While I was never a body builder, I did really enjoy heavy (for me) compound lifts like the squat and dead lift.
My post-op booklet stated something like 3 months ( if I remember correctly) before I could slowly start getting back to pretty much all exercises, including contact sports. I think at 6 weeks, or before 6 weeks (?) I wasn't allowed to run or do situps, but could cycle. Somewhere along the line it also said no weighted situps before 3 months or something? I think I had to take it easy for the first 6 months? It was some time ago, so I don't remember that well.
My physio who works with the surgeon said I could probably go 80% of my previous max lifts, but to speak to the surgeon.
The surgeon said if I can't do 30 reps, with an exercise or weight, not to do it. This sounds overly cautious to me though.
In a followup I mentioned that it's difficult to stick to, since I can't do 30 pullups. His answer was that I then shouldn't do pullups.
His explanation is this:
The fact that you had a hiatal hernia in the first place means that your diaphragm is weaker than that of "normal people". That means you will always be at greater risk of it slipping again.Good luck, hope you find an exercise program that works for you without re-injuring yourself.
Post Edited (Kerrits) : 9/30/2021 11:03:26 PM (GMT-6)