Post-OP Walking

[alex76 184]

I'm having my gastric bypass on Wednesday July 3. I have been working really hard to lose almost 40 lbs in the past 6 months, so I don't want to lose my exercise momentum. Currently, I bike and walk about 5 miles a day. I know biking is out of the question for a few weeks, but walking will be my main source of exercise.

How much were you able to walk in the days and weeks after surgery?

Thanks!

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[GradyCat 3,692]

I could walk as much as I wanted immediately after surgery. I waited about 2 weeks before biking.

[DJTonyG 9]

The hospital made me walk hours after surgery. I was sent home from hospital the next day. I was able to walk immediately after I got home. Good Luck on the surgery and your journey!!

[AZhiker 2,251]

I started walking the day of surgery and kept increasing steps until I got to 10,000/day, which is what my surgeon recommended. I was up to 10,000 by the end of week one, according to my record I keep. Best thing ever - to get right into the exercise. I also added wall pushups a little later. Then stairs - 10 flights/day by end of week 3. Then added some light weights for upper body.

[alex76 184]

I started walking the day of surgery and kept increasing steps until I got to 10,000/day, which is what my surgeon recommended. I was up to 10,000 by the end of week one, according to my record I keep. Best thing ever - to get right into the exercise. I also added wall pushups a little later. Then stairs - 10 flights/day by end of week 3. Then added some light weights for upper body.

This is exactly what I wanted to know! I'm hoping to be well enough to work up to 10k steps by the beginning of next week. Thank you!

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[Biddy zz 🏳️🌈 1,003]

You have a GREAT attitude. And given that the success of this surgery is hugely about attitude, I reckon you got this!

[AZhiker 2,251]

11 hours ago, alex76 said:

This is exactly what I wanted to know! I'm hoping to be well enough to work up to 10k steps by the beginning of next week. Thank you!

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Just keep your Water with you! Continual tiny sips. Since you were already on a good exercise program, this should be a breeze for you! Way to go! So good to have some lifestyle changes already in place before surgery! That being said, don't push yourself! Listen to your body. If it is hurting or you are really tired, please stop. This is all about healing.

Even though I was walking right away, I still developed a blood clot in my leg. Go figure, huh? But I got on the Xarelto and kept on walking. You can't control how your body reacts with nausea, pain, or even a blood clot, but exercise is definitely something YOU control and track. I found it to be very empowering and motivating. Maybe I am just lucky, but 5 months out and I have never stalled. Weight loss has slowed, but is still consistant, and I would like to think the exercise has a lot to do with that. Best wishes for your surgery!!!!! Please keep us posted.

[alex76 184]

AZhiker- I'm grateful for your advice. It means a lot to go into tomorrow's surgery with your kind words. Thank you!

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[MrsGamgee 756]

When I was first home from the hospital I was only able to manage a few 10 minute walks each day. I slowly worked up to 20 minutes at a time. About a week and a half post op, I pushed myself too hard and did a 3km walk, and felt awful for a few days. But I'm now managing 5km and other than some muscle aches I'm doing pretty well. Good luck with your surgery!

[alex76 184]

I am now 5 days post op and I've been feeling pretty good walking a total of 1 mile per day. I break the mile up into short walks around my yard and that feels right for me. I plan on increasing to 2 miles per day when I'm a week post op. Thanks for all of your encouraging words!

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[CrystalV 25]

That’s awesome that you can walk that much. I have no energy at all.

[TheJuice202 63]

I walked about 1 mile 4 days after surgery before it became too much. It's gotten better as the days tick on.

At the time that was great for me because Day 3 I could barely stand up straight or walk more than 2 blocks without sitting (huge difference 1 day made).