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Reply to "No More Lifting Weights?"

I've heard others report this from Dr. Shen, but it doesn't seem to ever be echoed by other specialists, and I'm curious as to where this recommendation came from and what data supports it. I've asked my own surgeon and GI and have been given the go-ahead. I myself lift weights and have been doing so for years. Obviously I don't crazy lift, but I'm a very active person, and as others here have said, I also think my pouch thrives on activity. I seem to do better the more active I am. I run, do yoga, and horseback ride several times weekly. I also do light weight training. The only time I was ever restricted from weightlifting was during the post-surgery period (8 weeks), and obviously when I started back I took things easy. I was cautioned about heavier lifting when I had my ostomy, but I was never flat out told no or that I couldn't lift anything ever again.

 

I also agree that this restriction doesn't seem to be very functional for daily life. I mean, 25 pounds is a very low permanent restriction, especially considering those with young children.  Two of my nieces are now both over 30 pounds and I still need to lift then up often enough for various reasons.  Even if you don't have younger children in your life, there are still tons of reasons to need to lift over 25 pounds - grocery shopping, snow shoveling, etc.

 

I also think it's somewhat counterintuitive.  I mean, if you do no lifting at all, you're going to be deconditioned for such an activity. What if an emergency arose and you had to suddenly lift and carry a child to safety, for instance? THEN you may be actually at more risk for a hernia because you suddenly did something you didn't have the fitness for. *shrug*

 

I'm not in a position to medically advise anyone on what they should or should not be doing, or to say that your doctor may be leaning toward being overly cautious. Obviously, if  you're just a couple of months out from surgery, it's probably not a good idea to bench press. But beyond that, I think it's ok to do what you feel comfortable with. It would be nice to see some data to go along with this no lifting recommendation, but until then, I'm not about to entirely alter my lifestyle, especially since my own surgeon has no concerns.

Last edited by Spooky
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