Question:
About those Hernias!?!?!

I have asked many people about this and have gotten different answers every time. I know that a hernia can be caused by strenuous activity and such, but does this mean that for the rest of my life I cannot lift anything over such amount of weight, or I cannot work-out strenuously? Or does the risk of it, fade with time?? This is really bothering me, because I would like to be able to really work-out hard after surgery. Thanks, again!    — Jennifer M. (posted on November 14, 2001)

November 13, 2001
There is the possibility of hernias following any abdominal surgery, but it is still a fairly uncommon occurrence. Laparascopic surgery lessens the risk even more dramatically. Surgeons will limit weight-lifting for a few weeks post-op, then encourage you to assume an exercise program that is compatible with your tolerance. Following my lap RNY, I was limited to lifting no more than 15 pounds for the first three weeks, then progressed to a walking program which was "slow" at first due to pre-existing knee problems. By the time I was six months post-op, I was working out in the gym five days a week...no problems. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

November 13, 2001
My PCP and surgeon both gave me the O.K. to go back to the gym at 8 weeks after my open VBG, and told me to start back slow. Well, I'm almost back to my old routine of 45-60 minutes of biking/cross trainer/stair climber and working out using the weight machines. My upper body strength is still less than pre-op, but my abdomen, back & legs are stronger----must have been using those muscles a lot during recovery! I'm finding that I only have one problem, so much more energy that I spend my non-gym time being active and sometimes over doing it----like cleaning for 5 hours, raking the leaves, shopping non-stop for 4 hours, ect... For the last 3 days I've been doing so much shopping, (yes, all my Xmas shopping is done), cleaning, and raking of leaves that I've woke up stiff & achey, so today I'm taking a day off for a bit of a rest. Pre-surgery, I would take every other day off, now I'm doing it only when I really feel achey in the morning, not very often. Don't be afraid of working out and pushing to a new fitness level, just make sure that you do it with proper supervision---talk with your doctor, a personal trainer, or join a good gym with well trained people. My son and his cub scout den are all looking forward to the end of January & mid March, as they have some campouts and outdoor activities and they really want me to be one of the people to help. I missed their last campout, I was only 4 weeks post-op and doctors nixed it, and they really missed me being there. I know that as long as I keep working out and not over doing it too much and listen to the personal trainers at the gym, I'll be more than ready & able to go with them----now if I can just get the weather to cooperate and the snow to hold off!
   — Sue F.

November 14, 2001
My surgeon said odds of a hernia were about 25% following open rny. I got one. Had it repaired. No big deal. Just try and avoid lifting until you are completely healed. I knew when I was completely healed....I could sleep on my tummy!
   — Anne G.