I had my sleeve 9/9/2019, so I'm about 3 weeks out. I've been a regular weight lifter for years and I'm just itching to go back to the gym. Physically I feel great, but my surgical team has me on the lift less than 15lbs for 6 weeks plan, so 3+ more weeks if I follow their guidelines. I'm a health statistician, so I know those guidelines have an ultra safe margin built into them to account for every type of person. I'm thinking of doing some light weights (heavier than 15lbs) after week 4 using machines and such to try an isolate away from my core as much as possible. So, long story short, did anyone cheat? If, so did anything bad happen?

Doesn't matter if anything bad happened to anyone else. What matters is if it happens to YOU. Why even take the risk? Hernia surgery is going to be a big deal and keep you out of exercise a lot longer than just waiting a few extra weeks. You gotta look at the big picture of the rest of your life- not just now. It's like someone asking if they can cheat with sugar or alcohol or pizza and that it's OK if others do it without consequence. Just be patient and do something else like walking, stretching, yoga, or non weighted isometrics.

I believe that if you are in touch with your body, pay attention to not using abs, don't overdo, see how you feel the next day......

I know my body better than any doctor, I don't always follow what they say, if I know it's ok for me.

This is not meant as advice, just my opinion

I was given the clear to start lifting within reason at 4 weeks (no heavy core stuff) and by 6 weeks was back at it including light deadlifts and squats. My surgeon said if I lift it and something hurts on my abdomen then put it down. This seemed reasonable. FWIW at 4 weeks out I never had any issues lifting for beach muscles and when I started dead/squats at 6 weeks no pain or issues. All this said I would simply ask your surgeon and follow what he/she says.

Edited August 31, 20196 yr by PWMDMD

Im with the Doc on this one...do what your surgeon says! Seriously. You need to understand that you are in this for the long haul and a few more weeks isn't going to make that much of a difference. If its a question of causing some damage or resting your muscles a little...no brainer. This doesn't mean you cant hit the gym and jump on a treadmill if your itching that much to break a sweat. I have heart some pretty bad horror stories about guys who lifted too early.

And above all else, don't do something because someone else did. If i told you i lifted 2 weeks out, it doesn'tmean you can. There is no need to risk injury here. Stick with your docs recommendations and ease back into the weights. You will be glad you did and once cleared, start clangin and bangin all you want!