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What type of exercise can I do after fundoplication and weight gaining question.

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Posted 2/22/2013 11:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, so I am 2 and a half months post fundoplication and still look really skinny. I want to go and exercise, but I do not know what exercise I can do. My doctor say that I should be able to do pull up, but I can only do that in a gym. I forgot to ask him if I can do push up. Is push up possible? Since I am not suppose to lift.

Also, is there anyway for me to grow fat? For these 2 months, I have been the same weight throughout and i am really depressed. It's very annoying. I ate alot more than usual and still can't gain any weight. My self esteem has really dropped alot.
Posted 2/23/2013 1:36 AM (GMT 0)
Try muscle building products.
Walking is good for now.
You can start doing small barbells. Start with 5 pounds for a week or two and gradually work your way up. Try not to push yourself in the stomach section. Maybe light weights on your feet or stretch bands.
Posted 2/23/2013 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
When I was trying to gain weight earlier in my life, I found I could put on lots of weight (including lots of fat) by drinking a weight gain shake before bed. It was like 800+ calories. That's before I had reflux of course.

For now, how about eating very fatty foods? Or adding olive oil to everything for an extra ~100 calories per meal.

As far as lifting, when are you allowed to lift? My surgeon told me 6 weeks, and I have seen 4 weeks on various other documentation online. If you can't do full push ups, you can try leaning into an open doorway. The more you lean, the harder it is. It's a way to keep your upper body muscle tone without the stress of an actual push up on the ground.

For lower body, you can probably do bodyweight squats, if you can tolerate them. Or step-ups onto a stool.
Posted 2/23/2013 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
My surgeon said I should be able to do anything in regards to lifting weights after 6-8 weeks I guess it depends how well you feel if you feel alright doing exercises then you probably are alright
Posted 2/23/2013 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
My surgeon told me I should not lift heavy weights. I don't know his definition of heavy though. Is it 5kg? 10kg? I have a 3kg dumbbell at home, do you all think it is ok to try lifting?

Also, I tried doing a little push up today, but I feel a little uncomfortable just above my stomach.

Anyway, what type of muscle gaining products are you referring to? Like those protein shake? Aren't those a bit heavy on the stomach? And is it safe to take it for someone with GERD?
Posted 2/23/2013 9:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi ris3r.

Did you have just a fundo, or was there a hernia also? I would listen to your doctor! I had both and don't want to ever need that surgery again.

There are sensible, healthy ways to get back into shape. Doing anything that hurts is counterintuitive. So is eating a bunch of chemicals or a bad diet without the doc's OK. Fat you put on doesn't just sit under the skin. It surrounds your heart and other organs too.

Lifting light weights, using stretch bands, walking and swimming and moving up to running when the doc OKs it work too. I've 4 sons in their 30-40s who swim and play soccer and run, and they look great.

As Sanjay Gupta says, "You are what you eat."
Posted 2/24/2013 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
The doctor said that I had a slight hernia. What other sensible ways are there for me to be back in shape?

Can anybody tell me about the muscle gaining products? Is it ok for someone who had GERD and fundo? I will ask my doc when I can, but I won't see him till April.
Posted 2/25/2013 10:53 AM (GMT 0)
I was reccomended protein shakes by my hospital after my surgery to help me get the nutrition I needed. If your going to get protein shakes get one which Is aspartame free asthat lowers your immune system . I think they would be fine for the tummy I took protein shakes for a long time with no trouble theyre great for helpibg you put on weight especially if your doing exercise that breaks down the muscle fibres
Posted 2/25/2013 3:10 PM (GMT 0)
Ok. Thanks for the information sammywalker. So protein shake isn't unhealthy? I kept hearing that it is that is why I try to stay away from it. Btw, what surgery are you referring to? You had a fundo or other surgeries? Because if it is a different surgery, protein shake might not be suitable for me.

I still do not know what exercise can I do though. I tried walking fast, but for a long distance, my chest starts to hurt. Same foes for push up or lifting a 3 kg dumbbell. I stopped exercising for now as I am afraid of making things worse. Any help will be appreciated.
Posted 2/25/2013 3:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi ris3r,

My son lifts weights and was into taking lots of protein shakes until he was warned off the by his doctor.  Turns out his kidney function was suffering.  Large amounts of protein stresses them. He takes one for breakfast made with lots of healthy things, but doesn't pump them down like he used to.

I'm sure in moderation they would be fine.  I think if you want them to help with healthy weight gain, they must be accompanied by a little strengthening exercise.  As Alcie said, call your surgeon's office and get the specifics of what he meant by "heavy weights", and what your restrictions/timing are. 

I have no doubt that you'll get your strength back, but listen to your body.  If it hurts, back off. 

Patience...you'll be back to your old self soon!

Hang in there...

Denise

Posted 2/26/2013 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
Ok. Thank you dencha for your reply :)
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