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Gym Workouts with Weights

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Posted 7/16/2013 11:31 PM (GMT 0)
I wanted to post on gym workouts with weights since there's not much out there on this topic. I will try to post updates to track progress and limitations.
Short Recap. I'm 34 yr old male and ran and lifted weights at the gym on a regular basis before my surgery. I had an emergency surgery on Dec 12, 2012 to remove a portion of my colon which led complications and an eventual foot long vertical abdominal incision and an ostomy. I had my take down 4 months later and started lifting weights at the gym after 10 weeks. I am now 11 weeks post operation. I'll post a pic if I can get it uploaded.

I worked out all major body parts excluding abs during week one as follows:

Day 1: Chest/Triceps
Day 2: Back/Biceps
Day 3: Neck/Shoulders
Day 4: Legs

The first thing I will say is I'm happy to say I had no abdominal pain. So I passed the first test! You have to trust your body. If something hurts or doesn't feel right, I know it's to soon or have a limitation.

The second thing I will say is my strength is now at the level of when I was 15...To give you an idea I used 25lb plates on bench and squats.

Overall, everything went great. The two biggest challenges I had were actually psychological:

1.) Fear of hernia. This is a risk but I have made a decision that I cannot accept giving up running/working out so I'm willing to take this risk.

2.) Comparing myself to where I was to where I am now. This one is tough but you really have to start from ground zero and work your way up. It's really about setting new goals and moving forward.

That's all for now. I'm also running on a regular basis. My furthest run has been 8 miles and I was able to sprint for the first time this week.

Mossmi33
Posted 7/17/2013 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi There!

I had my colon completely removed back in Sept 2012. It's been a good 10 moths since surgery and I started working out again.  I'm trying to workout 6 days a week alternating between upper body, cardio, and lower body workouts.

after two cardio sessions...power walking. I started feeling irritated in the rectum area and saw some spot sof blood in the toilet. I still have my anus intact.  I do push myself quite hard with workouts...getting up to 92% of my max heartrate.

I think the soreness and bit of blood is from the cardio workouts but the surgeons (not mine) are now saying I may have Crohn's disease (instead of Ulcerative Colitis)? I have a follow up with my GI tomorrow. I hate it when doctor jump to the worst conclusion when it's possible it could be due to some other issue.

Has anyone else had issue with working out? How soon after surgery did you start working out?

Posted 7/17/2013 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
Peace&Harmony, I didn't experience this but if it was me, I would follow up with my GI/Surgeon for peace of mind. In the meantime, maybe tone down your pace a little until you know what's causing the irritation. Hope you can get back to pain free workouts soon!

Mossmi33

Post Edited (Mossmi33) : 7/17/2013 1:15:19 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/27/2013 9:39 PM (GMT 0)
I've completed my 3rd week of lifting at the gym...So far so good!

I've progressed from 25lb plates to 35lb plates. I can tell I'm getting stronger but there's still a big gap between where I want to be and what my body is ready for.

I'm using a Nike lifting belt as support for all lifts. It's covers all of my vertical and ostomy scars and fits comfortably enough not to irritate the scars.

I'm also using the sauna a lot to loosen up and am doing stretches after workouts which helps with tightness and flexibility.

Hope everyone is doing well!
-Mossmi33
Posted 8/29/2013 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Mossmi33, thanks for your tips in this post!

Do you take any supplements? Whey protein? etc..
Do these have any effect on your pouch behaviour?
Posted 9/5/2013 10:22 AM (GMT 0)
I've started using thr gym once a week through my physio (which is a miracle as I hated the gym before my surgeries) but I am enjoying the workout. I only do a light workout where I do 8 miles on the bike and then lift a few weights, mainly the machines instead of free weights and I tend to stick to a few leg, pecks and bicep machines. I can't lift many weights but thats mainly due to the fact I've always been a wimp!!!
Posted 9/5/2013 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
Mossomi - you are doing great! Three years ago I could do an Olympic Tri without training (I was slow though!) and now walking down the block is my idea of a workout! ;)

It is frustrating to compare where you where you are with where you were but you are doing it right. And 8 miles - wohoo! I look forward to reading your workout updates.

As for the hernia risk, my surgeon said I could work my abs if I didn't bend my abdominals (planks, certain machines, laying down small leg lifts, etc). And free weights work your core in general. On the other hand I was afraid to do barbell squats!
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