Hey ya'll, after a few months trying out different meds and lifestyle changes, my doc has decided to go ahead and refer me for surgery for my medium hiatal hernia and GERD. To be honest my symptoms aren't that bad despite the fact that I've been dealing with some of them since childhood--minor productive cough that is more annoying than anything else, acid burn sometimes in my throat, and sometimes nausea, especially in the mornings---but he says they'll continue to get worse over the years and he doesn't like keeping people on medication long term, so we both agreed that surgery makes sense.
So, I want the surgery, but I am also dismayed by the timing and concerned about
the recovery time. After months of physical therapy to rehabilitate an old injury that had been interfering with my ability to exercise, I am now seeing major improvement: I've resumed ballet training, am returning to pointe in two weeks, have started figure skating and just started working with a private coach, and have lost 20 pounds and am right on track to lose the remaining 25 I had hoped to lose by the end of the year. To do that, I've planned a careful meal and workout plan for myself that prioritizes protein consumption and strength training alongside 7-10 hours a week on the ice and 2-4 a week in the ballet studio. I'm seeing results. It's been great.
And now my doc says that recovery from the surgery will require an "extended break" from exercise and a special diet that sounds like it will make me lose weight, alright, but not in a way that simultaneously builds muscle. I am... dismayed.
Which brings me to my questions: What CAN I do during the recovery period to try to gently stay in shape, especially maintaining strength and flexibility in the leg, foot and glute areas since I know core work is probably right out? Are there tricks you used for getting adequate protein in your diet during the liquid/soft diet restrictions period to prevent loss of muscle mass while losing weight? And how long will I likely need to take a full break from the dance studio and the ice (recognizing that I shouldn't return to the rink until my body can handle simple falls on the ice again)?
Essentially my goal is to prioritize healing after the surgery, but to also do what I reasonably can to stay fit enough that I won't have an uphill battle to climb to get back into shape when I am ready to resume my full activities.
Post Edited (andante) : 9/2/2018 7:50:19 AM (GMT-6)