Abdominal Hernias and Heavy Lifting...help, anyone?

[CarolinaMom]

I have had 2 hernias and have had surgery and now have a mesh reinforced abdominal cavity. I am trying to get back in the gym now and pack on muscle again after 12 years. I just started to use a belt this month as my lifting strength has finally increased to the point I have good control while doing heavy. Will the belt really prevent re-injury? What exercises should I put the belt on for? Currently using the belt only for squat, leg press, and stationary lunges. I am still pretty scared about hitting my max on these exercises. Did leg presses yesterday and did 300+ lbs pretty easily...but was scared to add on any more wieght. I wiegh 127 pounds and would like to get back to the 500 pound presses sometime this year. Thanks in advance.

 

[CarolinaMom]

Boy....all these suggestions are overwhelming.....HELLO?

 

[Marat]

You have a very specialized issue.

To answer your question responsibly, there is a lot of information that we would likely need but do not have access to. As a result, it cannot be determined whether or not re-injury can occur. Talk to your physician.

With that said, typically the belt is used with exercises that require additional lower back support/increased intra-abdominal pressure (e.g squats and deadlifts). Typically, belts wouldn't be used for lunges and leg presses. However, given your situation, some 'typical' information may be thrown out.

 

[Built]

Have you tried consulting with your local sports medicine facilty?

 

[Dale Mabry]

I have a client who had 3 abdominal hernias. There are no contraindications as the abdominal wall is now stronger with the mesh in there. I would not go anywhere near a leg press, and would make sure I had absolutely perfect form on every exercise. His issue was genetic as he has a very thin abdominal wall, so I just slowly progress him. You shouldn't need a belt for anything, if this is an abdominal wall strength issue strengthen your core, if it is genetic, I don't quite have an answer, but we don't use a belt for anything.

 

[Perdido]

There's a friend in my gym that has had abdominal hernias repaired and he wears a specialized belt. Definitely not a standard training belt. He also does a specialized routine that looks like was designed for him by a therapist or doctor.

 

[CarolinaMom]

I will do some research on a special belt. I got my hernias from pregnancies. My doctor doesn't know how to help me lift heavy. He says not to do it. He says there is no reason for me to need to lift heavy, that I could tone with some ten lb dumbells.