Fitness Tips
Losing weight with the Lap-Band takes more than just dietary changes. To have lasting success, you’ll need to incorporate regular physical activity into your new lifestyle.
Research shows that by incorporating fitness into their daily routine after Lap-Band surgery, patients lose weight faster and keep it off longer than if they just rely on the band to limit their food intake. However, many people who struggle with their weight often avoid exercise — either because they are afraid of being judged at the gym, or because many forms of exercise cause significant joint and muscle pain. After all, someone who weighs 400 pounds is going to have more wear and tear on their knees and hips than someone half that size.
The good news is that you don’t need to be a marathon runner right out of the gate — or ever, for that matter. There are plenty of things you can do in the privacy of your own home or neighborhood to get your body moving, and they don’t have to wreak havoc on your joints.
Walking
One of the most effective cardiovascular exercises doesn’t take any fancy equipment. Sure, a treadmill is great for those rainy days, or if you like to watch TV while you stroll. But a couple of brisk laps around the block will do your heart a world of good, and all you need is a comfortable pair of supportive sneakers. If you’ve never exercised before, you might start by just going to the end of the street and back. Then, add another 50-100 steps every day. Before you know it, you’ll be walking several miles at a time — and your body will feel great!
Stretching
Yoga, pilates, or plain old flexibility training — whatever you call it, all you need is a floor mat and perhaps an old beach towel for a good workout. There are plenty of DVDs on the market, or if you have cable on demand, you can check out the fitness stations for a low-impact stretching routine that will lengthen and tone your newly unveiled muscles.
Recumbent Biking
A recumbent bicycle is a stationary bike that lets you pedal in place in a laid back reclining position. You still get the cardio benefits of a good bike ride — not to mention improved muscle tone in your thighs and buttocks — but your knees are spared the pressure that an upright bicycle can cause. Try turning on the Travel Channel while you work out, and pretend that you’re cycling in some far off land!
Swimming
Okay, unless you’re blessed with a backyard pool, you can’t do this one at home. And, of course, many folks who struggle with their weight flat out refuse to be seen in a bathing suit. But, why not set a goal for yourself? After you drop a certain amount of weight through a combination of new eating habits and regular physical fitness after Lap-Band surgery, splurge on a really nice swimsuit and put it to use at your community pool. Swimming burns an insane amount of calories and is super gentle on your joints.
Of course, you should always consult with your doctor before starting any fitness routine to make sure that you have reasonable expectations and can avoid injury. If you are one of my patients, we’ll take time to put together a physical fitness plan as part of your Lap-Band® surgery support program. By including exercise in your new post-operative routine, you’ll see your excess weight fall away faster, and realize long-lasting results after surgery.