Bariatric surgery is the most effective tool for treating morbid obesity when other methods have failed. To achieve success in surgery, dietary habits and lifestyle should be modified in relation to sedentarism. Physical exercise plays a key role after bariatric surgery.
Exercise helps patients lose weight at a faster rate and once the desired weight is achieved, to maintain it in the long run. On the other hand, physical exercise increases the secretion of endorphins, improving the mood, thus helping the patient to maintain their motivation to adhere to treatment and face stressful situations they may encounter on their weight loss journey.
At Mexicali Bariatric Center, our interdisciplinary team of professionals recommends that a patient should get up from bed and start walking short distances since the day of the operation. During the first month the patient can resume his usual activities completely and after this first month, it is recommended that patients exercise moderately about three times a week for periods of 45 to 60 minutes.
There are several proven benefits of continuous exercise after bariatric surgery:
- More weight loss. Studies and our clinical experience at MBC, show that patients who exercised constantly performed better in their weight loss than patients that did not. Other than sticking to your dietary plan, exercise will be the only other predictor of weight loss.
- Superior mental health. Several studies indicate that patients that perform physical activity after weight loss surgery show improvement in their mental health, first and foremost an improved motivation and mental “sharpness”, and an improved libido.
Exercise will contribute to weight loss for a longer time and to better physical repackaging. Patients who have an office job can usually return to their usual work activity within a week or even before. After the initial period of adaptation, patients can perform any type of physical activity according to their preferences.
Remember, bariatric surgery is a very powerful tool to retake a path to a healthy lifestyle. But the rest is up to you and your will to achieve your goal.