When to start lifting weights?

I just got a gym membership and am anxious to start going. My ultimate goal is to start lifting for mass, but I know that I need to start slow and get all my stabilizer muscles back in shape before I go for broke. I am a relatively athletic guy, and always had a big frame. I am still less than 3 weeks out of surgery (Lap RNY), so I know it's early. I don't see my Doc and Nut for another 3 weeks. Should I wait for their approval or should I go ahead and start light lifting after about 1 month? Thanks, Eric

Hello Eric, I started lifting again after about two weeks. I had been doing some lifting prior to surgery, so I was just starting from scratch. I had good results starting slow--higher reps, lower weights, lots of stabilizing and flexibility routines. My goal was not build mass right away but to retard muscle loss as much as possible and gain functional (real world) strength. I relied on Hammer Strength machines, light dumb bells, and body weight moves, gradually building up to more serious lifting. Following an "Easy Does It, But Do It" philosophy helped me avoid injuries and setbacks, and reinforced the notion that I was not just losing weight but changing my life. It's probably wise to check in with one of your docs, just in case you have special considerations. You also might look into using a good trainer for a month or so. I benefited from one and learned the wisdom of "building a base" (core, flexibility, balance) upon which to do more serious stuff. And I enjoyed all of it, even though my initial reaction to my trainer's counsel of start slow was annoyance. I thought, "Hey, am I not a MAN? Am I not powerful?"  My trainer just grinned and handed me some little pink dumb bells and said, "Here, let's see what you can do with these?" By the 3rd set of 15 shoulder extensions I was breathing hard and grunting. It was a good lesson for me: Start where you really are, not where you think you are or wish you were. I'm glad I took the advice I paid for! Good luck with whatever plan you choose.

It took me 6 weeks until I was cleared, and I have been working very slow at it.  I dont get enough protein though. As long as you get your protein, building should work. 

Your doctor may have his own rules.  I think it's OK to start lifting right away but I'd recommend the following restrictions: 1. Not too many sets/too often.  With so little food intake, your recovery time might be longer, and you don't want to damage the muscle so much it catabolizes.  Start with 1-2 sets of an exercise 1-2 times a week, and work up slowly.  2. Get the protein in.  If you are breaking muscle fibers, eating nothing, and not getting protein, your body WILL break down muscle to repair itself.  I'd recommend at least 90 grams a day, and maybe more (I shoot for 120).  Early on, this may require a lot of shakes. 3. Leave the abs alone for a while.  Even with LAP RNY, surgery hernias are possible.  Wait at least six weeks post-op before you start working the abs much, and maybe a couple more months before you do weighted abs or leg lifts.  Let those muscles heal back up.  Also, be careful doing other exercises that might inadvertently put a heavy quick stress on the abs.  For example, if you do dumbbell press on a flat bench, trying to sit back up with the dumbbells still in your hands could cause an injury.  Better to do long bar exercises or a machine to avoid an unthinking mistake.

Hi Eric. Definately check with your doc. For each of my surgeries I was on "lift no more than 10 pounds" for five weeks. What you don't want to happen is develop a hernia because you lifted too soon. Light cardio such as walking should be good to go now.

great pics, you remind me of me! the nurse came in to our room when my g/f was there and the nurse informed me not to lift anything over 10 pounds too. so i looked at my girl and said well, sounds like you're going to have to hold it everytime i have to take a leak. well, i thought it was funny. women, go figure!