Lifting weights

[nmccarthy 11]

Anyone lift seriously after surgery . I have been lifting more weight than I ever had in my life but I am also the heaviest I have ever been. Having surgery in next few months . I am so concerned about being weak and losing a lot if muscle when I lose weight

[James Marusek 5,244]

When I was a teenager, I lifted weights. I wasn't that good except for leg lifts. In those I could press 450 pounds. Fifty years later I was surprised that I could still press around 400 pounds with my legs. I haven't tried any weight lifting since my surgery about a year ago. I fell like I am a little weaker. But I noticed, that my stamina has increased several fold since the surgery.

[BrantS1976 243]

I have lost 99 pounds in a little over six months since having surgery. I was concerned I had lost muscle mass, but at my six month appointment the surgeon had me on the body composition scale and it showed my total weight loss at 97 pounds, but I has actually lost 102 pounds of fat since last time, so I actually GAINED five pounds of muscle. I had not expected that as I have felt a bit weaker since surgery. I guess the moral of the story is eat the amount of Protein they recommend, and it should be just fine.

[swimbikerun 1,046]

Depends. I did 40 lbs. on bicep curls. I dont know if that's usual for a size 0 5'1" female or not.

[NewSetOfCurves 1,555]

I did lose strength post op. Mind you, I didn't get back into weight lifting immediately after due to easily fatiguing. However, with the almost 100 lbs of weight loss, the definition is way better. I'm gaining my strength back and working hard to build it back up. You might lose some strength, but if you remain active up until surgery, continue again as soon as your cleared by your doctor, and--most importantly--work hard to get your Protein in, you should be fine. It sounds like you're well on you way to healthy new you. Keep it up!

[labwalker 1,177]

They told me to make sure to eat enough Protein, that will protect the muscles.

[nmccarthy 11]

Thanks for all the advice

[BeagleLover 1,020]

Anyone lift seriously after surgery . I have been lifting more weight than I ever had in my life but I am also the heaviest I have ever been. Having surgery in next few months . I am so concerned about being weak and losing a lot if muscle when I lose weight

Having enough Protein prevents muscle wasting. Also there is such thing as "muscle memory." It's a lot easier to get back to where you were than starting from scratch. Wow! When you lose weight, you're going to see all those muscles and curves!

[aroundhky 1,174]

"nmccarthy"......there are quite a few sleevers on this site that take lifting seriously and I feel that I am one of them. As some posters above have mentioned, lifting after surgery (when cleared by Dr) and getting in sufficient Protein are the two big key factors during that weight loss phase. You'll lose some muscle during the first couple of months post op during the rapid weight loss........nothing you can really do to stop muscle loss during that time. But lifting during this phase and concentrating on Protein will lessen the amount of muscle you lose........making it easier to get back to where you want to be and less like starting from scratch. I was there, was down in the dumps about muscle loss right after surgery, but it could have been worse had I not lifted and cosumed adequate protein after my sleeve. About 7 or so months after my surgery, I was back to my pre-sleeve strength, but weighed about 60-70 pounds less, so it can be done. Good luck with surgery, I think you'll be so glad you got the sleeve!

Edited May 6, 2014 by aroundhky

[Fluffnomore 1,235]

I do CrossFit, so we have a lot of lifting and a lot of other stuff...

I started CF in August and my surgery was in October. I had a strict 6-7 week recovery with no lifting and working out other than walking. And then, I was weak for the first month or so that I came back. Started to really feel myself getting back in the groove in February and March. But the funny thing is, even though I've been sick a lot of the last month and haven't worked out nearly as much as I should (averaged once a week) I haven't lost a huge amount of definition. I just love it and would recommend it for anyone. In fact, I can't wait to progress up in heaviness.

[bussy37 35]

I am just over 10 months post op and have lost over 100 lbs. I still have 75 lbs to go. I do what I consider serious weight training, as I am preparing for my first powerlifting meet this winter. I train four days a week and do cardio for three. The key for me is getting the proper amount of Protein (based on your weight) throughout the day. Immediately post op, when just beginning at the gym, its almost impossible to get enough protein with the calorie limitations put on by the Dr. You will lose some muscle mass. But as your calories increase and your protein intake goes up, muscle will be built.

[slimkimmy 5]

Hey there I am just 6 weeks post op. Just wondering when it is safe to start weight lifting.

[bussy37 35]

Six weeks is about right, but, you really need to be cleared by your doctor before weight lifting.

[BeagleLover 1,020]

I am just over 10 months post op and have lost over 100 lbs. I still have 75 lbs to go. I do what I consider serious weight training, as I am preparing for my first powerlifting meet this winter. I train four days a week and do cardio for three. The key for me is getting the proper amount of Protein (based on your weight) throughout the day. Immediately post op, when just beginning at the gym, its almost impossible to get enough Protein with the calorie limitations put on by the Dr. You will lose some muscle mass. But as your calories increase and your protein intake goes up, muscle will be built.

Has your doctor given you any guidelines? At my 2nd NUT meeting, we were told to try to get 60 - 80 grams of protein in. Also, the people gain weight because they eat more often. I haven't had surgery yet, so I'm speculating... it seems that you'd need more protein to maintain or gain muscle mass. Couldn't you just have a couple more "snacks" of Protein drinks?

[bussy37 35]

As far as Protein intake we agreed on 1.5 grams of protein for each kilogram of body weight. As my weight goes down, my protein needs go down. But there is also a max calorie intake. I do supplement with Protein Shake "snacks" of Isopure whey Protein Powder. One scoop only at a time. 105 calories, 25 grams of protein, no carbs or fat. Most whey protein powders geared towards weight lifting have too many calories and carbs for Snacks.< /p>