It seems simple to just go out and exercise, but for many people with GP, it's a struggle.
The reasons for it being such a struggle may be different for others, but for me it's because of weight loss, eating, and pain. For months I couldn't walk around the block without stopping 10 times, hurdled over in either pain or exhaustion. My body was losing weight, and fast. 30 pounds in total was a lot for someone to lose in a short amount of time, especially losing it in an unhealthy way. If you lose weight too fast you end up losing muscle, bone and water which makes you feel fatigue all the time as well as becoming malnourished.
I needed to heal myself a bit before I could even think about exercising. Towards the end of summer I started seeing a nutritionist, (see my other post for more details) which helped me turn my brain towards what specific foods I should be eating to get as much protein, calories, and nutrition as I could. I also went to Acupuncture (see my other post for more details) which took away most of the pain I was feeling. Once I started doing those two things I saw a difference. I kept walking around the neighborhood until I finally noticed that I could without stopping.
Healing from GP weight loss is a really hard thing to do. Since I lost that weight I have only bee able to gain 4-5 pounds back. The thing with GP is that your body does not absorb what it should be, so going to the gym and exercising, or going for runs, may not be in your best interest right now.
A big myth (in my opinion) is that you can just drink more protein or high calorie drinks to offset the work outs. While this may be true with people who don't have any digestive problems, it doesn't quite work out that way for people with GP. What you eat is incredibly important. Many GP patients have to live on strict liquid diets for months or years. While I was continuing to lose weight, I had a boost nutritional drink every day to get in my calories. I needed those calories, withOUT actually doing anything exercise wise. I needed them because my body was depleting. Now that I am able to eat things again like chicken, bread, cooked veggies, etc., I don't want to fill up on a nutritional drink, especially ones that are filled with chemicals. I would rather eat real food, as much as I can.
Now I'm not saying don't exercise, because even when you're sick, moving your body is so beneficial and important, it actually helps strengthen your digestion! But, I am saying that high cardio, lets go to the gym and burn calories or go on runs, is not the best thing for you right now.
After months of not doing much, my body ached. I knew I needed to do something (apart from walking), so I started off with yoga/stretching and it felt nice to move my body once again. Next, I went out and bought some weights. I started off with 3 and 5 pounds weights because I was honestly so weak, but they worked and made me feel so much better about myself. I did workouts morning and night, I still do. Summer time will open more opportunities to get in exercise, as well as being free from this pandemic, so I will be starting with tennis and short hikes... you can also dance!
There are many other exercises that you may be able to handle, and if you can while being safe- go for it! I know for myself, I can't do exercises right now that stretch or strengthen the stomach such as sit ups or planks because it hurts me. Just be careful, listen to your body and know your limits.
With this, I am still conscious of my weight while exercising. I don't go crazy and weigh myself everyday, (I hardly think about it) but I try to every week or every other to make sure I am staying on track.
Let me know what exercises you do! I am interested in knowing what has worked for you.
-Loreal
Summary
Walking
Weights
Yoga
Stretching
Tennis
Short hikes
Dance
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