Weightlifting After Back Surgery

[queenbean]

Hi all, (Sorry folks, this will be a long one!)

I am new to this forum and kind of stumbled upon it in search of some information. Hopefully, some of you can point me in the right direction.

Last year my husband had back surgery (bilateral lamenectomy) because of a herniated disc (L4/5 - he has another minor bulge at L5/S1) that was a result of an injury 5 years ago. We tried everything before surgery, but finally had no other option. Since the surgery he has greatly improved, although he still has back and leg pain, as well as pins&needles feeling in his legs. The doctor was encouraged by his recovery, but there still looms the possibility of a fusion in the future if things do not improve.

You should know that my husband is overweight and diabetic. When he eats right he can control his diabetes with diet. We also know that losing some of the weight will help both his diabetes and his back (he carries most of the weight in his abdomen).

He has managed to lose some weight with a low-carb diet, but we are not convinced that this is the best way to go in the long run. He has now decided that he would like to get in shape and bulk up. Even though he is overweight now, he is naturally a large man with very broad shoulders and he would like to enhance his natural body shape, shoulders and arms in particular. He would also like to strengthen and trim his abdomen.

He has asked me to decide whether or not I will support him in an effort to build his body (he needs my support 100% to stay committed). I think he would look great, but I am concerned about the strain on his back. I really don't want him to have to go through surgery again.

I know he may need to see a doctor before starting anything, but is there any advice anyone can give me? Are there certain exercises he should avoid at all costs? Should he work to strengthen his abs/legs before proceeding with a bodybuilding workout, and if so how?

There is no guarantee that he will never have surgery again, but I don't want him to do something that will increase the chances of another surgery. I want to support him, but I want him to continue being able to walk! Please help!

Thanks!

 

[DrChiro]

As far as what to do, I would advise your husband to go on a program that would help him lose weight first before he decides to bulk up. Of course he should lift weights to do this, just understand that the diet is what is most important and he shouldn't be eating th high calories used to bulk up. He is better off leaning down and adding a bit of muscle. Then growing from there and adding LEAN muscle to his frame. Usually when people bulk they add fat along with muscle which is not what he needs to be doing now from what you have said.

There are many excellent ideas on this forum so check out the diets...but if you want something easy to follow try the Body for Life book by bill phillips...it is an excellent place to start.

Bodybuilding is equal parts diet and exercise...especially with the diabetes diet becomes even more important so be sure to focus on this area. The weightlifting will also help with insulin sensitivity and allow him to utilize his sugars better so go for it.

Now for the back injury....a laminectomy is nothing to mess around with....nor is a disc bulge...i would seek regular chiropractic care to keep it from progressing and avoid pounding exercises like running. For cardio try the elliptical machine or walking on an incline.

As far as weights....immaculate form is a must....I would find a good trainer (this is actually hard to do....try to talk to people and call personal training studios....there are alot of shitty trainers out there...i would ask your chiropractor if he/she reccomends anyone). By all means workout...just be safe.

i'll stop now as this is getting long!

 

[Rich46yo]

If hes diabetic I'd assume hes going to have to limit his carbs anyway right? Ive had two lamenectomies, 2 laser discectomies, a fusion, and 2 invasive pain control implant procedures all on my lower 3 levels. Three years ago, after my fusion, I was a mess. I was weighing about 250, had about a 46" waist, was depressed all the time, and always,always in terrible pain. I went and did exactly the opposite of what the Doctors told me to do, I started weightlifting again.

I started off with 10 lb dumbells and just took it real slow, as I did after each surgical procedure. The key is safety and patience. Its the slow steady one that wins the race. Hes also going to have to do a series of daily low back/stomach strengthening/stretching exercises prior to any weightlifting, and of course cardio. Hes going to have to be very careful and might have to eliminate some exercises alltogether, as I had to deadlifting. Thats OK, theres more then one way to skin a cat or work a muscle group.

Anyway this is how I look now, a couple of years after my fusion "which was probably a waste of time"

Maybe not impressive for this forumn, but a minor miracle for a 47yo disabled back surgery refugee. I now weigh 220lbs for my 6' frame, have a 36" waist and want to get it down to 34". I can do 3 sets of 50 pushups, can do sets of 300lb squats, went from 10lb incline chest flys to 90's, sitting overheads from 10lbs to 70's, and even back to full time work. And the key to this comeback was pumping iron.

I too thinks its also a good idea for your husband to see a chiropractor as well. And by all means he should try to avoid a fusion. With each successive back surgery the chances of a good result go down, right now after a lamenectomy the chances of a fusion helping him are about 50% at most. Of course the surgeons will tell him different. Most often they will tell you what they need to tell you to get you on that table and about $50,000 in their pockets. Yes its physical rehab that is the key. If he gets on the same train I got on, and stays there, he should be fine. A fusion is the last thing he wants to go thru believe me.

Best of luck to both of you and take care..............Rich

 

[DrChiro]

way to go rich...thats alot of shit to have done...makes other peoples excuses not to work out even more lame!

i agree that fusion is usually a bad way to go...try to avoid it if possible....get as many opinions as possible from many sources (not just orthopedic or spinal surgeons)

as a diabetic, like rich mentioned, atkins is not a bad option..although i believe a more sensible approach would be to have some good carbs....watch the glycemic index...stay away from processed, sugary foods....and load up on the fiber....fiber is great for everyone but it is like magic for diabetics....atkins tends to be low in fiber and fairly high in the bad fats.

