Hi all - I'm going through the pre-work necessary for GS surgery and wondering if anyone has any experience with exercising for long periods after surgery? Are 3-4 hour bike rides or hikes out of the question? Not really sure how easily it is to stay hydrated with a reduced stomach ?‍♂️.

Thanks!

I would not expect to be cleared for this kind of exercise until several months after your surgery, but i do think you’d be able to stay hydrated as long as you prioritize and be smart about it. THat said, I am not much into exercising- so what do i know?

I've been going on 3 hour hikes since 10 days post-op.

That said, I've had very little trouble with fluid intake. (I can't chug a liter of water in one go like before, but that's more of a weird party trick than a positive lifestyle choice.) I also live in a cold temperate climate and wasn't out in the summer sun.

I had thought of using a CamelBak type thing to be constantly drinking fluids, but it turned out not to be necessary.

I'm eight years out and do 2-3 hour bike rides a few times a week when the weather cooperates. However, I started out really heavy so no way I could have ridden a bike....or exercised that long. The longest I probably exercised for the first year or so was in hour-long water fitness classes.

the hydration thing isn't an issue. Water goes right through you surgery or not, so I don't think it makes any difference. I just take a water bottle with me when I'm going biking (or taking some cardio class).

Regardless what you do keep your fluids by your side & keep sipping. You may want to add some electrolytes to your fluids as energy drops are common. And don’t forget to check with your team first before starting any strenuous or lengthy activities. Possibly best to start slowly first to see how you go & then build up the intensity or extend the time frame as you’re able.

Thanks all! I think the unknown for me is how much will I be able to drink at one time, I basically chug 12-16 oz at each stop when I ride today....

your drinking speed will definitely slow down for awhile, but I think I drink just as quickly now as I did before surgery - and have been for several years (I'm eight years out)

I used to do long distance riding and loved it. I trained many miles for Century rides and MS 150's for charity.

That was in my 20's. As I got older I cut back on long exercise sessions (biking, weights and jogging). Big mistake and started gaining weight. But my Mom became ill and I began taking care of her instead of myself and didn't take the time anymore. I eventually stopped exercising altogether when I suddenly couldn't breathe, and everything became hard for me to do. I was misdiagnosed as having COPD and kind of gave up on myself at that point.

It was only recently with pre op testing for Bariatric surgery that I found out I never had COPD and couldn't breathe because of a hiatal hernia. It caused 10% of my stomach to stick up through my diaphragm. Makes me mad to think about but thankful at the same time that it is now repaired, and I can breathe and exercise again.

I would love to try biking too at some point. For now I walk 5-6xs a week for a little over a mile and makes me so happy. Just to be able to do it.

I wouldn't worry too much about hydration. You should be fine. Just keep drinking. But not sure how long hours of exercise will affect your appetite? I have little to none now, 7 weeks out. I can only imagine I would become quite ravenous, which could defeat the whole purpose. IDK but good luck!