You may be eager to begin bodybuilding after gastric bypass surgery. However, it is important to note the dos and don’ts. Starting your fitness journey too soon could impact your health, but it’s also important that you maintain regular dieting and exercise after your procedure.
Our experts have compiled this comprehensive guide to bodybuilding after a gastric bypass.
What is a gastric bypass?
A gastric bypass is a bariatric procedure that aims to help the patient reduce food intake. This is accomplished by dividing the stomach into two parts, creating a small pouch and a large pouch. The new pouch is very small, and the other part, while much larger, is never exposed to food again. The new stomach, or pouch, holds very small amounts of food.
For more information about gastric bypass surgery, click here.
Gastric Bypass: Pre-Op
Prior to the surgery, your surgeon and their support staff will go over a number of post-op requirements and recommendations. You will:
- Meet with the surgeons at WeightWise to discuss health history, current health issues, and potential issues with the surgery
- Meet with a dietitian and an exercise physiologist before the procedure to outline a pre-op diet and physical activity program
Gastric Bypass: Post-Op
- We recommend a two-night stay after the procedure as a precaution, but you will be able to return to day-to-day activities almost immediately
- You’ll find your fitness levels improving and you will be able to return to work almost immediately (unless your job requires strenuous physical activity)
- For the first two weeks following your procedure, you will be restricted to an all-liquid diet
- After those two weeks, you will be able to move on to soft proteins such as fish and ground turkey breast
- Typically, it is recommended that you refrain from any kind of strenuous activity for about six weeks
How soon can I begin bodybuilding after a gastric bypass?
Although you may be eager to begin bodybuilding after gastric bypass or weight-loss surgery, it is important for your long-term health that you refrain from strenuous activity, including weight lifting, for about one year post-op.
After that time frame, you are free to begin building muscle mass. Until then, regular walks are recommended.
Weight-loss surgeries, such as a sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, or adjustable gastric banding, promote rapid weight loss. However, you will be burning more than just fat. Rapid weight loss taps into your water and muscle reserves in order to provide energy for the body. This is one of the reasons why staying hydrated and consuming enough protein is so important after weight-loss surgery.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle after your bariatric procedure
Following the guidelines provided by your surgeon and other specialists is the best way to ensure that you make the most of your weight-loss surgery. An inability to follow the guidelines reduces the amount of weight that you will lose, and consequently, may cause your medical conditions, such as sleep apnea or type 2 diabetes, to remain.
Tips and Tricks:
- Protein, protein, protein! Focusing on protein can minimize muscle and hair loss after bariatric surgery.
- Don’t wear yourself out. Our experts recommend walking for 20-30 minutes each day for the year following your surgery.
- Reach out. It’s okay to struggle. Your WeightWise experts are here to help. Please contact us if you are feeling overwhelmed or confused.
WeightWise: The gateway to a healthier you!
If you or a loved one is considering weight-loss surgery but are still unsure, check out our many success stories! Our goal is to help you become the healthiest you can be, so we provide an expert roster of surgeons and support staff to assist you every step of the way.
We look forward to working with you.