Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure that can help individuals struggling with obesity achieve long-term weight loss and improve their overall health. Exercise is an important aspect of maintaining weight loss and improving overall health after bariatric surgery, but establishing a habit of exercising can be challenging. Here are some tips and strategies to help make exercise a habit after bariatric surgery.
Start small: Starting with small, achievable exercise goals can help build momentum and establish a habit of exercising. This may include taking a daily walk or doing 10 minutes of stretching each day.
Find an exercise you enjoy: Finding an exercise that you enjoy can make it more likely that you will stick with it. This may involve trying different types of exercise, such as swimming, cycling, or yoga, to find what works best for you.
Set a schedule: Setting a regular exercise schedule can help establish a habit of exercising. This may involve scheduling exercise time on a calendar or using an app to track progress.
Involve others: Exercising with a partner, friend, or group can provide motivation and accountability. Joining an exercise class or group can also provide a sense of community and support.
Monitor progress: Tracking progress can provide motivation and reinforcement of the habit of exercising. This may involve using a fitness app, wearable device, or a journal to track progress.
Be flexible: Being flexible with exercise routines can help maintain motivation and prevent burnout. This may involve trying different types of exercise or adjusting exercise routines to fit changing schedules or circumstances.
In summary, establishing a habit of exercising after bariatric surgery is an important aspect of maintaining weight loss and improving overall health. By starting small, finding an exercise you enjoy, setting a schedule, involving others, monitoring progress, and being flexible, individuals can effectively establish a habit of exercising after bariatric surgery. If you're struggling to establish an exercise routine after bariatric surgery, consider seeking support from a therapist or support group to help manage emotional or psychological barriers to exercise.