By Ayotunde Adeyeri, M.D., FASMBS
After weight loss surgery it is important to stick to the personalized diet and exercise plan your bariatric surgeon has recommended for you. If your weight loss surgeon has cleared you to start exercising, consider taking it outdoors now that spring is here.
The average American spends about 90 percent of their time indoors, but getting outdoors can be a big boost to weight loss. As you focus on losing weight and developing a healthier post-surgery lifestyle, there are numerous mental and physical benefits to spending more time outside. With warm weather finally arriving in New Jersey, there’s no better time than now to get started!
Benefits of outdoor exercise include:
• Improves mood, mind and body. While we generally work-out for the physical benefits, your mental state is just as important. Studies have shown that outdoor physical activity can have a 50 percent greater positive effect on mental health than going to the gym. Biking, running, walking and other outdoor activities are great ways to lower stress and boost metabolism — even when you are sitting or sleeping.
• Helps you feel better about yourself. When you’re walking or bicycling outdoors, the birds and squirrels don’t give a fig about what you look like or how much you’re sweating. Exercise is an excellent confidence booster, and doing it outdoors offers a more pleasant atmosphere, especially after months of working out in your basement or the local gym.
• Keeps you on the right track. Developing an exercise routine can be difficult, but finding one you actually look forward to makes it easier to stay on track. So that jolt of joy you get from being outside may mean you’ll be more likely to stick to the program.
• Soak up that Vitamin D. Sunshine produces vitamin D3, which helps fight off osteoporosis, cancer, depression, heart attacks and strokes, promotes happiness through increased endorphin production, supports a better night’s sleep and improves your immune function. You can increase vitamin D levels by just getting out in the sunshine a few times a week, exposing your arms and legs for 10 to 15 minutes (beyond that, put on a hat and slather on SPF 30 sunscreen).
• Save some money. Gym membership fees can add up quickly, so putting your gym membership on hold even a few months during the warm weather months can keep more money in your wallet.
Remember to play it safe outdoors. Always carry water and stay hydrated, especially in midday summer heat. Wear a hat and sunglasses, limit your sun exposure and apply sunscreen when you plan on being outdoors for extended periods of time. If you can, exercise outdoors in the early morning or after dinner, once the sun is setting. Don’t forget to pack bug spray and make sure that footwear and clothing are appropriate to your activity.
Ayotunde Adeyeri, M.D., FASMBS, is a board certified and fellowship-trained laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgeon and serves as medical director of the Institute for Weight Loss at Raritan Bay Medical Center, a member of the Meridian Health family. For more information or to attend a free bariatric surgery seminar, call 855-TIME-4-ME