Sports and Exercise After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Özlem Deniz

23 Aug, 2023

Exercising after gastric sleeve surgery improves the circulatory system, reduces the risk of blood clots, and promotes healing of the sutures. During the first two weeks, it is sufficient to start with light walks. The distance should be increased gradually over the course of the days.

You may get tired very quickly at first, but this is normal after a surgery. Therefore, you must continue without giving up. Because regular exercise is of great importance to improve your life and maintain your health after surgery. To protect your physical health in the following stages, postoperative sport should become a regular lifestyle.

Running after a Gastric Sleeve Surgery

After a gastric sleeve surgery, it is recommended to wait a while before you start running. This corresponds to a period of one month. In the first month, the patient is only allowed to walk, but after some time the doctor also recommends jogging. The more the patient moves in their new life after surgery, the healthier they stay and the faster they lose weight.

Strength Rraining After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Strength training is not at the top of the list of exercises that should be done after a gastric sleeve surgery. As part of the postoperative sports programs, you can start strength training no earlier than one month after the surgery. Strength training that puts a lot of strain on the body can lead to muscle or abdominal hernias.

Tips for Exercise Habits After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

To ensure continuity in sports, you should look for a partner. This way it will be easier to stick with the programme and stay motivated.
If you find outdoor activities insufficient, or if you get bored, you can go to a gym. You can also add variety by taking classes like Pilates and boxing.
You can use stairs at home, at work and at school. This will increase your physical activity.
You can choose to walk instead of using vehicles such as cars, trams and buses.
Avoid being immobile when you spend time at home. Try to move around as much as possible.
If you have a pet, you can walk and play with it every day.
Choose your favourite sportswear to make exercise fun and feel good. Listen to music that increases your energy and motivation.
Get a sports bag and always have it ready. Thus, you can comfortably take it with you to work or school during the day.
You can create weekly and monthly programmes. If you spend your time on your favourite activities, you will not be able to avoid them and use your time more efficiently.
You can get up early.

Benefits of Regular Physical Activity After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

It prevents problems such as degeneration of the bones by strengthening bones and muscles. The blood circulation becomes more active. The amount of oxygen in the blood increases. The risk of problems such as varicose veins and cellulite is reduced. Health problems such as hip and neck hernias are reduced. Regular exercise also releases more hormones such as serotonin and endorphin. The release of these hormones minimizes the negative effects of depression that can occur after surgery.

It results in a fitter appearance and increased self-confidence. The negative effects of menopause and andropause are alleviated and the symptoms are relieved. Blood pressure and bad cholesterol are lowered. The risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis is minimised. The body’s metabolism is increased. By regulating blood sugar levels, the risk of diabetes is reduced. The brain is strengthened.