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For patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, between diet, attending support groups, and exercising, the component that slips the most frequently is exercise.

This could be related in part to patients’ concept of exercise being something that is intense and painful. Yet, doctors agree that habitual modest activity is more beneficial than a few intense spurts in shorter periods. In fact, even Olympic athletes cannot stay at “peak” every week of the year.

Is a Personal Trainer Worth the Cost?

You may be thinking to yourself, gastric bypass surgery was already expensive. I have lots of medical bills, and I still have to worry about rent (or mortgage). Is personal training really necessary?

What A Personal Trainer Can Provide:

  • Structure. Establishing a regimen can be incredibly difficult. With bariatric surgery, you are starting a whole new life for yourself.
  • Accountability. There are many people that care about you. We understand, however, that starting from scratch can be difficult. Working with a trainer will help you set personal goals, and you can have weekly check-ins to help you adhere to them.
  • Coaching. In this case, we mean coaching along the lines of mentorship. Having someone to check in with, who understands your struggle to keep up with a new regimen, will also help with morale. A personal trainer can give you that extra level of guidance, and also personal encouragement.
  • Customization. Everyone’s body is different. Exercise programs that may work for some may not work for others. Have any knee issues? Instead of running, a personal trainer may develop a system low-impact exercises, such as resistance training and aqua aerobics. Have a fear of water? A personal trainer can get you comfortable on a Yoga mat. Whatever your body type and medical concerns are, the trainer can come up with a regimen tailored to work for you.
  • Privacy. If you feel more comfortable, a trainer can come to your home and you can get started in your living room. No fancy equipment is needed—usually just an exercise mat and a couple resistance bands or hand weights.

 

Considerations for Gastric Bypass Patients

At our bariatric surgery clinic in Oklahoma, we have our patients get started with light walking often the same day as the surgery.

Here is a basic timeline for ways to build an exercise regimen with a trainer in the time following surgery:

  • 6 months: strength training
  • 6 months: exercises targeting abdominal and lower back regions
  • 1-2 year: high-intensity and near-maximal load resistance training, depending on the client

As a quick note: because patients who have undergone bariatric surgery will be experiencing relatively rapid weight loss, their center of balance may be somewhat off during those first 6 months. For that reason, they should take extra caution when doing exercises such as squats, lunges, and step-ups, which require a lot of balance and coordination.

Ready to get that exercise routine going with a bit more support? Just shoot an email to Lauren Doyle at lauren.w@weightwise.com today!

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