Hey I'm 18 days post op and I have lost around 30 pounds, I'm really really anxious to hit the gym and see what I can do. I know I have to take it easy in the beginning, but man I'm ready! My doctor says no heavy lifting for four weeks, I've also read some wait six, what do you guys think, what were some of your experiences?

Hey I'm 18 days post op and I have lost around 30 pounds, I'm really really anxious to hit the gym and see what I can do. I know I have to take it easy in the beginning, but man I'm ready! My doctor says no heavy lifting for four weeks, I've also read some wait six, what do you guys think, what were some of your experiences?

Mine said 6 weeks, nothing over 10 pounds. I did walk walk walk! then so happy to get back to the gym at 6 weeks!

Yeah, I'd wait and follow the doc's orders *to the letter*. There will be plenty of time to go pound the iron later, tiger. Health and safety first; if you tear an incision due to overdoing it, you'll be out of commission for a lot more than 18 days

After I get the VSG this very topic is one of my concerns. I currently lift weights 2-3 times a week. Then I work on my core doing planks and hanging knee raises. My favorite exercise is the Deadlift. Given that I warm-up with 225lb is one month really enough time?

Ouroborous, let me know your findings too as I am keenly interested.

I'd highly recommend checking with your doctor, especially for the heavy stuff (deadlift is something that I could see increasing the intrathoracic pressure to the point of causing injury if you do it too soon) and the core stuff. Arms/shoulders stuff should be okay, as well as calves, but again -- ask your doc.

According to my doc, at 6 weeks, the VSG incision is at 90%+ of its original strength, and after a couple months it's as strong or stronger than the original tissue, but still -- check with a doc. Your mileage may vary. And it's better to be safe than sorry; injury will sideline you for much longer than the VSG alone would.

Thanks for the responses, I was a little skeptical when my Doc said to wait just 4 weeks so I think I may go light maybe start with some push ups and squats and such, then wait until 6 weeks to really test it out.