Hey I'm having my banding on April 3...how long until I can go back to weight lifting again? I always manage to get back into my exercise routine after the worst of the winter is over (I'm a hibernator), and while I know I can walk, walk, walk to my heart's content, I love weight lifting. I'm seeing Dr. Ortiz...any experiences out there?

OkTwigs

How serious of weight lifting? You will have a weight lift limit for at least 2 weeks following surgery, and I mean a serious limit, like 10 pounds. You have internal stitches that need to heal. Then you will want to take it a little easy on the muscle that the port is being stitched into, for awhile after that. Once the initial wait is over, I would imagine you could do curls that type of thing, that isolate other muscles....but avoid the core, or abdominals for awhile.

There is another bandster out there---nd he lifts weights, I believe his name on here is Jerseyjesse----or something along that line. Look under the member list, and I think it is something with a "J". He has done awesome with his band, and in fact his last picture update was taken in the gym! He could likely give you some good, info.

If I see him online, I will send him your way---otherwise, look him up--he is a nice guy!

Kat

My doctor cleared me for weight lifting at one week post-op. I had no limits EXCEPT that if it felt uncomfortable or any sort of pain then I should stop immediately. I was just fine. Now, just like Kat mentioned...I don't know what kind of weight lifting you mean...bench pressing 200 lbs or whatever is a lot different than the strength training routine I was doing immediately post-op (lifting like 45-50 on a machine). So, basically--ask your doctor and don't take my word for it. I'm just telling you MY story!! Good luck!

See, I love the gym and I'm going to hate being restricted for a while...:phanvan

I was allowed to start at the gym one week after banding. However, the personal trainer is oriented in our surgeries, and knows how to work with post op pt's. I started on a pretty normal routine, but I had to wait 5 weeks before working abs.

I was allowed to start at the gym one week after banding. However, the personal trainer is oriented in our surgeries, and knows how to work with post op pt's. I started on a pretty normal routine, but I had to wait 5 weeks before working abs.

That's good to know...I hate working my abs anyway. It'll be interesting to see what directions Dr. Ortiz's team hands out. This would be a good time to put a personal trainer to work on my redesign.

OkTwigs

That's a good point Lee, my trainer is also very familiar with the surgery so she was really helpful in knowing what I should be able to handle immediately post-op. Very helpful in avoiding an unnecessary post-op injury.

PS-I hate abs too!!

I know, I hate abs, too. Funny thing is, I was more sore after abs, then I was after my first work out.

The trainer is fantastic. The fitness center is attached to the bariatric center, one of the perks of the program.

She works everyone at their own level, and seems to know which direction to go with everyone.