Regular, modest exercise is advisable for everyone, but particularly for patients recovering from bariatric surgery. A patient’s exercise regimen will often begin immediately following surgery with short walks at the hospital. As patients being to lose weight, exercise that was previously very difficult for them becomes much more manageable and can be incorporated into their daily routine. As time progresses and patients continue to lose weight, the type and intensity of exercise can be modified and increased as tolerated. Exercise is very important because, in addition to supplementing weight loss, it has the ability to boost metabolism, improve mental health, lower bad and increase good cholesterol, and help patients live longer.
In addition to modifying their old diet and exercise habits, one of the most important aspects of a patient’s recovery from bariatric surgery is the extent and strength of their support network. It is critical that patients seek out like-minded individuals to help them work through this journey, whether in a dedicated support group or with friends and family. For better or worse, it is not uncommon for patients to see drastic changes in their personal relationships, so it is very important for patients to have a support system in place to work through these life changes.
