For a lot of people, obesity is a life-long problem. Many adults who struggle with obesity began gaining weight as a child, and poor eating habits combined with a sedentary lifestyle followed them far into adulthood. However long you’ve struggled with obesity, weight loss surgery is an opportunity for rebirth.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans use weight loss surgery as an opportunity to find a fresh start; to get the kick-start necessary to make real changes to your health and lifestyle. This is exactly what weight loss surgery is: not a magic bullet, but a kick start to help you launch into a healthier lifestyle. That means that after your bariatric procedure, you’ll need to engage in healthier behaviors that will encourage continued weight loss.

Here are a few ways that you can stay active and healthy as you lose weight:

• Check out interesting exercise classes at your local community center. Zumba, kickboxing an aerobic dance classes are all great ways to have fun while losing weight, and the classes are typically open to participants of all levels—so even beginners can go have some fun.
• Find a friend and create a walking routine. Explore your neighborhood by carving out a nice walking path that you can do when you get home from work.
• Try working out in the safety and comfort of your own home by following an online guide. There are plenty of options out there, from membership programs to YouTube videos.

Weight loss surgery is a great way to get a fresh start towards reaching your health and wellness goals, and finding a fun way to keep active following your bariatric procedure will help you stay on track towards reaching your goal long after you leave your weight loss surgeon’s office.

Prior to starting any new workout program, it is important to check in with your weight loss surgeon and make sure that you are ready for that level of physical activity. Immediately following weight loss surgery your body will need to heal before you can start doing any intense level of activity. Of course, there is no reason to wait until after weight loss surgery to get started. In fact, starting a workout program before undergoing weight loss surgery is associated with improved weight loss results.

If you are ready for a fresh start at weight loss, then looking for a fun workout routine is a great place to start. Talk to your weight loss surgeon about the programs and options available for you.