Marathon running after weight loss surgery: 3 things to know

Dr Ramen Goel shares tips on running a marathon for people who underwent weight loss or bariatric surgery recently.

Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published: January 10, 2018 1:03 pm

Can everyone run a marathon? There are certain surgeries that do not allow you to run for a certain time. Weight loss surgery or bariatric surgery is one. However, if have recently underwent a surgery for weight loss and planning to participate in a marathon, here are few things Dr Ramen Goel, Director, Center of Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai wants you to know. You may also like to read about post-bariatric surgery diet plan to lose weight.

#1. Firstly, you need to know that marathon is an endurance activity, similar to a sport and should not be mistaken for an exercise. Marathon requires months of strict training and dedicated fitness plan crafted by a professional trainer. For a healthy individual, it is advised to run a marathon only if the person is quite fit to run one and under professional guidance. However, when it comes to running a marathon after weight loss surgery, one should understand that difference between exercise and sport. Exercise after bariatric surgery is a must because it helps you to get back to a healthy weight. However, running a marathon is not a great idea as it involves a strenuous workout routine which can do more harm than good.

#2. You need to wait at least a year before you start your training schedule. It is not advised to run a marathon within a year after the surgery. This is because the body recovers slowly post surgery and there are several restrictions when it comes to diet and exercise. You have to wait till the body’s metabolism stabilises along with exercising regularly. Also, after weight loss surgery, you need to take supplements and increase the intake of protein all of which need to be properly calculated before you take up an endurance activity like a marathon, says Dr Goel. Here’s more on bariatric surgery aftercare – expert tips to keep in mind.

#3. But if you wish to run a marathon, you can start training only after your surgeon agrees to it. You have to be in touch with the experts (who conducted your weight loss surgery). Try to be gradual with your approach than planning to hit the bull’s eye on day one of the training. Run as per your expert’s advice and how much you have been trained for. Do not try to run 30 km directly on day one. Slow and steady is what your focus should be as it takes a lot of time and dedicated approach to building stamina, which is the key to run a marathon. Also, you have to stay hydrated and keep a tab on your protein intake, both of which play a crucial role to run a marathon. Also read about health tests you should take before running a marathon.

Dr Ramen Goel, says many of his patients are running a marathon. However, taking it slow it the need of the hour. You can run a short marathon, train for a year and then run longer ones. And do not forget to consult your doctor before planning to run a marathon and know if you are physically fit to run one.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Published: January 10, 2018 1:03 pm

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