Author: Andréa Kristoff, PT
“Will my muscles get too big?”
One of the biggest concerns bariatric patients have voiced in regards to strength training is if their muscles will get “too big” after bariatric surgery. The body is changing so rapidly after surgery and a significant amount of weight can be lost. However, the loss of tissue is not just fat but also muscle mass. Muscles can atrophy (get smaller due to disuse) after surgery, with most of the loss occurring in the first three months post surgery. The loss of muscular strength equates to a decrease in functional strength. In one study reported in the Obesity Surgery Journal, it was noted that with large amounts of weight loss via gastric bypass, there was a decrease in static and dynamic muscle strength. But the loss of strength can be prevented or at least limited by performing an exercise program.
It is imperative to have muscular strength in order to maintain good posture, balance, stability, and flexibility. Thus, you need strength to be able to function and perform your daily tasks. Muscle strength is, in short, how much weight you can lift. When we work on strengthening the muscles, we are focusing on increasing the functional ability of the muscles and increasing the amount of external force our muscles can move. A strength training program involves lifting/pushing/pulling resistance, like weights or bands, heavy enough to perform repetitions (5-10) and sets (3).
In contrast, muscle bulking or hypertrophy of the muscles, focuses on increasing the size of the muscles. Muscle bulking involves higher volume of strength training with more frequent workouts, shorter rest periods, and heavier amount of weight lifted. Those individuals who are performing body building use this type of training to increase muscle mass along with a different nutrition plan of a calorie surplus.
Exercise is crucial for the muscles. People who exercise after bariatric surgery will notice better improvements in body composition, their fitness level, and their overall quality of life. Starting a workout program prior to surgery to include cardiovascular endurance and strength training will set the stage for improved tolerance for activity after surgery and improved outcomes. Slowly resuming and progressing exercises after surgery will help to maintain muscle strength in addition to help boost the metabolism and energy.
If you have questions or concerns about what exercise to perform pre and post surgery, please call to set up and appointment with one of our Physical Therapists.
