Few questions

[Tamera2]

Hi, I had surgery January 24,17. I have a couple of questions for those that are fuller along than me. 1. I was wondering approximately how long the inflammation last? I'm still have that empty tummy sensation with gurgling sounds. I'm taking Nexium twice a day. It helps a little.
2. How do you know when your fully healed? there are different veiw points from different doctors on when you can start lifting weights and doing abdominal exercises in the gym? I'm hearing 6 mos.? I hear after 6 weeks you can start running and swimming if your wounds are healed.
Write now I'm rockin the mileage on the walking track and around the house. Yesterday I got 7 miles on the track. last week total of 26miles in 5 days. I can't even imagine going back to being a couch potato. lol I wake up in the morning and can't wait to go exercise. Can't wait to see whats in store for me next

[Ann2]

Wow! You are definitely moving a lot -- more than most WLS patients and more than most anybody, for that matter.

On the question of "Am I healed enough to do heavy weight lifting?" why don't you call your doctor and ask for clearance. The way you've tackled walking (by going to California and back by suppertime , I expect you're going to tear it up in the gym. It's not even a month post-op for you, so although you've healed a lot, you MIGHT NOT have healed completely. In fact, I'd sort of doubt it.

Still, ask your doctor. And be honest about what you expect / hope / plan to do in the gym during the coming month.

You're really doing great, by the way.

[Luna354]

My Dr gave me full clearance for all activities at 1 month apointment. I told him I was already exercising (kick boxing) 4x a week, although I dumbed it down a bit. He said that was fine and they expect patients to do things sooner than they are told.

What does your dr say?

Sounds like you are doing great.

[elle77]

I was cleared for the gym at 2 weeks. BUTTTTTT.... it was only for the treadmill. Even with just that I would get light headed. Trust me don't push it. I started adding light weights at 4 weeks and more weights at 8. Mostly worked on things that didn't pull to much on my stomach muscles. Work your way back up. It all falls into place and DEFINITELY get clearance from your surgeon. If something feels off, STOP. Gurgling sounds lasted for about 2 months. I take Prilosec and I feel fine now!

[Tamera2]

Thanks Luna for your input. Your doing great too with your weight loss. My doctor before surgery said no lift above 10pounds for 3 weeks than nothing above 25 for 3 weeks and too not do anything that puts stain on your abdomen like pushing or pulling. I had surgery in Mexico so I didn't have a one month follow up. Didn't think when I saw him to get more clarity. Then I did some reading has so another doctors opinion on exercise, then I felt unsure what I should do after my six weeks are up. Commonsense tells me your not completely healed by then. I'll go easy and be careful not to stain abdomen. Good luck with your continued success.

[Tamera2]

Thanks Elle for all your input. It was helpful. Congratulations on your Amazing success. That's awesome. I think I'll pick up some Prilosec now that I can swallow meds whole. Hopefully that will work better. Can't wait for it to go away for good. Good luck with the rest of your journey.

[DesertGal]

You are doing GREAT! I havent' had my surgery yet, but my doctor's paperwork say's to not lift anything over 5 pounds for the first month. And all the vitamins they have told me to start now includes taking Zinc and Vitamin C (1500 mg) and that is for healing, they say.

[Tamera2]

Thanks Lori for your feedback. Good Luck with your surgery and recovery. You'll have to let us know how it goes.

[Christie13]

Great job on all the walking Tamera. I totally get how you feel. I could not stand sitting still. I just wanted to enjoy moving around and exercising. Always best to get your doctors approval and definitely don't do anything past the point of comfort this early on. Good luck!

[Tamera2]

Hi Christie, I'm sure impressed with everything you are accomplishing. Congratulations on becoming an Athlete : ) I'm definitely making sure not to do more than I'm suppose too. Just trying to plan ahead and wanting to avoid a problem. I'll have to see what I can do regarding talking to my doctor. The one thing that makes it hard having surgery in Mexico, its a lot harder to communicate afterwards. Guidelines only given for the first six weeks.

How long did that empty sensation last for you? i just switched to prilosec. Hopefully this will work better. Cant wait for this to go away.