Returning to the gym after surgery
 

About 4 weeks ago I had my tonsils and adenoids removed. It's been a very hard recovery; I've had lots of complications and had to return to the OR twice. Before the surgery, I had been working out pretty religiously, and had lost 11 pounds. I was building my endurance up, and feeling good. I'm now back at work, though I don't feel as if I've recovered. I've lost an additional 25 pounds, simply because I've been unable to eat. Because of that, I'm much weaker than before, and get tired very easily. Truth be told, I'm thrilled about the weight loss, and would like to get back into the gym before I gain it all back. What's the best way to start back up?

Thanks!
Jen

Jen, what were you doing at the gym? Weights or cardio or both? For the cardio, I'd treat myself as a beginner, though if you were doing a lot, you'll be back in shape faster than if you were a total non-exercising beginner. Same is true of weights, your muscle memory will bring you along faster than at the beginning. I recently had 3 unintended weeks off from lifting (due to a nasty respiratory thing) and found when I went back I could do most of my lifting at the same level. :) Cardio was another story however, and I'm still regaining my levels there (been 2 weeks back now).

I hear you though - take the weight loss and be glad. And get back to the gym and get strong. Good luck.

I agree with Pat - give your body time to get back. I was out all of Dec and it took me until the middle of Feb to get back to where I was before I got sick. For most of January it was just about showing up for me and getting back to the discipline of getting into the gym and routine. Since Feb, though I have been kicking it pretty hard and really advancing. You will surprise yourself.