Post Op Fitness Level?

I'm new to the forum and glad I found it!

My goal in having surgery is to be fit and strong (smaller clothes is just the bonus) and to be able to do activities like horseback riding that I have been too heavy to do. I'm already down about 40 lbs by working with the dietitian at the practice and working out.

My biggest surgery worry is that I'm going to lose muscle. I read that 20% is lost in the first six months. I've been working very hard (walking/running intervals and strength training) to build muscle and it's been key to my weight loss success - it's also key to my goals.

My questions are - In your experience, how long after surgery can you resume intense workouts? (I'll ask my surgeon for clearance, of course)

While living with the bypass are you able to work out intensely? I've discovered that I like running and I've always enjoyed weight lifting.

My fear is that surgery and calorie restrictions will help me lose weight, but at the expense of my desire to be fit and active.

I'm really interested in hearing your fitness success stories to put my mind at ease. :-)

Current stats: 41 y/o, 5' 2", female, starting weight in January 269, currently 227 lbs Planning on surgery this fall

I started ramping up as soon as I was cleared, walking then running. It was a novelty for me as I had never been able to run more than 10 seconds before. I went on to do 5k's for charity etc. Now I don't run as often as I'm not really in love with it, but I do lift weights as heavy as I can and do other things like aqua aerobics, crossfit, and any other classes I can.

I find exercise is the key to keep it all together and see that the most successful people on this board are quite active even if it is just walking everyday.

I'm 40, starting weight was 337, low weight 195, current is 210ish. I did not exercise regularly pre-op. I wasn't a sloth or tired all the time- but I didn't have an exercise routine.

Had surgery In April 2015, and by July 2015 I started exercising regularly. Started couch to 5k, and a gym routine. I'm doing the same routine, just have increased capacity. I run 6.5 miles every Saturday & Sunday, and go to the gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

I'm physically fit, despite my weight being higher- I'm perfectly ok with that. my goal was health and a certain dress size- I've achieved both.

I was never a runner prior to surgery, but made running one of my post surgery goals and ran my first 1/2 marathon almost a year to the day from my VSG. I've now run 5. I'm now almost 4 years post op and I run, spin, lift weights and box. The surgery did not impede my ability to work out at an intense level.

You likely will lose some muscle during the weight loss phase, but you can rebuild it. I have. But, it was not something I worried about pre-op or during weight loss. Lose the weight, the rest will come.

Thank you for sharing your stories. They are very encouraging.

Walking and running are fine exercise, but neither can build or maintain muscle . The only thing that can do that us heavy weights. A maximum of 8 to 12 repetitions.

About the only thing normally allowed for the first 6 yo 8 weeks post surgery is walking or similar. Lifting is restricted to 8 to 10 pounds. After that, the only restrictions are if you had a particular medical issue.

Good to know, thanks!

In the first 6 weeks all I did was walk. I did go to the gym regularly before surgery, and took a break from it during the first 3-4 weeks while I was healing, then went back. Just walking at first as I was medically limited, but after 6 weeks I was off lifting limitations and added weights back in. I feel stronger than ever now, and I have much more stamina :)

Awesome to hear, thanks!

I'm 48 yo and worked out a lot prior to surgery. My highest weight was 280 and 262 going into surgery exactly a year ago. I was what you can call "fat fit". I was strong, dead lifting a one max rep of 165lbs. I was going to the gym 3x a week with a trainer and loving it but not losing weight. I wasn't shoveling food in my mouth like one would think but rather not eating the right things at the right times. Sometimes not eating at all.

I now weigh 165 and went from a size 20/22 (5'7) to a size 8 and medium shirt. I still go to the gym at least 3 days a week and walk on my recovery days. I still lift heavy weights, boot camps (cross fit-like) and do HIIT. I can not lift nearly the amount of weight I could before. I'm somewhere in the 120-130 range with dead lifts. I'm not worried about it as I was once lifting my weight now and that seems nearly impossible.

I did have a set back 5-6 months post surgery. I woke up one day and couldn't walk- the pain in my hip was terrible. I went from limping to a wheelchair in about a month. Crutches were not working and I kept falling. It was crazy losing 70 lbs and then having your hip decide not to work anymore. I had to have a hip biopsy to rule out cancer spreading to my bones - luckily not the case. I was finally able to get out of the wheelchair several months later and return to the gym. It was slow going and I still have some problems now and again but everything has been worth where I am today.

My biggest concern with such a heavy activity level was getting the fuel I needed to be healthy, lose weight AND have the stamina in the gym. I have had no problems getting in the proper amount of protein I need to keep me full, able to handle high intensity work out sessions, and allow my muscles to grow lean and strong. Protein powder helps when the need arises. My biggest challenge was water intake. I was chugging so much water during work outs I made myself throw up more than a few times. I have learned to drink more often and sip and not chug =)

I am in the strongest and best shape of my life.

I hope this helps you.....