Our Favorite Workouts to Keep the Weight Off After Bariatric Surgery

If you struggle with obesity, bariatric surgery can be a life-changing procedure. But the journey to long-term success doesn't end in the operating room. 

Our team at Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics in Atlanta, Georgia, offers excellent advice on how to adopt a healthy lifestyle after your surgery. We walk the journey with you from beginning to end.

After your surgery, not only will you need to make changes to your diet, but you’ll also need to exercise to maintain your results and continue improving your overall well-being.

Suggested workouts to get your body moving after surgery

Our top six ways to implement exercise into your daily life include:

Walking

Walking is a low-impact exercise that's accessible to almost everyone, making it an ideal choice for you as a post-bariatric surgery patient. 

Set realistic goals for yourself. Take short walks and then gradually increase the duration and intensity with time. You burn calories while improving your cardiovascular health. Walking can also enhance your mood, making it a cornerstone of postsurgery exercise routines.

Swimming

Swimming gives you a full-body workout without putting stress on your joints, making it particularly suitable for you when recovering from bariatric surgery. Whether you're doing laps in the pool or participating in water aerobics classes, swimming helps build strength, endurance, and flexibility while burning calories effectively.

Cycling

Riding a bicycle gets your heart pumping and your muscles working, and it can also be fun. Whether you prefer riding a bike outside or using a stationary bike inside, you can tailor this low-impact exercise to your fitness level. 

Start with short-distance rides and gradually increase the duration and intensity as you build strength and stamina.

Strength training

Building lean muscle mass plays a vital role in maintaining your weight loss and boosting your metabolism. Incorporating strength training exercises into your workout routine can help sculpt your body while increasing your overall strength and stability. 

Start with bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and pushups, and gradually add resistance as you progress.

Yoga

Yoga offers benefits for both your body and mind, making it an excellent addition to your post-bariatric surgery fitness regimen. It can:

• Improve flexibility
• Help with balance
• Strengthen your body
• Promote relaxation
• Reduce stress

It can also help you connect with your body and cultivate a sense of inner peace.

Group fitness classes

Joining group fitness classes provides motivation, accountability, and camaraderie as you work toward your fitness goals. Whether it's dance-based workouts like Zumba®, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or strength and conditioning classes, group fitness offers variety and social support to keep you engaged and motivated.

The importance of consistency

Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining your weight loss after bariatric surgery. We recommend that you find activities you enjoy and make them a regular part of your routine.

Listen to your body, start slowly, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as you progress. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve long-term success and enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle after bariatric surgery.

For advice on how to maintain the health benefits of your procedure and to learn more about exercise and how to keep the weight off, reach out to our team today.