Exercise; Yoga, Pilates, Water Aerobics - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

BlondeCAgirl · 07-27-2006, 01:10 PM

I've been looking into a few different outlets for work-outs for when I'm post-op (Mid - August). I've read some previously posted threads and have heard that water aerobics has been a favorite and most effective way to start out. I thought it would be a great start for someone like me who hates it when when I'm at the gym and people try to talk to you. INot to mention I also hate to get sweaty; fat people sweat in the strangest places.

So, of course water aerobices seemed to be the perfect thing for me to start with....Untill I found out that my local 24 hour fitness doesn't have a pool.

I looked at the other classes and I'm thinking on signing up for the Tuesday, 1 hour Yoga and Thursday 1/2 hour Pilates. Does anyone have any experience with these? How soon did you start after surgery? Did you like it? Is it a good starting point? I'd love to hear all about it.

deadboy · 07-27-2006, 01:25 PM

I started biking a bout a month after surgery. It's been great. I'm not a very social person so it's nice for me to be able to just slap on my mp3 player and ride around. Great exercise. Very easy on the joints. It's ideal for me. As for your suggestions I fear I haven't tried them.

Dyann · 07-27-2006, 01:25 PM

Yoga and Pilates are great exercise regimens, but they use a great deal of core muscles (abs and back) which are sore post op and your surgeon will probably put limitations on straining for up to 6 weeks. Even with the water exercise classes, I declined the abs work out for at least 6 weeks. Check to see if there is a YMCA or aquatic center. My hospital has a rehab center and it has an indoor pool which is where the classes were given. Good luck!!!

Gina in NY · 07-27-2006, 03:34 PM

I haven't done yoga for almost 4 years! Going back 35 pounds lighter has been awesome.

Anyway, I am 5 weeks, two days out.

I started with a private lesson just because I didn't want to hurt myself and there were several things I couldn't do. No back bends or even leaning back. I think you could easily hurt yourself - you have to really go for "Gentle Yoga" or "Easy Does It" type classes for a while. Pilates, I know I am not at all ready for - that stuff is much more intense and prop oriented.

I found that my doctor's office didn't know enough about yoga to know what was safe. Thats why I started with a private lesson - she paid all her attention to me and was able to shift the poses in a second if I said, "Ooo - I feel that" meaning it pulled in my ab area.

Meanwhile, I'm at the gym every day with the IPOD on (no one talks to you then) on the tread mill. I start with lifting with a personal trainer on Aug 7th, but no ab work for at least another few weeks. Got to be really careful.

I am too far from the YMCA pool too, but good luck to you!!

coptergirl · 07-27-2006, 05:04 PM

I too have a persoanl trainer at my gym and am enjoying that route. I started with water aerobics because it is super gentle on joints and stuff. I see the Pilates class and my core muscles start to hurt, and I am almost 5 months out and 85 pounds down. I will do that soon, though

brookscn · 07-28-2006, 09:36 AM

When I got to the point when I lost over 100 lbs on Weight Watchers, I started going to Yoga and Pi-Yo at 24 Hour Fitness. Prior to that, I was working with a personal trainer. I got much more toning and flexibility from the Yoga and Pi-Yo, and, it's SO relaxing - a major stress-releaser. It's fun to go with a friend - you can look over at her when you're all wrapped up like a pretzel, and laugh at how funny you both look (but, also, she's someone that says "hey, are we going to Yoga tonight?" - keeps you on track).

That said, know that Yoga and Pi-Yo do a number on your core muscles - that's where you derive all of your strength in these exercises, so be sure you're cleared with your doctor before starting.

Now, my favorite exercise is walking my two CRAZY Shelties.......they kick my butt better than any personal trainer would!