Exercise Question

Hi All, I have an exercise question. I'm 18 days post op and I've been walking on my treadmill every day. I can't WAIT to get back to the gym to start lifting weights and toning my tummy and legs. At what point did you feel good enough to start doing weight training and aerobics, etc.? I can walk on my treadmill, but I feel like if I overexert myself, I get light headed and dizzy. I don't physically feel ready for any workout other than my cardio. When did you feel well enough to truly hit the gym on a serious regime? My mind is saying, GO GO GO, but my body is saying....not yet. Thanks for your input! Tammy 36 pounds gone forever (I have been waiting MONTHS to be able to type that!! ha ha)

Tammy, Don't pu****! If you are getting on the treadmill daily, you are doing far better than I am!!! I think most Dr's say 6-8 weeks for any weight training, also depends on open/lap. I was cleared to return to work w/ not restrictions at 4 weeks. When I mentioned I sometimes have to lift heavy boxes (up to 70 lbs), I was told nothing over 50! I had lap and healed very quickly but I will be honest and tell you I am weaker than I was pre-op. I now have a hard time lifting my 39 lb daughter when I used to move 70 lb boxes with little trouble. Basically ask your Dr and don't rush...... Carmen PS Your loss is great, I hope your wait was worth it for the posts!

Yeah, I had a feeling I was going to have to wait for a while. My body doesn't have a lot of extra energy......Thanks for the response, Carmen!!!

My Dr said nothing but walking until I was fully healed. (Six weeks) I know Dr. A moves a bit quicker with this topic, so you might want to call the office and ask them. You will be amazed at how much energy you have. You just get more and more every day. Hugs, Maggie

I wouldn't pu**** Tammy. I know at this point you're excited about all the new changes.. I couldn't wait to start exercising.. imagine that. If you're feeling lightheaded/dizzy.. it's still too early. Definitely go with the time frame your doc gives you. There's plenty of time for strength training later. There's so much you can do now to start though. BTW.. have you tried Pilates? I found that after I lost a little bit of weight, they were easier to do.. and they kick your butt!! But you're not putting any weight on joints.. you're just using your own muscle.. so they're easy and hard at the same time. I do the Windsor Pilates... one day those things will pay off!! Take care, Michelle

Hi Tammy I started to excerise two weeks after my surgery and increased more excerise after three weeks. Now I am more excerise everyday with personal trainer (3 x a week) and my own excerise. You know Ar Aranow.... he expects us to excerise after our surgeries....That is our jobs to do excerise and eat right foods. Pick the right kind excerise you like not force yourself so you won't enjoy yourself. I hate curves because it is not motive for me and having personal trainer is right choice for me to work togehter like one to one. Everybody is different for excerise things. That is great about 36 pounds gone! Hugs Kathy K