Diet and exercise are critical components of any weight loss journey, but fighting obesity takes more than lifestyle change. Bariatric surgery and obesity medications are both highly effective treatment options, but they come with risks, side effects, and a hefty price tag.
DR. CHRISTOPHER MCGOWN
Dr. Christopher McGowan, MD, a leader in endobariatrics, specializes in non-surgical obesity treatments and is triple-board-certified in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Obesity Medicine. Renowned for pioneering endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) with over 2,000 procedures, his global influence and research contributions define him as a top expert.
Non-surgical weight loss alternatives such as intragastric balloons and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) procedures are excellent options for patients who want to lose weight without abdominal incisions or long recovery times.
These procedures help treat obesity, but they are not a cure. Diet and exercise still play a crucial role in long-term weight management after any weight loss procedure.
ESG is a safe, effective, minimally invasive procedure that reduces stomach size by about 70 to 80 percent through a cutting-edge technique of suturing the stomach into a sleeve-like gastric pouch. It requires no cutting or incisions, so recovery tends to be quick and fairly pain-free.
After an ESG, patients will need to follow diet recommendations closely – it takes some time for your body to adjust to its smaller stomach size.
Exercise, on the other hand, is safe and recommended immediately after ESG and can help set you on a path of maximizing results from the procedure.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can exercise safely after ESG.
Exercising During ESG Recovery
Some patients worry about physical exertion after an endobariatric procedure, but moving and lifting are perfectly safe. Unlike with bariatric surgery where there are incisions to heal, light activities are perfectly OK post-ESG, including walking, swimming, and using a stationary bike.
Keep in mind that taking in fewer calories due to reduced stomach capacity may impact your energy levels and the amount of physical activity you can tolerate.
Avoid vigorous exercise and heavy lifting for the first few days. After one to two weeks, you can start increasing the rigor of your exercise routine as long as you’re feeling up to it.
Benefits of Exercise After ESG
Exercise is one of the best things you can do after an ESG to promote weight loss, reclaim your health, and keep your body strong.
There is an abundance of advice out there about how much to exercise and which kinds of exercise are best to promote weight loss. Our advice is to get 30 to 45 minutes of cardiovascular exercise every day, plus strength training for 20 to 30 minutes two days per week. Strength training is very important to maintain bone density, which can decrease after rapid weight loss, and to build lean muscle, which helps burn fat and keep you strong and healthy. Muscle toning will also help firm up saggy skin from rapid weight loss.
Exercise Tips To Maximize ESG Weight Loss
Begin slowly. Many patients start small – getting their daily exercise by walking, running around with their kids, and doing yard work. If you haven’t been active before your procedure, it may be daunting to know where to start. It’s important not to go overboard to prevent injury or feelings of defeat, so you can build a routine that’s sustainable for the long term.
Pain is bad. “No pain, no gain” may be the old adage, but it’s very important to listen to your body. If an activity hurts, stop doing that activity. Preventing injury allows you to stick with your exercise routine consistently over the long term. Overdoing exercise can also cause stress hormones to spike, triggering hunger hormones and inflammation that can interfere with weight loss and even cause weight gain.
Be realistic. No one is going to go from zero to 100 right off the bat. Make a realistic plan you can stick to, choose activities that you enjoy so you won’t dread exercising, and switch things up if you start getting bored. Many people benefit from having a specific workout time scheduled, tailored to their personal preferences and routines. If you’re not a morning person, you’re probably not going to hop out of bed for a 6 a.m. workout. Likewise, if you can barely keep your eyes open after dinner, evenings may not be for you. You know yourself best, so create a plan that sets you up for success.
Hydrate. Your smaller stomach size after an ESG can make it harder for your body to absorb all the water it needs. Always drink water throughout a workout and keep a bottle handy to hydrate throughout the day.
Begin Your ESG Journey With True You Weight Loss
Navigating diet and exercise after a weight loss procedure requires guidance and support. We can help. True You Weight Loss is the top endobariatric center in the U.S., leading the nation in non-surgical, minimally invasive weight loss procedures, including ESG. Our unmatched expertise means better outcomes, greater weight loss, and lasting success.
We’ve helped patients from 45 states and 10 countries, offering premium concierge care and support. Our three physicians — Dr. Lauren Donnangelo, Dr. Daniel Maselli, and Dr. Christopher McGowan — are triple board-certified in internal medicine, gastroenterology, and obesity medicine, among a select few in the U.S. with this level of specialized expertise. They are pioneers in non-surgical weight loss and train other doctors in advanced techniques.
We believe the journey doesn’t end with the procedure. That’s why we provide ongoing support with personalized medical, diet, and exercise guidance, plus 24/7 direct access to your physician via phone, text, email, and video chat.
Curious if ESG is right for you? Request a free consultation today to find out how we can help you achieve your weight loss goals.
