Running - how long after RNY? - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Arsonal · 09-11-2009, 06:07 AM

I went for my walk yesterday, and did better than I expected myself to. I have been walking about 1 mile at a time when I do walk, which is great understanding that pre-op less than that and my back was killing me. Yesterday, I walked about 2 miles.

Anyway, I decided somewhere along the way to try running or jogging a little. I know that I am still relatively new post-op, but wanted to see if it would work. Each time I took a step running, my stomach would bounce, and I got intense pains around my left side incisions. Needless to say, I won't be trying to run again too soon.

I was just wondering if anyone had a relative time period that you can start running post-op? I know that we all heal differently, but would just like to have some ideas in my heaad.

mermiesmom · 09-11-2009, 06:37 AM

Hi and welcome to the Loser's Bench!

I'm glad to hear that you are out exercising already. Walking is a perfect form of exercise, especially early out as you are. Don't push it with the running yet...it will come. I started walking (with some speed & distance) about 2 weeks out from surgery. I walked for months...even joined an online walking club (walkingspree.com) and really got my exercise that way for about the first 4-5 months post-op. Then I started incorporating the elliptical machine so I could really get my heart rate up with out the impact of jogging. I did that for a few months too. I think I started jogging/walking around 6-7 months. I started out slow. I would walk for a few minutes then jog for a few minutes. Eventually, my jogging was longer than my walking. I am now 14 months post-op and I have run in 4 5ks and 1 8k. It's great! I really enjoy running now and I try to run at least 3-4 days a week and I usually run 3-4 miles a day. I wish you all the best with your goal of running, but like I said, take it slow...don't over do it, because the worst thing you can do to slow down your progress is have an injury. Walk, walk, walk!!

Also, whenever you're ready (or even now) you are welcome to join the TT Road Runners group in the Groups section. You can use that as a place to post your goals and accomplishments for running or walking.

Take Care,

poet_kelly · 09-11-2009, 07:20 AM

I was told not to do anything more strenuous than walking for six weeks. I suggest you check with your doctor before you start running.

Kelly

Josephine · 09-11-2009, 07:49 AM

I was told I can do any type of exercise I want after I leave the hospital (So starting day 4?) as long as it doesn't involve lifting anything. Still if it's too painful, I'd wait a couple more weeks and then try again.

TooManyExcuses · 09-11-2009, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josephine

I was told I can do any type of exercise I want after I leave the hospital (So starting day 4?) as long as it doesn't involve lifting anything. Still if it's too painful, I'd wait a couple more weeks and then try again.

I was told this also. But I would still check with your dr to be certain

Arsonal · 09-11-2009, 11:21 AM

I'm not going to try it again soon. I am very pleased with walking right now as hasn't hurt me in my back at all when I walk. It was actually, dare I say it, enjoyable. I NEVER thought it would nice to go for a walk again.

I'm down about 30 lbs right now, so I can only imagine how much better it feels as the weight comes off. I think it could be downright addicting!

I agree 100% about not rushing it, and don't want an injury or to hurt anything from my surgery.

Thanks everyone.

poet_kelly · 09-11-2009, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josephine

I was told I can do any type of exercise I want after I leave the hospital (So starting day 4?) as long as it doesn't involve lifting anything. Still if it's too painful, I'd wait a couple more weeks and then try again.

Well, I certainly didn't feel like running at day four! Actually, I didn't feel much like walking, but I think I started doing that anyway around day four or five.

Kelly

Eireanne · 09-18-2009, 02:31 PM

Arsonal,

I had my surgery the day after you and I've been jogging a bit, but very slowly and very "shallow" steps. One thing I find that helps is to wear a very tight shirt (like a spandex workout shirt) underneath your teeshirt -- that helps with the flopping. My doc encouraged me to run when I can, because it takes the weight off the fastest during the honeymoon phase, but if it's causing you pain, it's probably too early. Walking is awesome. I feel the same way you did about walking -- I never thought I'd look forward to it!!

Mike&HisMotorcycle · 09-28-2009, 01:43 PM

Congratulations! I started walking about 4 weeks after surgery and then started running (more like a foot shuffle) about 7 weeks after surgery. My running was on a treadmill and I could only go 1/4 of a mile. I kept at it and pretty soon I could run a mile.

I highly recommend getting some good shoes. I was a skeptic until my sister dragged me into a running store that specializes in shoes. They put me on a treadmill and analyzed my foot action. Based upon that information they recommended some shoes, OMG! I could not believe how well they felt. After that, running for me was a lot easier.

THat was last October and I am now on my 3rd pair of running shoes and getting ready to do the Portland Marathon this sunday!! I was NEVER a runner before, but it has been a great form of exercise for me this past year.

Good luck and congratulations!

watfam4 · 09-28-2009, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arsonal

Anyway, I decided somewhere along the way to try running or jogging a little. I know that I am still relatively new post-op, but wanted to see if it would work. Each time I took a step running, my stomach would bounce, and I got intense pains around my left side incisions. Needless to say, I won't be trying to run again too soon.

When you are ready to try again, for the "bounce" try some compression shorts. I have the Under Armour shorts from Sports Authority and they do a fair job at keeping things from flopping around