Bariatric surgery is a major change to which your body adapts in a variety of ways. By understanding what is going on inside, fitness becomes less frustrating and more successful. Energy levels, metabolism and how exercise affects the body are all changed by the way your body adjusts.
1. Reduced calorie intake: less energy is available and most is directed toward the essential functions of the body: breathing, thinking, pumping blood, etc. (survival)
2. Metabolism:
BMR decreases due to less body mass and less caloric intake
3. Energy levels initially increase as comorbidities associated with obesity decrease. However, continued calorie restriction will inevitably cause feeling of fatigue. Energy levels will ebb and flow, so it is important to check in with yourself each day and know your limits.
4. Bone Density and Muscle Mass
Studies show in the first year after bariatric surgery, many individual's bone density will decrease. This can be mitigated by weight bearing exercises.
5. Excess skin presents both physical and mental turmoil for people working through their health journeys. It is important to address the impacts of this on both mobility and self-esteem.
Now, for the good news! Choosing to exercise can either reduce or prevent the less desirable effects of bariatric surgery.
1. Exercise expedites weight loss and can improve how it is sustained. Muscle mass is important for both metabolism and day-to-day function. Exercise (particularly resistance exercise) helps to promote growth and preservation of your muscles. With more muscle, you burn more calories even at rest! Cardio is another useful type of exercise that can burn significant calories while you are doing it, but not much at rest. Therefore, it is important to engage in both types!
2. Speaking of cardio, cardiovascular health is a huge reason exercise is important for people with a history of obesity. Excess weight is often associated with higher risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as, hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes. Better heart health (achieved through regular bouts of cardio exercises) helps to lower blood pressure, manage cholesterol and improve insulin sensitivity.
3. Mental health: Exercise shows you your strength, abilities, commitment to caring for yourself and relieves some stress. Not to mention the connections you will find with like-minded individuals who can inspire, teach and/or learn from you!