You have done it! Your life after bariatric surgery begins now.
Immediately following surgery your body is in recovery mode. Our focus, therefore, is on light mobilisation exercises for the first week.
Mobilisation exercises lubricate your joints and improve their function. They can also relax your muscles and the surrounding tissue. Regular mobilisation exercises can increase your awareness of your joints and alleviate pain and oedema –the fluid build-up that causes swelling. Mobilisation exercises concentrate on your biggest, most visible joints – ankles, knees, hips, elbows and shoulders.
Always start mobilisation exercises with small, gentle movements. If you feel any stiffness or pain, try moving in the opposite direction. If a movement is too painful, avoid it until the pain subsides and you are ready to try mobilising that area again.
The goal in this phase is to keep your joints lubricated to retain mobility and your muscles active to retain muscle mass.
Daily walking and breathing exercises are also recommended. Take care to listen to your body and gradually progress your activity level.
After one week, you will progress to phase 2.
1. Walking
Walk for 15 minutes every day. Walk on flat and easy terrain. The exertion should be light to medium.
2. Breathing
Do all breathing exercises every day:
Deep breathing – 30 repetitions
Lateral breathing – 30 repetitions
Abdominal breathing – 30 repetitions
| Walking – 7 times a week | Breathing – 7 times a week |
| 15 minutes | Deep breathing |
| Flat, easy terrain | Lateral breathing |
| Light to medium exertion | Abdominal breathing |