Some very slight pains around where the bag came out and increased frequency/ more watery. I don't see a bulge, so no hernia? What is this, scar tissue irritation or what? I wait about a week and can sometimes go a few workouts without problems, but then it gets stirred up again. I tried light dead lifts last time, so maybe that did it. Do I need to wait like 2 months?? I can't stay out of gym that long, when will this go away? I feel like I can't get my life together until I can workout full speed again.

Not all hernias show a buldge..especially when it has to do with an ostomy...here they call them 'inventrations' meaning going 'in to the abdomen' and not out...always at an old surgical site...mine didn't even show up on the x-ray or ultrasound...each time because I started working out too soon....I couldn't stay away either (except my thing is running up and down stairs).after 4 repairs I finally figured out that maybe I have to stay away a bit longer if I ever want to heal...so go get it checked out and stop working out until you get a diagnosis because if it is a hernia it can get bigger each time you work out!
(deadlifts 4 months out???? not really a good idea even if it is 'light')
Sharon

My GI shocked me when he said I shouldn't lift more than 30 lbs for about a year after surgery. I asked him if he was serious! He said the risk for hernia and other internal scar tissue buildup is high for people who had abdominal surgery. His recommendation was to focus on running and swimming and other cardio exercises until the healing is complete. I don't know if this is correct, but he said he has sem alot of hernias on people who did not wait.

My physiotherapist is keeping me away from anything that put pressure on my abdomen for six months...

Last week she started me on weights for my back muscles, but had me doing them while lying face down on the massage table to ease the pressure on the abdomen.

I'd say you need longer to heal, and ought to be checked for a hernia.

Gin

I had my takedown in october and didn't touch a weight til January. I'm 2 months back into it now and training at full speed. I don't do dead lifts though, that kind of prssure can't be good for tissue that's still healing. Get it checked out and don't lift another weight til you do. I'd say you're better off using machines to start off with. That's what I did and I havn't had any problems.

Remember, you have the rest of your life to lift weights. You only get one j-pouch...

Michael

P.S. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDoujZ1K8ww

Change your gym routine. Do core strength training classes until you are cleared to lift weights. Weight lifters kind of look down on these classes but they offer an excellent workout that combines cardio and strength training. It's an excellent platform to move forward with more intense training. Also do more cardio (running, swimming, etc) until you can return to what you enjoy. It's good for the heart, the mind, and it will satisfy that "full speed" you are looking for.

Four months is not that far into recovery. As someone else said, you've got your whole life to lift, give your body a chance to heal first.

Sue

I'm 3 months post-takedown and having been back full speed at weights for a month, with no side effects at all. I do everything, including deadlifts, ab exercises, etc., as heavy as before surgery. I imagine it's probably an individual thing where you have to "listen to your body" (not that I actually do this, of course!)

I had a post take down, hernia in my initial incision area. I had it repaired in January of this year. It was obvious though...big bulge under my belly button.

I had trouble with pre workout supplements, such as NO Explode. If you take these (I work out in the a.m. early) try Jacked - 3D. It doesn't contain any magnesium....that's what hits you.

Also, go to your doc and have your testerone levels checked. I am sure you have taken some amount of prenisone over the years, and that messes guys up. I have been on a testosterone booster for 6 months, and I feel 10 years younger.