Question:
Post Op Exercise: Weight Training?

Has anyone participated in weight training post op? If so, how long after surgery? Do you take in enough protein to build muscle? does this help with saggy skin?    — susanje (posted on November 30, 2002)

November 30, 2002
I weight train and have since about three months post op. It is great. I do it three times a week. It helps with the baggies, but it is not a cure.
   — Bobbi G.

November 30, 2002
I had a gastric bypass 3 years ago. I started weight training and exercising about 9 months after surgery. I lost 100 lbs. I'm 39 years old, so I have some saggy skin around the neck and stomach. It doesn't bother me, I'm just so glad to be healthy again. On Nov 9, I competed in and Ironman Florida (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26 mile run). Well, the run was actually a walk. But, hey I did it in 16 hours. Before the surgery, I could not run 1/4 of a mile. I don't have a chance to come out to this web site much. But if you ever have questions about exercise, you can always email at [email protected]
   — kelly T.

November 30, 2002
I have been doing weight training since about 2 months post-op,it has helped tremendously with my arms and my thighs, but my belly is very loose and wrinkly, it has gotten alot smaller and somewhat tighter, but I am having my abdominoplasty/mammoplasty on monday December 2nd.so I will have all that taken care of soon, good luck in your journey..happy losing..
   — bikerchic

November 30, 2002
I am 3 months postop and have been doing weight training for the past 6 weeks. Right now I am working only on maintaing muscle mass and not building muscle. I work with a trainer 2 times a week.
   — barbara A.

December 1, 2002
I have been weight lifting for over one year. Both free weights and machines. I see muscle, but it did not take care of any of my hanging skin. I started at 362, and I now weigh about 180. 20 more stubborn pounds to go. I believe it is great for WLS patients, but it will not take care of the loose skin for everyone. I had a tummy tuck in April, and my arms and breasts done in July. I will be having my legs and butt done next year. Hopefully, the weight lifting will help keep the skin firm after the doctor is done removing the extra. Happy lifting!
   — sheron H.

December 2, 2002
I am 5months out and have been working with a trainer for the last two months. I think its helping..especially on my legs..the arms..thats another story..hahha bat wingssssssss...but it makes me feel good...OH and I feel its helping with the abs too...Good luck
   — Jeanne C.

December 4, 2002
I started working out with weight 1 1/2 mos post op. I lift 6 days a week alternating muscle groups. I have lost 112lbs so far, my surgery was 8-19-02. I have toned up all over!I have more energy and better endurance. I feared I would have to have a TT, But my stomach is firming up!!! My arms and legs are firming up! I do modified push-ups and stationary bike 6 days also. I really feel good! I started at a tight size 26 and now fit comfortably in a 16 and going down!I don't take in less than 80 gms of protein a day.Hope this helps, Beth
   — Elizabeth C.