Exercise After Bypass Surgery: Start Slowly

Increase your exercise slowly

You may feel weak and tire easily at first. You may also be a bit stiff. Go slowly and build up your time and speed little by little.

• After the first week, exercise 4 times a day for 7 to 8 minutes each time. Each week, add 1 to 2 minutes to each session.

• As you add minutes to each session, cut down on the number of times you exercise in a day. Just be sure you exercise for a total of 25 to 30 minutes. Slowly build up to 25 to 30 minutes once a day.

• Exercise 5 days a week. You can take 2 days off–but not 2 days in a row.

• Exercise either before or at least 1 hour after a meal.

• Learn to take your pulse during exercise. If it becomes too fast, stop and rest. If your pulse rate stays high even at rest, call for help.

• Rest after you exercise. And drink plenty of water, unless your healthcare provider has told you to limit how much fluid you drink.