Medical Weight Loss and Management Exercise

Exercise

Regular exercise can help you get the most out of bariatric surgery. Even if you have never been physically active, your effort to get moving can make a big difference in your results. According to experts, bariatric patients who exercise lose more weight and have an easier time keeping it off. 

We help you learn about the benefits of physical activity and ways to fit exercise into your busy life. Some of our programs also offer access to Baptist Health fitness centers with special services for people who are new to exercise.

Exercise for Bariatric Surgery Patients at Baptist Health

When you are carrying extra weight, you may think it is impossible to start exercising. But we can help you learn ways to increase your physical activity gradually, so you can get the most out of weight loss surgery. 

We promise that our team will never give up on you – and we will teach you how to do the same.

Exercise support at Baptist Health includes: 

• Getting started before surgery: Starting early and going slow can help you make a smooth transition to an active lifestyle. We help you find activities you may enjoy and then make a plan to start doing them for short periods of time. As you become stronger, we help you find ways to keep challenging yourself so your weight loss stays on track. Learn more about what to expect. 
• Support: Our monthly support group is a place where you can learn more about exercise from our experts as well as fellow weight loss surgery patients. A support group is a great place to discuss the challenges you are facing and share your successes with a group who genuinely wants to see you succeed. Learn more about support groups. 
• Mind, Motivation and Movement program: Patients in our Louisville location have access to a program dedicated to people who have never exercised or have stopped exercising. Mind, Motivation and Movement is a 4-week program offered through Baptist Health Milestone Center ($59 for members and $99 for non-members). Our certified active living coach helps you learn how to use exercise equipment and develops a plan so you know exactly what to do when you go to the gym. For more information, email: gwagner@baptistmilestone.com.

Exercise for Weight Loss Surgery Patients: Our Programs and Services

It is exciting to see unwanted pounds melt away after weight loss surgery. But when you lose weight you are also losing muscle. Muscle plays an important role in the body’s ability to turn food into fuel for daily living (metabolism), which is why exercise is so important. 

Exercise helps you continue to build muscle as you are losing fat. In fact, as your muscles get stronger, your metabolism also works more efficiently. This helps you burn even more calories and makes it easier to meet your weight loss goals.

Baptist Health offers special exercise programs and services, including:  

• Baptist Milestone Wellness Center in Louisville: We offer a comfortable, supportive environment geared toward wellness. Our facility has been recognized by Best of Louisville magazine 3 times. We offer group fitness classes, a pool and special programs geared toward healthy living, such as our Mind, Motivation and Movement program. Find out more about Baptist Health Milestone Wellness Center. 
• A walking club in Paducah: Our bariatric team makes exercise fun with our very own walking club. Whether you join our group or exercise on your own, all Paducah patients have access to a walking path right on our hospital campus. This 1-mile, lighted path starts at the entrance of the Baptist Health Paducah Heart Care (Cardiology) Center.