I will be getting gastric bypass surgery next month on February 8th. Right now, I am in pretty bad shape and can only really walk for short amounts of time. If I try to do too much, I am left limping from back, knee, hip, and ankle pain. I have a high tolerance for the pain but it is like an 8/10. I understand the importance of physical activity, especially post-surgery. What's the best way to get started? How often did you exercise, post-op? What kinds of small goals did you set for yourself?

Honestly, the best way for you to get started is aqua-fit. exercising in the water takes all the weight off of your joints and is a great way to start.

Hope this helps.

That's a great idea!

Read article about walking 2 miles a day at one time was most effective.

Found that very discouraging. Not possible with my knees. Did elliptical for 10 minutes a day, most of the time. One month out and with less weight on, I'm up to elliptical twice a day for 15 min and one walk a week with the wife for 2 miles.

Do something every day, and at the start it may not be much. Don't freak. Aqua aerobics sounds like a good place to start.

Hang in there!

Aquatics are a great idea. I didn't have access to that, but had similar problems initially with even small amounts of walking. I started very small (just walking laps inside my house) and gradually built up to more and more walking. My focus was just getting some movement. As the weight came off, which will happen if you follow the dietary plan, exercise gets much easier.

get in the pool!

Well, I cannot afford the gym membership now that I am back on the unemployment line. You know what, right now I don't care that much. I am just going to keep consistent until I get through surgery. Not looking to make too many changes right now.