No saggy skin wanted! Exercise and lifting weights post op

[BandedBecks 26]

Hi All

Day 6 post op and am 5kgs down and am starting to get concerned about saggy skin...

What are all your thoughts, tips and tricks on trying to limit this?

Im also really keen on getting back to the gym and lifting weights. Would really love all your input on how many days post op you guys got back to the gym? What sort of training plans do you follow?

Xx

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[MissKay 329]

Please keep in mind that in some cases (and there's absolutely no way to tell) there is no avoiding it. It comes with the territory of gaining and then losing the weight. My best advice is make your water/liquids intake goal every day as keeping hydrated will help tremendously.

As for getting back in the gym, I started back 2.5 weeks after surgery. I started off with low-impact cardio (treadmill, cycle, elliptical). I only did this with the approval of my surgeon. He said as long as my incisions were doing okay that I had the go-ahead. Thankfully I was an odd case that even 3 days post-op my incisions were almost completely healed. My doctor had a tough time removing the stitches because the skin was already healing over it (and I had them removed 1-2 days earlier than advised). I started weights at 4 weeks. I only put it off because of my low-energy with the post-op diet. I couldn't really do much without winding myself until I started on pureed/semi-solid foods.

Talk to your surgeon and/or your NUT. They might tell you the same thing, or they might have a whole different set of recommendations. Each one is different, so it's always best to reach out to them just to be cautious.

[BandedBecks 26]

Thank you for sharing your experience

Edited January 29, 2017 by BandedBecks

[Berry78 4,261]

Most surgeons don't allow weight lifting for at least 30 days. Always clear exercise with them!

In the meantime, walk, lotion, Protein, Vitamins, and Water.

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[erp 2,016]

I agree that for most, there will be skin laxity. The variations come with age, how overweight you are, for how long, etc. Regardless, a solid training plan that mixes cardio with resistance training is well rounded and a good plan for most people. I was inactive prior to surgery so I did Couch to 5K (C25k) initally along with hiring a personal trainer to teach me proper form and progression with weights. I highly recommendhiring a trainer if you are able. If not, Strong Lifts 5x5 is a good program as is the "New Rule of Weight Lifting for Women" book.

[GBLady41 393]

I was told by my nutritionist that at 3 weeks post op, I could start to use a treadmill, elliptical, stair stepper, and mild Water aerobics. At 4 weeks I could start to do light free weights and resistance machines. At 6 weeks I could do boot camp. I would ask your surgeon what he/she suggests.

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[erica_ozzy73 241]

I started weights around 2 weeks after surgery but only light ones.

I don't have any contact with my surgeon etc so I've done this myself. I gather cause I'm self funded .

I felt ok to walk straight away after surgery.

Loose skin around my guts will be a problem but only cause I've had 3 c sections many years ago.

No amount of lotions or potions will help loose skin. Weights will help some but not all people. Depending on how much loose skin we are talking about.

3-4 weeks out I was doing weights like I was before surgery.

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[Stella S 613]

My ND gave go for no impact cardio and 10 lbs free 3 weeks. No weights until 45 days out. I you get one chance to heal. I was active before WLS with no health concerns. I use organic butter and cconut oil for skin but still had PS to remove extra skin - age 44. Even t 500 crunches a day skin sagged too much. I was self at and kept my team close for 3 months. Keep it up.

Stella