After weight loss surgery, one of the things patients mention most often during post-surgery consultations, is that they now have a new lease on life. Moving gets easier after weight loss, and activities that may have felt impossible before now become much easier to manage. This is what we call ‘non scale victories’ – things you can now do that you couldn’t before, that indicate a positive trajectory for your health, even if the scales aren’t showing as much progress. We are 1000% supportive of celebrating these changes as you progress, as they are all indicators that your health and wellbeing is improving – which is the THE most important thing to track. If you’re in Townsville, there are so many fun and active things to do that celebrate your success after weight loss surgery right where you are!
From nature walks to revisiting iconic destinations, we have compiled a list of 7 Active Things to Do in Townsville After Weight Loss Surgery. Perhaps it’s been years since you did these activities, or you may have never considered them before. Maybe they are within your capability right now, or maybe they’re a great goal to have on the horizon. This is not about pushing yourself beyond your limits, but encouraging you to go ahead and experience your life in a whole new way – because you definitely deserve it!
Featured image by Steve Davison on Unsplash
Here’s 7 things to do in Townsville after weight loss surgery that help you stay active.
Walk The Strand
At any stage of your weight loss journey, you can get out and enjoy a nice walk. It’s low impact, it’s free and if you choose somewhere like The Strand – you are also blessed with amazing ocean views. Go at your own pace and go as far as you can.
Eventually, you can incorporate The Strand and Jezzine Park walk. Be sure to take a water bottle with you to ensure you get your sips in too!
2. Visit a museum
Being active is not only about dedicated exercise, it’s about movement! Something interesting like visiting the Queensland Museum of the Tropics, the Museum of Underwater Art or the new aquarium when it opens can help you get in some great incidental activity while learning about the people, places and culture around you. If you’ve lost a significant amount of weight already, you’ll probably appreciate the ease of movement, especially around crowds, and improved mobility in joints like knees and ankles.
3. Take a WLS-friendly picnic to the Botanic Gardens
Walk through the Botanic Gardens in Anderson Park before setting up a weight loss surgery friendly picnic in a shady corner or at a picnic table. A great way to get some incidental activity in while taking in the scenery. Don’t forget to bring some seed to feed the ducks!
4. Hike up Castle Hill
When was the last time you stopped to take in the views of the city from Castle Hill? A hike up Castle Hill may be a great goal to have after weight loss surgery for when your fitness is up to it. Take the steady incline via the Circular Road, or really challenge yourself on the Goat Track.
Speak to your surgeon or exercise physio before attempting this one – and ensure you bring plenty of water. Please also remember your sun safety and go outside of peak sun.
5. Take a Charters Towers ghost walking tour!
This one’s a little different, but one Friday evening you could take a ghost tour of the historic Charters Towers main street. This tour takes about two hours, and is a fun way to get your steps up. On this guided tour you’ll hear a range of ghoulish tales while you visit some of the historic buildings – including the stock exchange.
Photo by Dario Brönnimann on Unsplash
6. Take a trip to Magnetic Island
Have you been over to Maggie (Yunbenun) in a while? Take the ferry across to enjoy a day (or two) of fun on this stunning island that’s right on our doorstep.
You could do a sailing tour, walk through the National Park, hike up to the lookout or perhaps do a spot of snorkelling (with your stinger suit to avoid jellyfish!)
7. Do go chasing waterfalls - at Big Crystal Creek
Head up to Big Crystal Creek (Munan Gumburu) and explore the beauty of the National Park’s waters while keeping active in nature. Slip into the swimming hole underneath that beautiful waterfall, or find a rock pool of your own to cool down in. This is a great way to beat the heat while staying active!
Stay active - for life!
- Choose activities that keep you moving even in hot weather – indoor mini golf, axe throwing, dancing, swimming, and of course, an air-conditioned gym are all great ways to embrace an active lifestyle when it’s hot.
- Stay open to new experiences – keep in touch with what’s on, and get out there!
- Don’t discount the power of incidental activity – park further from your destination, use the stairs, catch up with friends over a walk or bike ride.
- Keep checking in with your team about your fitness and ability – range of movement after WLS will improve – just because you couldn’t yesterday doesn’t mean you can’t today.
We hope this list has inspired you to get out there and try something new, or something you haven’t done in a while. Remember, it’s less to do with the number of calories you burn on each specific activity, and everything to do with embracing an active lifestyle. After all, weight loss surgery is for a healthier and longer life, so let’s get on with living it to the fullest!
Haven’t seen your surgeon in a while? Schedule a follow up appointment.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.
