when to incorporate strength training post-op

[theosmom 9]

With all the concern over loose skin, just wondering if beginning weight training as soon as possible will help. Anyone have experience/feedback with that?

How far out from your VSG did you start weight training? What's the general time frame post-op that people get the green light to exercise in general?

Thank you for the info!

[kshepa 77]

Hi, I started strength at 5 months out. I've lost 101# since surgery 5/12 and a total of 176# over the last 10 yrs...and believe it or not, I do not have the loose skin you would expect a 57 Yo woman to have after that much weight loss.

I do need a breast lift and Tummy Tuck eventually.... But weight lifting with a trainer has been great for me. I spend on a trainer what I used to spend on groceries and lunch out. I feel great.

[mark! 449]

I believe the consensus being 4-6 weeks out. 4 weeks starting light, taking it easy, 6 weeks full recovery type stuff. My Dr says nothing over 25 pounds first 3 weeks, go back to full workouts after 4 with restriction to anything over 75 pounds, 6 weeks is full recovery back to normal workouts.

[notime 340]

My doctor approved all types of exercise/exertion at the four week mark. Of course, I had absolutely no complications with the surgery.

[kshepa 77]

Oh, I forgot...I had complications and couldn't even walk for the first two months..funny how 9 months out I've forgotten all the bad stuff!! Just so happy with where I am today and thankful, too. Weight train 3 days/week Cardio 4 days/week, swim, bike ride, elliptical, walk...adding golf soon, too. Now even thinking about tennis lessons!!

[lisa2job 130]

my doc said i could do like light excercise at about 6 or 8 weeks out then told me that I should start strength training at about my 4 month mark ... my trainer is kicking my butt !! but i have noticed that i havnet lost weight since I started training, I have totally lost some inches and I am getting stronger .... also I seem to want to eat more .... I am still getting the hang of it ... but the burn feels so good

[theosmom 9]

I know there are quite a few strength exercises (from one of my past attempts with a trainer) that use a ball and small weights that might be good for when you're first approved for it. I'm pre-op and trying to get all these things lined up in my mind and how and when, etc. I've read people who really worked out and it helped them tighten up and not have a ton of loose skin. Some of it might be age, skin quality, etc. But I just want to do everything I can if I'm gonna take this serious step to change my life completely.

[loveprayserve 2]

According to my doctor, lose skin has to do with age and genetics. However, strength training is good to "help" with the matter, if you will. My surgeon gave me the green light to start at the next week (it will be 3 weeks). I am 29, and had no complications at all, however, so that may be why. Just do what the surgeon says...it could be different for everybody:)