The Role of Physical Therapy

Exercise and activity are essential to achieve and maintain your weight loss and should begin before gastric bypass surgery. Prior to surgery the focus is to improve overall mobility, flexibility, muscle strength, endurance, and establish the exercise routine you will be following after your surgery.

Physical therapy goals include:

• Designing an exercise program for you
• Education about the benefits of exercise
• Motivating you to continually increase your daily activity level
• Supporting you as you learn to maintain your new physical fitness

Your first visit with a physical therapist is several weeks before your surgery. You are asked questions about your current level of activity/exercise. Your mobility, flexibility, and strength are assessed and your vital signs at rest and during exercise are taken. The therapist designs your exercise program and helps you get started on it.

During the surgery hospital stay, the nursing staff works with you to increase your activity level.

After surgery your physical therapy appointments are scheduled for one, three, six and twelve months. Your physical therapist helps you continually revise your exercise program as you become more fit.

You will be creating a lifestyle based on regular physical activity and exercise. Some tips for success include:

• Choose an activity or exercise you enjoy
• Find a buddy to exercise with for motivation and commitment to continue
• Prioritize your exercise into your daily routine.
• Keep an exercise log to monitor your progress and reflect your accomplishments.