Hello all,

I'm still pre-op, no date yet, but I'm doing whatever I can to maximize the chance of success with a sleeve. Part of my deal with myself (and my wife), when I chose this path, was to train my body and play competitive sports again. As my forum name suggests, I was a collegiate hockey player. I played in leagues all through my 30s as the weight increased. Then an injury took me off the ice and the weight just snowballed. I really miss playing, and the camraderie of being on a team. So I've decided to work with a trainer for the first time ever. I figure it'll get me in the gym on a schedule, and I thrive on routine. I have a target weight for when I can get back on the ice, it's a big motivator for me!

I've seen most people recommend waiting about 6 weeks after surgery to increase the intensity of workouts.

My question for you veterans. Did any of you work regularly with a trainer post op? Are there ones that specialize in MWL patients? As you build strength and endurance are there any resistance training routines you found particularly effective? Are there any gym chains that have good deals?

Thanks in advance,

Jay

I work with a trainer at the YMCA, we have a family membership and we all love it. It's got something for all of us and from the front desk staff to trainers to childcare all the employees have been wonderful. I love my trainer, he pushes me but never makes me feel bad. Good luck on your journey!

Hey! My doctor said 3 to 4 weeks. Wednesday will be 4 weeks so I'll be starting the gym and if I need it a trainer sometime thereafter I'll get one. I had a personal trainer all last summer and loved it. Unfortunately, I ended up gaining weight because I didn't change my diet at all. But I felt strong and loved it. I've been walking 1 mile a day since 3 day post op, then 2 miles by my second week, last week did 5 miles one day and this week I'm going to try to start the Couch Potatoe to 5k and add weight training. Feeling great! You will too! Good luck

I was sleeved in July. I have worked with a personal trainer since October. I am down 146 pounds and will be attempting my first 5k ever on June 1! I highly recommend a personal trainer to help with pacing and rigor post op!

Congratz on your first strike attitude.

I work with a trainer twice a week. Best money I have spent!

I waited til 8 or 9 weeks post op. I did walk and eons out on my own at 6 weeks, but didn't want to go gung ho the first time at the gym. I did aqua aerobics and cardio to start, then trainer. Just remember that if you are working out to take measurements. I didn't lose for two weeks but lost inches all over. getting stronger!! Still with the trainer 2x a week. Love it.

I was told I could start working out at week 4 after I was cleared. I been hitting the gym and running everyday. No personal trainer for me in the last 4 months. But thinking of doing one to push me a bit more. I am training for the savage race on July 21st here in Maryland.

My trainer is also a certified cross fit instructor so what I just realized the other day is this guy is giving me a cross fit workout!! I just never realized it!!!

Just got a trainer today to help push me. 2 times a week for a year. I hope the money is worth spending on this.

Just got a trainer today to help push me. 2 times a week for a year. I hope the money is worth spending on this.

You get out of it what you put into it!!! Totally rock out those two times a week!!

I worked with a trainer for three years pre-op and till I got to goal weight. I took off 6 weeks post-op because that's how long my program recommended avoiding heavier exercises. My program recommended just biking and walking the first six weeks.

I loved having a trainer, but at goal weight, I can no longer justify the expense. I am capable of taking group classes now and find them just as effective. I'm not an exercise fanatic. I'm sure my muscle tone was marginally better with the trainer, but it's perfectly acceptable with the group classes.

Lynda

Thanks for the replies everyone! I think it's definitely a strategy I'll incorporate once my body says I can.

I use a trainer 3 times a week and it has been life changing. He keeps me motivated and exceeding my goals.

I have met with 2 trainers recently and both are telling me I need to increase my calories if I am going to work with them. My Dr has me at 1000 and they want me to go up to 1200-1500. Who do I listen to? What did your trainers have you do?

Welcome "2big2skate"! I think you'll be happy you made the decision to be sleeved. I don't see a personal trainer, but I do workout regularly (5-6 days a week). I'm guilty of sneaking back into the gym too early (about 2+ weeks post op), when my Dr recommended me to start around 6 weeks post op and no earlier than 4. I was lucky given my indiscretion and was not injured. But I also took it easy and started back really light with resistance training. I have no idea about training to skate, but that sounds fairly rigorous, so I'm sure you'll burn quite a few calories when you're able to get back into it. I say whatever gets you moving.........go for it! Just ease back into it when you start at the gym and be careful not to dive in, just build up gradually and you'll have a better chance of staying injury free. Good luck getting back on the ice!