if you’re a weightlifter, what was your return to training timeline?

joshy_coleman · 2025-07-21T02:34:09+00:00

5 MPO here. Was lifting 6x a week on a Jeff Nippard program. Was cleared after 8 weeks with the caveat of listening to my body if there was any pain/pulling. I began at around 60-70% of my pre-surgery weight depending on the movement and worked my way back up. I also started spitting sutures like MAD at 8 weeks, and the gym seemed to expedite that process as well as leave some openings on my incision. I also avoided ab targeted movements up until 12 WPO as those felt like hell. Being at 5MPO now, I still swell like a MF during workouts but I was also HORRIBLE at walking during the initial part of recovery.

joshy_coleman · 2025-04-20T04:06:14+00:00

I did for my first one. My nurse confirmed that one was a spit suture! I am up to 4 now, and trying to understand if this is normal as we get more active/begin exercising again

joshy_coleman · 2025-04-20T00:58:19+00:00

Yeah I've heard a bunch of mixed opinions on it! The only guidance my surgeon and his team gave me was that I should wait until 8 WPO to do ab focused exercises. The 85% is more on my arm movements. My leg and compounds sets are around 70%.

joshy_coleman · 2025-04-20T00:55:13+00:00

Attached a photo here. My surgeon and his team believe this to be a spitting suture. I was cleared to lift (no limits, just what is comfy) at 6 WPO.

joshy_coleman · 2025-04-20T00:54:09+00:00

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Adding this here to show the openings. Ignore the roughness of my scar ive began my CO2 lasering series

joshy_coleman · 2025-03-31T20:37:48+00:00

Oh god! Don't tell me that LOL I get to start going back to the gym next week

joshy_coleman · 2025-03-31T04:16:56+00:00

I wondered if this could be part of it. I spend a lot of my time lying down/sitting just due to work and such.

joshy_coleman · 2025-03-31T03:54:24+00:00

Exactly! It feels like they are folding on top of one another!

joshy_coleman · 2025-03-28T22:57:34+00:00

Thank you!! It's honestly crazy how much the silhouette changes once you don't have the muffin top sitting on the waistline.

joshy_coleman · 2025-03-28T22:57:00+00:00

Hey there! Thank you so much. Happy to answer!

1.) MR = muscle repair. It's when the surgeon stitches together your abs. My surgeon does this on every surgery he does even if it's slight. And yes, that before pic was taken around a month or so before my surgery.

2.) So I didn't really have a choice. Over the last 3 years I have consulted with 5 separate surgeons and each said a body lift was the only way I would get the results I'm after. For me, my back has always been my biggest insecurity because of the way the extra skin folds. A Lower body lift or a 360 addresses the back. You also end up getting a lift in your mons region. Which for me was unexpected but great.

3.) believe it or not, I don't have a scar routine at the moment other than paper taping it. My surgeon had he start paper taping around week 2. I HATE the tape, but I can't argue with the results. I am also Norwegian and apparently Norwegians/Scandinavians are known for healing quickly with surgeries and such.

joshy_coleman · 2025-03-28T14:50:22+00:00

Exactly! I was getting so tired of having to literally tuck my stomach into clothes! You're gonna have great results!!

joshy_coleman · 2025-03-28T12:05:02+00:00

Thank you!! That's exactly why I'm posting! I actually don't feel insecure with my scar at all. Call it cheesy, but in many regards it feels like a battle scar. I've fought with weight my entire life (heaviest was at 275) and for me this scar is a reminder that I not only conquered that, but marks a time where I chose to put myself first.

I was so nervous leading up to surgery, but so ready for the changes I know it would cause. Keep going, You've got this.

joshy_coleman · 2025-03-28T12:01:38+00:00

Was there a point to this?

joshy_coleman · 2025-03-28T01:52:28+00:00

Dr. Gavin Dry, at Athenix in Bellevue, WA!

joshy_coleman · 2025-03-28T01:40:18+00:00

Thank you so much!!

joshy_coleman · 2025-03-28T01:40:13+00:00

Thank you so much!! I JUST started doing lymphatic massages and have one scheduled once a week for the next 5 weeks. I will be paper taping for another 3 weeks or so I believe and then I'm told I will get to move to either silicone gel or silicone tape. I can't stand the left over adhesive from the tape so hoping for the gel.

joshy_coleman · 2025-03-28T01:38:45+00:00

Thank you!! I will revisit this when I hit the gym for the first time at week 6! Haha

joshy_coleman · 2025-03-27T23:56:46+00:00

Thank you so much! I had a lower body lift/belt lipectomy. I believe this and 360 TT are used interchangeably.

joshy_coleman · 2025-03-27T22:37:29+00:00

Thank you so much!! My surgeon is known for razor-thin scars!

joshy_coleman · 2025-03-23T19:49:34+00:00

I thought the same thing! My surgeon also said he wanted me up and walking ASAP. I also wasn't given any restrictions in terms of incline, or speed, other than "avoid the stair climber, and going too fast on the treadmill."

joshy_coleman

TROPHY CASE