Exercise Guidelines

The decision to have weight loss surgery, or gastric bypass surgery, involves significant lifestyle changes. Adopting and maintaining a regular exercise program is an integral part of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation's weight loss surgery program.

Start Exercising


Within four to six weeks after gastric bypass surgery, it is extremely important to walk as much as you can to speed recovery and regain your strength.

Start when you first get home by taking short walks several times a day, preferably outside. Increase the distance and pace of your walks each day, but expect to tire easily at first.

Benefits of Walking
There are many benefits to exercise, even exercise as simple as walking. Walking promotes:

  • Wound healing
  • Circulation
  • Bowel function
  • Weight loss
  • A healthy heart
  • Healthy lungs
In addition to the exercise walking provides, exposure to fresh air and sunshine can help relieve depression, anxiety and food cravings. However, do not engage in heavy exertion, or bend or lift anything over 10 pounds. If any activity or position causes pain around your incision, discontinue it. Do not sit in one place for long periods of time without getting up and changing positions because inactivity increases the risk of blood clots forming in your lower legs.


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Returning to Work and Driving


If you are progressing as expected, you should be able to resume driving after two weeks and return to work six weeks after open surgery. Consult your surgeon to determine when you may resume these activities.


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Keep Exercising


Effective exercise programs include:

  • Walking
  • Swimming
  • Water exercise
  • Low-impact aerobics
  • Dance classes
  • Biking
  • Use of exercise cycles, treadmills and stair machines
In order to tone your muscles and maintain strength as you lose weight, engage in floor exercises such as abdominal crunches (starting eight weeks after surgery), leg lifts, weight lifting or yoga. Most people report that exercise becomes easier and more enjoyable as they lose weight and build endurance. Support group members can provide information about fitness clubs, walking groups and programs you can join.


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