Why Waiting to Swim After Bariatric Surgery is A Good Idea!

Medically Reviewed by Katelyn J. Mock, US-Registered Dietician (R.D.)

Exercising After Bariatric Surgery

Swimming and water aerobics are excellent and fun exercises to pick up following bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgeons explain how to workout post-op and how to increase the intensity of the exercise regime slowly.

For example, it is strongly advised not to lift weights for the first six weeks following the gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery.

The same way, there are some minor restrictions with working out in the water (swimming) after laparoscopic surgery.

“Until your stitches heal. You wouldn’t want any bacteria or anything to get into you via the incision sites. I am a slow healer. It sucked waiting, but you will get there” – Robin D. (A Mexico Bariatric Services Client)

Waiting to Swim Post Weight Loss Surgery

  • Doctors recommend that you wait for three weeks after weight loss surgery before you can swim in the pool or the ocean.
  • According to the National Health Services (NHS), you should wait till the time your stitches have healed and are removed, or have dissolved before you hit the pool or the sea. Once the wound has improved, the risk of infection on-site considerably reduces.
  • Please talk to your doctor before you take up any form of exercise after bariatric surgery.

Six weeks is how long they recommend. If your scars heal faster than that, you can always have your PCP look at them to double check that you are good to go. – Katelyn JM (Our US-RD Nutritionist)

Source: How soon can I go swimming after surgery? (ASMBS)

This Post Addresses

  • Swimming in the lake after surgery
  • How long after surgery can you swim in a pool?
  • Swimming after abdominal surgery

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