For the past 6 weeks I have been lifting weights one day, doing cardio the next day, and resting the next day. With only 2 weeks to surgery I am looking to step up exercise, but am concerned now that I am starting a diet of Protein shakes for Breakfast and lunch and a light dinner.

Should I eliminate the day of rest and alternate lifting weights one day and cardio the next day? I understand that after surgery I will have to wait 6 weeks before beginning to lift weights again.

I'd be wary of stepping anything up before surgery, especially on the low/no carbs you're likely to be on...

My thought is that you're gonna need what you have for recovery post-surgery...

It may not be a great idea to smash the body up for two weeks then be tired/drained/depleted when if comes time to recover...

I understand the desire to get into as much training as you can (believe me, I understand) but it may be worth thinking about the time immediately post-surgery...

Of course, I'm no trainer nor am I an expert...

I'm just some recovering fat dude who was given this advice when I asked the same question six months ago...

Good luck with it all mate...

Kinda..

I would keep doing cardio. I have done all my workouts in the morning on an empty stomach for a couple years. So you can definately work out on nothing. I am getting about 600-700 calories a day and I work out every morning on an empty stomach then drink a Protein shake immediately, I bring it with me.

I do have issues with weights, today I was too tried to do weights after cardio, I had to stop.

Make sure you stay hydrated.

I understand the desire to get into as much training as you can (believe me, I understand) but it may be worth thinking about the time immediately post-surgery...

Moderation is probably the best path for the next two weeks. I don't want to do anything to make recovery more difficult.

If you lift, I'd get that work in now on your regular basis until the day before surgery, because that will not be permitted until 6 weeks after surgery. As far as cardio, same advice, as your general fitness level will only make the anesthesia and the recovery process that much safer. It will also speed the rate at which you can reintegrate your cardio activities after surgery (for a while, it will just be walking, so in case it is an issue, be sure you take some time to get comfortable with that).

I was doing the same program going into surgery. And I had been doing it for a while. If you are fine now, don't change it.

What has not been mentioned that your exercise is a positive outlet for stress. So I walked a bunch and was doing some weight and the elliptical machine and it kept me from worry. Good luck.

Today was my first day of Protein shakes for Breakfast and lunch. I did 40 minutes of cardio (bike / rowing machine) after lunch and things went OK - just very hungry around 4pm. On day two of this diet I will limit exercise to walking the dog and then lift weights the following day.

Yeah that is the bad thing about working out pre surgery. It stimulates your appetite. I love that now at most I am just thirsty. I don't get ravenous like I used to after a workout.

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery! I started walking like crazy beforehand -- had been working out regularly for years but this was just straight-up walking. It helped me to be outdoors and walking off the stress and dealing with excitement, a little anxiety, etc.