Hi Everyone,

I am over a year post op and have not started any serious exercising yet. I do have an allotment, I go fishing occasionally. However I do get dizzy and dehydrate quickly which is making me nervous in regard to exercising. Is this normal?

You probably need more hydration, possibly some electrolytes. We can't drink the volume we could before, so we are at higher risk for dehydration. Taking a water bottle with you and frequently sipping should help. Of course if you start working out and have serious issues with these things, I'd talk to your doctor, they may have some recommendations for you. Working with an expert who understands the challenges of WLS could help too, your surgeon might be able to recommend someone.

I don't have those episodes anymore but they are a little scary. I still carry a drink and a protein bar with me where ever I go.

Just walk, its great exercise.

Just a thought. Are you on Blood pressure medication ? My symptoms were better once I got off the tablets for this

No I’m not on blood pressure tablets, my tests come back positive. I carry a drink just in case, the dizziness comes a long with the exercise. Thinking about getting my head checked out, my mother had a brain tumour, could be worth getting it checked out

I think it's OK to wait or slowly ease your way to exercise. The body takes a while to heal and learn to handle the kind of permanent calorie restriction we have to adjust to.

Could be a hypoglycaemic episode. I get lightheaded, cold sweats, weak tummy too. I have them randomly but usually with exercise though I can have them doing nothing remotely strenuous. (Had one on Sunday just standing & chatting ??‍♀️.) I had them before so nothing new for me. Yes, an electrolyte drink can help. If doing something quite active I’ll pop a hydralite tablet in my water bottle. If I’m running to the shop before breakfast for milk or something I’ll eat a couple of blueberries.

Certainly worth a conversation with your doctor.

Try little bursts of activity a few times across the day - called exercise snacking. They all add up. Say you do 3 sessions of 10 minutes that’s 30 mins total. It’s what I do. I also use resistance bands to build & tone muscle. It works - my arms look great & my thighs & calves are larger. (I know cause my pant legs have got tighter which I’m not really happy about ?.) Also try adding to your usual day to day activity. Going to the shops park further away. Walk/jog up travelators, escalators & stairs. Carry your groceries in do multiple trips instead of carrying all the bags in one or two trips.

Thanks, some really good advice ?