April 2021

Exercise Guidelines for Each Stage

The best thing you can do to prepare for both before and after surgery is to increase your level of fitness.The better cardiovascular condition before surgery, the fewer complications experienced during and after surgery.

STEP 1. Pre- operative stage

Make weight-loss a primary goal of your exercise program.Excess fat can make the weight-loss surgery operation itself more challenging. And will ensure your surgery goes ahead as planned.

Focus on cardiovascular exercise(activities that make you puff)to improve heart health,decrease body weightandhelp lose body fatbefore surgery.

STEP 2. Post-operative Stage

If there are any postoperative complications, that is physical problems following the weight-loss surgery, schedule an appointment with your bariatric surgeon and follow the surgeon’s recommendations for an exercise program.


For the first four weeks after surgery, focus on flexibility exercises, deep breathingand getting back into performing normal daily activities.


Gradually add low-intensity aerobic exercise(i.e. walking, biking or swimming). If the surgery was laparoscopic, it is generally safe to start exercising up to your pain threshold two weeks after surgery, but it is best to consult with your surgeon before starting any exercise program.

STEP 3. For ever

A lifelong exercise program is key to your long-term success. Bariatric surgery is a valuable tool for rapid weight-loss; however, in two to three years, if a physically active lifestyle has not been adopted the risk ofweight regain is high.



Exercise is insurance for long-term weight-loss. If you can stick to this advice, you’ll be at a healthy weight and in good physical condition for years after your weight-loss surgery.


ALWAYS SEEK ADVICE IF YOU ARE NEW TO BEING ACTIVE– it will short cut your path to success, as well as reduce your risk of injury.


Invest in you – make yourself and your health a priority

Jacqui Lewis

BHSc Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine

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