 

[queenbean]

Thank you both (Rich and DrChiro). I want to support my husband and I know he will need it if he is going to succeed. You have both made me feel better about this. Now I just need to help him stay on the right track.

I am going to check out that Body for Life book today. I'm also going to talk to my husband about seeing a chiropractor. We have travelled around alot, so we don't have a regular doctor or chiropractor at the moment, but we do at least have insurance. We did get several opinions on the first surgery and as I pointed out, we waited 5 years from the injury before finally giving in to surgery (Yes, several doctors wanted to cut on him immediately!)

As for Rich - way to go! It makes me feel better to hear that it is possible for someone who has gone through back surgery to succeed at weight training and body building. My husband will, of course, need to trim down some first, but at least I feel confident that he can use weight training as part of that program.

As for the diet - we were both on Atkins for a while (I am 5'7" and now weigh about 140 - I was up to 157 at my heaviest and I would like to get down to 130 - I actually made it down to 133, but 'fell off the wagon'). But despite the success with Atkins I would agree that it is not the healthiest way to go. We are planning on reassessing our diet as part of this process and including more whole foods and grains. Trying to avoid the processed stuff as much as possible.

Thanks again for all the support. This site has proven very helpful and I plan on scrounging around it for more information. Looks likes this will be very helpful for planning our fitness goals.

 

[Rich46yo]

Queen my advice would be for him to not "wait" for anything. dont wait to "trim down first" or anything like it, the time for waiting is over. Right now he can do basic strengthening exercises, cardio, and no doubt some weight training. Waiting to lose weight before starting a exercise routine is a recipe for failure, as well as being a paradox. You cant do one without the other and any weight lost during a "diet only" will surely be regained without an exercise regimin to go with it. Some of these home gymns are a good idea as well. Its there, its home, its harder to make exuses to not use it, and after a back injury machine are generally safer to use. I bought a soloflex right after they came out, long ago, and still use it and its attachements. Will you get the same results as you would with free weights? No! But you get results, good ones, and its safer to use alone then heavy free weights. "I do also lift free weights a lot". Why not puruse the used ads and get him one, or a bowflex, for cheap? People are always selling them.

I'd also throw the bathroom scale in the garbage. I did mine. That daily weight check is self defeating and irrelevant when your on a weight training program. What it basically is Queen is a lifestyle contract with yourself, and only yourself, that you are going to take control of your life and not let anything stop you. The day you sign this contract with yourself is the day exuses end and a new life begins. But hes going to have to do it himself. Without question the most effective therapy for back pain is exercise. Its really the only one! But a chiropractor thats schooled in sports medicine can help him as well. Personaly when I see a back surgeon I hold a cross up as I would a vampire.

I really wish the best for both of you and hope the story of the guy who overcame 7 of these terrible procedures motivates him. Let us know how things workout. Hes hanging with the right group here. Bodybuilders have a lot of good advice about exercise and nutrition...........take care............Rich

 

[bcr7024]

getting back in to it post surgery

I am 27 6'6" and currently appox 315 lbs. I had a L4-L5 L5-S1 lumbar fusion. I worked prior to the surgery and hopefully after as a paramedic. I have an athletic history and am no stranger to the gym. However, with this surgery I have I guess you could say a fear of doing certain exercises not knowing what I can and should not do. My surgery was on 10/21/09 and I am just now beginning PT and working mainly on stretches. I was just wondering if there is anyone on here with some advice about getting back in the gym. Thanks Brandon

 

[andresdelj]

So what happened

Hi all, (Sorry folks, this will be a long one!)

I am new to this forum and kind of stumbled upon it in search of some information. Hopefully, some of you can point me in the right direction.

Last year my husband had back surgery (bilateral lamenectomy) because of a herniated disc (L4/5 - he has another minor bulge at L5/S1) that was a result of an injury 5 years ago. We tried everything before surgery, but finally had no other option. Since the surgery he has greatly improved, although he still has back and leg pain, as well as pins&needles feeling in his legs. The doctor was encouraged by his recovery, but there still looms the possibility of a fusion in the future if things do not improve.

You should know that my husband is overweight and diabetic. When he eats right he can control his diabetes with diet. We also know that losing some of the weight will help both his diabetes and his back (he carries most of the weight in his abdomen).

He has managed to lose some weight with a low-carb diet, but we are not convinced that this is the best way to go in the long run. He has now decided that he would like to get in shape and bulk up. Even though he is overweight now, he is naturally a large man with very broad shoulders and he would like to enhance his natural body shape, shoulders and arms in particular. He would also like to strengthen and trim his abdomen.

He has asked me to decide whether or not I will support him in an effort to build his body (he needs my support 100% to stay committed). I think he would look great, but I am concerned about the strain on his back. I really don't want him to have to go through surgery again.

I know he may need to see a doctor before starting anything, but is there any advice anyone can give me? Are there certain exercises he should avoid at all costs? Should he work to strengthen his abs/legs before proceeding with a bodybuilding workout, and if so how?

There is no guarantee that he will never have surgery again, but I don't want him to do something that will increase the chances of another surgery. I want to support him, but I want him to continue being able to walk! Please help!

Thanks!

I was wondering what happened with your husband.

 

[andresdelj]

Rich I see your post is pretty old but it helped me make up my mind. I loved and lived the healthy live for 15 years. I had a fusion 10 years ago. Now it is time for me to hit the gym again. Thanks