as you are eating right that is important. I agree, but this posting is not about the eating aspect of losing weight, but exercising and physical activity. Lastly, I have a dread someone is going to write something along the lines of judging others and what not. There is no judgment here or at least not from me. I am simply stating what I think is best for me and would like to hear others thoughts on the same topic.

And go

I think exercise is critical for health.

I exercise because 1) I want to be healthy, 2) I enjoy it, 3) I can, and 4) it helps keep my metabolism stoked.

The key is finding something that you can do to get moving.

Whether it is punching in the air because you I am not able to get around very well or if you are bedbound (I do lots of arm exercises when I am watching tv), pedaling an exercise peddler with my hands because standing and walking are difficult (this really helped me reach my exercise goals pre-op), walking for short distances around the house (I did this post-op), taking a Water aerobics class or just running or walking in the water (I did a lot of this once I was cleared to get in the water after surgery), pushing a cart around a store (I am starting to be able to be on my feet longer than I used to so can spend more time browsing), or swimming laps for a mile in addition to doing water weights, water aerobics, etc. 4 plus times a week (my current exercise routine at over 9 months post-op), I couldn't imagine being as successful at my weight loss and regaining my health without exercise.