How long after surgery did you have to wait before you can start working out? I am not due to have surgery until May but I am a planner and like to get things in order beforehand.

It varies from person to person. You have to wait at least a month for the incision to heal and not lift much. You can do small walks and stretches but hold off on cardio and strength training for about 6 weeks.

56 minutes ago, Charming23 said:

How long after surgery did you have to wait before you can start working out? I am not due to have surgery until May but I am a planner and like to get things in order beforehand.

My surgeon said after about a week! But obesity aside lol, I was quite fit prior to surgery & relatively young. No heavy weights for at least 6 weeks but honestly I'm 7 weeks out and only just have enough energy to do strength training anyway. Listen to your body.

I was walking around 10000-12000 steps 5 days out. Getting heart rate into cardio zone but it was tough. Started cross training in week 2 but gently. I've pushed too hard on occasion & felt light headed & weak. Like Grady said, everyone varies. You'll find your zone

1 hour ago, Charming23 said:

How long after surgery did you have to wait before you can start working out? I am not due to have surgery until May but I am a planner and like to get things in order beforehand.

The recommendation will vary from surgeon to surgeon and on the extent of your own healing progress.

I was told I could walk as much as I am able, starting Day 1. Which I did, every day.

Was cleared for ALL exercise, including weight lifting, at the 1 month followup (though didn’t really get into it, aside from my daily walks, until about 3 months...not that I wasn’t physically able, just wasn’t really in the mood until then)

My surgeon allowed walking right after surgery. In fact that was a requirement to get released. Two walks per day. I was cleared to start exercising two weeks after surgery.

My recommendation is to start exercising NOW! Start doing what you can, no matter what, even if it is just a 5 minute walk and try to build up to doing 30 minutes per day for 5 days a week. This will help you build momentum going into surgery and hopefully you can pick up your routine after surgery when you are cleared. The added benefit is the better shape you are in going into surgery will probably help you recover faster as well.

I was told to walk as much as I was able from day 1, but other more strenuous exercise should wait till my 3 month check up. But I had a hernia repair at the same time as the bypass, so this may be specific to me. I'm thinking about starting a dance exercise dvd soon though as it's just a bit more energetic than walking.

I was told just walking for the first 2 weeks but then after that I could do the treadmill, elliptical, and the bike. I started at 2 weeks 2 days and I go to the gym 5 days a week. My weight loss is very slow though. I am not sure what I can do to increase the weight loss. I have read others losing 20 to 40 pounds in the first month. I am going to try and increase my exercise and see if doing more than an hour a day makes a difference.

1 hour ago, Jennifer D said:

I was told just walking for the first 2 weeks but then after that I could do the treadmill, elliptical, and the bike. I started at 2 weeks 2 days and I go to the gym 5 days a week. My weight loss is very slow though. I am not sure what I can do to increase the weight loss. I have read others losing 20 to 40 pounds in the first month. I am going to try and increase my exercise and see if doing more than an hour a day makes a difference.

I lost about 30lb first month post surgery but if that's "good" or not will totally depend on your starting weight! A 400lb person will likely lose much more than a 250lb person.

What you view as slow may be just the right speed for your body.