weight lifting

ok. when i get my surgery, im really concerned about hernia repair , i hear so many ppl talking about . i want to lift weights after and do sit ups without being cautious about another surgery because im doing what i need to to get healthy . has anyone does those kinds of exercises without trouble and how long would you wait ? is 6 weeks enough time to heal before doing P=90 X// there is alot of straining in that video.. anyway just need some advice ...

I lifted and competed in powerlifting before surgery. I mainly walked with some light Dumbbell work for 6 weeks, then started back lifting light for basic exercises like squats. It took awhile to build back up and trying to live on 400 - 800 calories a day. I wouldn't do any direct ab work for at least 6 weeks. Walking is the best thing for you.

BTW - for years after surgery I was doing weighted decline situps with a 45 # plate on my chest no problem.  Then playing with the dog one day I had 2 incisional hernias pop out. I've had them both repaired but it didn't seem to help. No problem while I'm training but they still pop out at weird times like sitting in a movie theater...but I can squat all day, with no belt with no problems.

see, that hurnia thing worries me so much. i want to start lifting, i want to enjoy doing things i never got to do just because i was heavy. if im going to lose weight i want to do it  all. i dont want to go to the gym and mid way thru a big know pops out . having this surgery is like an emotional rollercoaster.. it is really frightful in a lot of ways ..

WOW...

Do you already do P90X?  I don't think you'd want to start with it 6 weeks after surgery, but if you are already doing it, you may be ready to go back to it after 6 weeks.  (I'm a P90X junkie!!)

If you do start P90X--that will be your "lifting".  There is enough weight training in it to get sufficient muscle growth.  You just progressively work up to heavier weights (I started with 5 and now use 15).

Kim

i havnt started it yet, i just received it. but im anxiously waiting... so how long after surgery would you wait?/ also what about the elliptical.  they are telling me to start with only walking outdoors or a treadmill but no elliptical.i just bought one of those to.. id hate to give that much money for something i may never use... so i take it the 15 lb weights have not affected you negatively . that helps me much.......

the simple answer for how long to wait is:  when your surgeon clears you.  typically that ranges in the 6 week area (i was cleared for all exercise after 6 1/2 weeks or so), i started walking, and was encouraged to start walking immediately....  best of luck!

i heard they want you to walk immediately.. im up for whatever i can do . ive not had surgery yet and i have to admit id afraid of all the new changes. i weigh 235 and im really so tired , i cant hardly even exercise at all. it kills my leggs . cant wait for the lighter side of life and then exercise as much as possible.. the input has been great , i appreciate all of you

Wait until you are clear to work out, then start slowly.  Once they clear you, you should be able to do the elliptical if you are clear for the treadmill.  If you haven't been doing any weight training, start slow!  If you choose to start with P90X (and I'm not sure I recommend this unless you pace yourself!!) then start with no weights first to ensure you get the form correct.  Then progress to 3 lb to start.  The 15 lb weights are working great for me--I've got muscle definintion, but no bulk!  I'll probably go to 20 lbs for some exercises, but no more than that.

Most of all, have fun when you exercise!!

Kim

I waited 2 months before I started doing anything the stressed my core. My surgeon said I could do it sooner but it didn't feel right when I did it so I stopped until it felt right.