I am looking for ideas from people who have already had surgery. What exercise should I do pre-op to lose weight and should I work on strengthening my core before surgery? Thank you in advance.

I’m not a fitness expert by any means. My suggestion is fit in at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise at least 5 days a week. Exercise after surgery will gradually become different as you lose the weight. You will find yourself being able to do more and push yourself harder. The key is to make exercise a part of your routine and a habit. I know it was a struggle to fit it into my schedule at first but now it’s second nature. I have to do laundry and I have to go to the gym. It’s everything else I have to “find time” for now.

You can pretty much do any exercise you are comfortable with. Strengthening your core is always good before any surgery, considering you may be walking like the hunchback for a few days afterwards (well I was anyhow lol).

Just do what feels comfortable

Pre-surgery just focus on cardio with only a light amount (or I should say intense amount in small doses) of strength training (to help minimize muscle loss while losing weight).

I started working with a personal trainer in May 2016 in anticipation of August 2016 surgery. I told her what I was doing and she developed a program for me that challenged me and helped me build up my strength. I would see her about once every three weeks. It was well worth the money. She worked with me post-op as well. Everyone's beginning fitness level is different so its important you find someone to help you get started.

I still work with a trainer (different one - my first one went to grad school and moved) and I'm almost 2 years out. Working on getting my body fat below 28% before I have plastics done. (I'm at about 31% right now which is pretty respectable for a 56 year old woman!)

Yes to core strengthening; plus arm/shoulders exercises. Both will aid with post op recovery and being able to position yourself in bed after surgery. Then add cardio to aid with endurance so you don't weaken when asked to walk after surgery. I worked hard in these areas a month before surgery and thanked myself each time I wanted to move or needed to get up from the bed afterward.