Walk From Obesity



Here's some background information for the upcoming Walk From Obesity being held at the Vidant Wellness Center in Greenville NC on 10/27/12 at 9:00am. Registration starts at 8:30am

Walk to Make a Difference!

YOU can really make a difference in the lives of those touched by obesity. While advances have been made in the prevention and treatment of obesity, more remains to be done. It is estimated that nearly 93 million Americans are affected by obesity and that number is predicted to climb to 120 million in the next five years.

There is hardly a family anywhere that hasn't in some way been affected by obesity related illnesses. The Walk from Obesity combines an enjoyable event with the potential to raise significant sums for the fight against obesity.

You do not need to walk to participate - you can cheer on the walkers as well. Please take a moment and browse our Web site. The "Resources" section contains information on hosting a walk, the Walk from Obesity cookbook and much more. If you have any questions, please email us at info@walkfromobesity.com. We thank YOU for your support of the Walk from Obesity!



Physicians East Surgical Weight Loss Center will forming a team to walk in the event and will be posting more information soon on how to join our team or you can create your own team by visiting www.walkfromobesity.com and signing up on their website.

We look forward to seeing you all at the Walk from Obesity and remember EVERY STEP DOES COUNT!!!

EXERCISE AND BARIATRIC SURGERY



Exercise is an important part of a successful gastric bypass surgery. Done properly and under supervision, exercise speeds healing and recovery. Getting started on any post surgical exercise program is difficult. It may be even more difficult for people who were unaccustomed or unable to exercise previously due to excessive weight. If you create an exercise program based on your likes and dislikes and work at it a little each day, you will be more likely to stick with it over the long haul.  Here are some helpful tips to create your own personal exercise program to assist with your weight loss success:

1. Discuss all exercises, from the first day of stretching onward, with your doctor. You will want to exercise as soon as possible, but don't rush into against your doctor's advice.
2. Acknowledge that lack of exercise may have contributed to your weight problem.
3. Commit to making a daily exercise program part of your lifestyle after gastric bypass surgery.
4. Start slowly. With your doctor's consent, try a few light stretches in bed the morning after your surgery.
5. Begin to exercise as soon as possible. Barring complications, you should be up and taking a few steps the day after your surgery.
6. Walk, walk, walk during the initial recovery period. Walk several times a day, even if you can only last for two or three minutes. Until your doctor gives the OK, walk on flat even surfaces, not grades.
7. Avoid abdominal exercises until they have been approved by your doctor--usually at least four to six weeks after surgery.
8. Burn fat, not muscle. Your body will be getting fewer calories after your surgery. To replace the lost energy, a sedentary body may burn muscle rather than fat. Exercise will burn fat.
9. Create a multi-front plan that keeps you interested and provides comprehensive exercise, including cardiovascular, aerobic, flexibility and endurance portions.
10. Lift weights after your doctor has informed you that your wounds are sufficiently healed. Gastric bypass patients are at greater risk for osteoporosis. Weight bearing exercise is a great way to battle bone loss
11. Enroll in a water aerobics class after your doctor has released you to be in water. Swimming really works the abdominal muscles, so delay actually doing that until you have received the go ahead from your physician.

Read more: How to Create an Exercise Program After Gastric Bypass Surgery | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2052201_create-exercise-program-after-gastric.html#ixzz1v2r1IbS4

10,000 Steps a Day Helps Keep the Pounds Away

Did you know an average person's stride length is approximately 2.5 feet long? This information was researched on a website known as The Walking Site to see the health benefit of walking 10,000 steps a day and different ways to use a pedometer to help improve your overall health. 

A sedentary person may only average 1,000 to 3,000 steps a day, but a reasonable goal for most individuals is 500 steps per day until you reach 10,000 steps per day. 



Wearing a pedometer is an easy way to track your steps each day, and you can obtain one for free by asking a staff member in the surgery department of Physicians East.   Start by wearing the pedometer every day for one week starting first thing in the morning when you get up and wear it until bedtime.  Record your daily steps in a log or notebook to keep track of your daily number to reach that goal of 10,000 steps daily. 

There are many ways to increase your daily steps. Some examples are:

• take a walk with your friend, child, or spouse
• Walk the dog
• Use the stairs instead of the elevator
• Park farther from the store
• Get up to change the channel instead of using the remote
• Window shop
• Plan a walking meeting
• Walk over to visit a neighbor
• Go outside and walk around the garden or do a little weeding

Continue to track your daily steps and mileage, and keep notes on how you feel and your progress being made each day.  If you are in very poor physical health and feel you progressing too rapidly slow down and try smaller increases or check with your physician prior to starting your exercise routine.

Information provided from The Walking Site at www.thewalkingsite.com/10000steps.html