Please discuss your concerns and fears with your surgeon, they are the best source of information for you right now.

Having said that, my own experience went fairly smooth. The procedure took a couple of hours. I had difficulty breathing and had a lot of pain in the recovery room. Attentive nurses and frequent shots of painkillers in the IV kept me in a nice state of la-la land. I went home the following afternoon. I was tired and weak for a few days after that. I couldn't take more more than a few sips of water or broth. My chest hurt and I still had trouble breathing. It was a result of my core muscles being all stretched out from the procedure. Heating pads did wonders. I tried to walk around the block daily. My surgery was on a Monday, and by Friday I was starting to feel a little better, and that weekend, I felt my old self returning. I saw the surgeon 10 days after surgery, and much to my surprise, he cleared me to do whatever exercise routine I wanted. That weekend, 12 days post-op, I went deep sea fishing and the following week I started boot camp. Now, 3 months later, I am feeling well. I have some bowel issues, which my doctors tell me will work itself out over time.

I believe I am in the minority with my recovery. From what I've read, many doctors don't allow strenuous exercise for a couple of months. I have been very lucky so far.

You'll get terrific feedback from the members here, and it's always good to get a good selection of inputs, but please take some time to also discuss your concerns with your bariatric team.

Be well…

I wasn't going to the gym before surgery. I was kind of a slow starter when it comes to exercise. I began walking pre-op, up to an hour at a time. I walked post-op as much as I could tolerate, (I have hip displasia, so that's not a ton.) I think it was about 2 months out when I hopped back on my elliptical and 3 months out when I replaced it with a stationary bike as the elliptical was causing the hip displasia to flare. Today, I'm up at 4:30 am every morning on the bike and have added some strength training, push ups, free weights, crunches a couple times per week.

I was told 6 weeks at least and then start with gentle swimming or walking on the treadmill. Far better to go slow and steady and build strength than to damage anything and set yourself back. Now I excercise all he time and am dreading being in plaster for 6 weeks in July and August because I won't be able to excercise!!

** Always check with your Dr first as everyones situation is different**

For me - walking immediately. In gym on treadmill at one-month, at two months light weights for everything except core. At 4 months started heavy training with a personal trainer. If you can afford it a PT is the best way to go as they will guide you to a program tailored to your needs.

Without question - getting into the gym and strength training was the best thing I could have done to help me make the most of my new "tool". I did not lose muscle and am developing a strong and fit body.

I was told 6 weeks at least and then start with gentle swimming or walking on the treadmill. Far better to go slow and steady and build strength than to damage anything and set yourself back.

This is exactly how my doctor see's it. Initially it was walking, walking, and more walking (although at that point I couldn't walk 1/4 mile.) At six weeks post, I was joining Planet Fitness which I used religiously for about 6 months, now it is more hit or miss, but I am doing a lot more outside activity.

Don't push it without a doctor's blessing! Believe me, the weight is going to peel off pretty quickly if that is your concern, but DO get into the gym when you can to keep as much muscle as possible.

Good luck Monday. In six months you will probably be wondering why you waited. :drinker:

Wishing you the best with your surgery Ujj7. :flowerforyou:
Looking forward to your posts when you are up to posting after your initial recovery and have some of your strength back. :flowerforyou:

The first few hours right out of surgery sucked I'm not gonna lie, walking around was better then any pain meds they'll give you. I went home the next day and felt better each day and was cleared with no restrictions at two weeks. I was scared as hell going into my surgery and I hate being put under but the experience was quick and I am so happy with the results. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Good luck with your surgery and hope you have a speedy recovery!