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Weight Training After The Gastric Sleeve Surgery?



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Glad someone raised this thread from the dead! never a exercise or gym guy (on a regular basis ever). I did notice that post surgery my weights and sets went down. I have been working very hard, and 5 months post-op I have begun to add to those pre-surgery weight levels. It is possible. good advise above on this thread. I started lifting about 6 weeks post op as recommended by my dr.

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I have been overweight all my life. So....the words exercise and gym were rare parts of this Big Boy's vocabulary!!!

I had Surgery Sept 16 and started going to the gym and lifting at 8-weeks out. I was worried about whether I would still lose weight. I am shocked at how much I LOVE weight lifting!! I have a LONG WAY to go. Since I wasn't a previous weight lifter, I'm seeing how much I have to build up to higher weights. Chest presses are about 130-150 lbs. I can press about 275 on leg press. I do row about 210.. But I've got keep working on strengthening the chest..however..IM LOVING IT. CLOSING IN ON THE 100 lb weight loss mark. Hitting the gym every other day! I haven't seen a weight starting with a 2 since Moses parted the Red Sea!!! Saw 298 the other day!! #LOVINLIFE!!!

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Anyone tried working out with a weight vest? Was thinking about trying one as the pounds come off.

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On the weight training issue...just trying to tone, and again trying to regain lost muscle. When doing sets, should be able to comfortably lift the amount of weight I'm lifting? I'm trying to max my weight, but at the end I lose all sorts of form when struggling to get in those last reps...is that overdoing it?

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On the weight training issue...just trying to tone, and again trying to regain lost muscle. When doing sets, should be able to comfortably lift the amount of weight I'm lifting? I'm trying to max my weight, but at the end I lose all sorts of form when struggling to get in those last reps...is that overdoing it?

I am confused. Are you trying to find out your 1RM(1 rep max) or are you just trying to do a basic 10-12 rep set?

If you want to find your 1RM go here http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/other7.htm for great info on how to figure out your 1RM. To be honest, you should not be focused on finding your 1RM. This is more for the bodybuilders or the gym rats.

From your question, I am guessing you are fairly new to weight lifting? If so I recommend doing sets with a weight that will allow you to comfortably get through an entire 3-5 set session. This way your muscles get used to it and you learn better technique and form. Once you are comfortable and feel stronger throw on another 5lbs. If you get through that set okay, then add another 5lbs. Continue this and you will see your starting weight and ending weight increase over time.

Once you are comfortable with your technicque and weight lifting in general, you can begin to start to lift till failure. This really where the muscles grow. When I say fail, that means when you can no longer do another rep. Do 3-4 sets with your first set at a weight that you can knock out 12-15 reps. For set 2, up the weight, so that you fail at 10-12 reps. Set 3, so you fail at 8-10 reps and so on. Make those muscles work and watch them grow. Do this only when you are very comfortable in the weight room and feel physically capable of putting your body through this

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I am confused. Are you trying to find out your 1RM(1 rep max) or are you just trying to do a basic 10-12 rep set?

If you want to find your 1RM go here http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/other7.htm for great info on how to figure out your 1RM. To be honest, you should not be focused on finding your 1RM. This is more for the bodybuilders or the gym rats.

From your question, I am guessing you are fairly new to weight lifting? If so I recommend doing sets with a weight that will allow you to comfortably get through an entire 3-5 set session. This way your muscles get used to it and you learn better technique and form. Once you are comfortable and feel stronger throw on another 5lbs. If you get through that set okay, then add another 5lbs. Continue this and you will see your starting weight and ending weight increase over time.

Once you are comfortable with your technicque and weight lifting in general, you can begin to start to lift till failure. This really where the muscles grow. When I say fail, that means when you can no longer do another rep. Do 3-4 sets with your first set at a weight that you can knock out 12-15 reps. For set 2, up the weight, so that you fail at 10-12 reps. Set 3, so you fail at 8-10 reps and so on. Make those muscles work and watch them grow. Do this only when you are very comfortable in the weight room and feel physically capable of putting your body through this

Thanks much, randoval....this is EXACTLY the type of advice I was looking for!!! Thanks much for this, for real...very much appreciated!!!

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Thanks much, randoval....this is EXACTLY the type of advice I was looking for!!! Thanks much for this, for real...very much appreciated!!!

You are welcome @BryBro63. This is a process and takes patients. Be consistant, safe and determined and I guarantee you will see and feel the results.

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Anyone tried working out with a weight vest? Was thinking about trying one as the pounds come off.

I use a weighted vest for training dips and pull ups. Once I got to where I was doing a dozen or so of each, I started adding a training vest since my reps were getting too high, and nice to say, they were getting too easy. This took me months to be able to do though. Even about 3-4 months after surgery, I could only do 6-8 pull ups at a time and maybe 10 dips at a time. So I just trained with my body weight for a few months after that until I could do a dozen a set, then started training with the weighted vest. My the vest I use, I can add just 5 pounds, or up to 35 pounds of added weight.

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Has any one used roids after the surgery to but muscle back on that they lost ?

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@@boccob81 you already have a thread started on this specific topic. I replied in there. Stay away from the steroids. More so if you have no clue what your doing. Will not worth it and will not be beneficial to you

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WAIT six months before you go back to training in the gym, trust me! I almost hurt myself going back in 3-4 months after. Finally after eight months, I train like beast now and I'm back to pressing 120 lb dumbbells. U CAN gain muscle mass back by dumpin tons of Proteins drink down but be sure to eat clean and healthy like horse.

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One thing I'm starting to notice is my weight is starting to VERY SLOWLY go UP...seeing a slight difference on the scale nowadays. On the one hand, I'm eating a little more with the full direction of my nutritionist as well as advice through research saying that in order to gain muscle, you need to feed muscle. On the other hand, of course after doing so much with the weight loss thing, the last thing in the world I want to do is gain it back, so of course the neurotic side of me is ready to panic anytime the scale goes up!!! I think what is helping me try to keep my sanity is the fact that my clothes still fit well, and I don't see any increase in waist size. I also suppose it's true that muscle weighs more than fat...right???

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Haha. A pound is a pound is a pound but I would rather be packing muscle than fat. I got my surgery on Dec 23rd 2014 and been going to the gym from Jan 12th this year. At first I couldn't finish a workout but over time my endurance increased. I've been weight lifting and running from 1-3 miles a day. I can definitely tell that muscle has been building and strength has been increasing (according to the bodyspace app). It's entirely possible to build muscle, gain strength, and lose weight at the same time.

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Greetings Guys!

I'm so glad I found this site and thread. I've finally decided to do the sleeve and have been worried about being able to

build muscle. Luckily, from what I've read you can build muscle but of course with more work, effort, and patience. I'm

majoring in Criminal Justice and plan on becoming a police officer, so weight lifting is something I've started doing again.

Can't wait to start on this epic journey. I hope this thread stays alive and people will post more helpful tips. Just joined and '

will certainly visit other threads.

-Alex

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Welcome Alex & Congrats on the sleeve decision! Best decision I've made to have a healthier lifestyle!

Lots of veteran sleevers on here with good knowledge & happy to help.

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    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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