Lifting after J pouch

Those of you who have had it done how was lifting weights after ? I’m getting it done next month and I am ecstatic about it! I compete nearly a a pro bodybuilder so returning will be a big priority. I know they say 6 weeks off lifting which is fine just wondering how it went for all of you and 2- after second surgery what’s the recovery after that one I heard it’s a breeze thanks in advance

I got hernia 4 months after last of 3 surgeries last year.I'm a contractor who works with my crew so between little weight gain and straining when lifting i got hernia.Now i got a nice big vertical incision for my colon surgeries since i already had a vertical from spleen surgery.My hernia was way up high at top of incision.Each surgery takes recovery time,dehydration is something u have to watch out for.All good for me now

I heard at least 3 months before lifting more than 15 lbs over your head.

It may depend if you have an open or laparoscopic surgeries. I’m speculating because I had an open surgery with a large incision.

She no longer posts here but Pluot had jpouch surgery and went on to power lift(?). You may want to check out her blog and posts. https:// www.healingwell.com/community/profile.aspx?p=146129

Not sure what the problem with the link is but this is correct link to Pluot’s profile is https://www.healingwell.com/community/profile.aspx?p=146129 (cut and paste into your browser)

Remember though that surgery doesn't equal cure. You could have extra intestinal manifestations. I hope this doesn't happen to you but it happened to me. I have mentioned this a couple of times on this board already. I'm back on medication and when I'm not, I'm quite miserable.

Andrina, I agree with champ. It's pointless to point out the worst-case scenarios at the moment. csantamaria already had surgery and is waiting for reconnection, there's no option of not going forward, and the worst part is in the past. Many people do not experience further symptoms from AI illness. I am sorry you're struggling but it's unrelated to this topic.

If you need support, please feel free to reach out, or to start another topic. I was just thinking about you. How is everything going? Are you feeling any better? Were you able to get on a treatment path for the lichen?

I personally do not lift weights so I can't help. I was however told not to lift anything heavy for 4 or 6 weeks if I remember correctly. Definitely ask your surgeon at your post-op. The pain at the stoma site was a bit uncomfortable for a while. Even though the takedown was relatively easy, there is still a big wound that needs to heal, and you have to think about control, and small capacity, especially at first. It gets easier over time.

Be patient with yourself. They told me not to lift anything heavier then a gallon of milk for 6 weeks, even after the takedown surgery. I thought I would be right back to my same lifting routine, Honestly, It took a solid 3 months after my takedown for my wound site to completely heal over. It was about that time I feel like I was adjusting to the j-pouch better and was up for returning to the gym. I started super light, (like 5lb purple grandma weights light). For me, it was a slow road and I was cautious about overdoing it. The last thing I wanted to do was to be squatting heavy and end up tearing my j-pouch in half or get some sort of weird hernia. Not worth it! Mind you, I’m a 44 year old dude trying to run from middle age. If you're younger, your recovery could be faster and may be lifting heavy again in no time. It was close to a year from my takedown before I felt comfortable trying to lift heavy. I would just advise you to listen to your body. If you feel like your overdoing it or your getting pulling / pain in your abdomen, STOP!

The whole J-pouch journey is a huge exercise in patience. As you know, this is a major operation (even though your laparoscopic scars might be small). Your body will go through some major trauma, and it just takes time to heal. By time, I mean, plan on it taking months not weeks. It can be really tough when you are in the thick of everything, but time passes and you get through it. Its been a little over a year since my takedown and I’m back doing everything I love, including hitting the gym everyday. GOOD LUCK!