How soon post-op can a patient return to heavy weight lifting?

[ducky]

Thanks.

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Every surgeon has a different regimen for post op care and return to the gym.

I prefer no strenuous exercise of any kind for one month after surgery.  Starting at one month, I allow a gradual return to exercise over the next two weeks and full exercise at six weeks.  I find that being cautious about this works well.  Some of my colleagues allow return to exercise earlier than this.

You should discuss this with your own surgeon.  Part of the answer will depend on how extensive your surgery was.

Dr Jacobs

[DrPensler]

I have patients resume lifting as soon as they would like for non pectoral areas. As far as the chest I typically have patients wait 5 days then for instance if you normally bench 200lbs, start  with 150lbs,  for  a week then 175lbs  for a week then back up to normal.

[Litlriki]

I allow my patients to do cardio a week after surgery and start resistance training at two weeks other than direct chest exercises, which they can start at 4 weeks.  I have a detailed description of this approach on my website.  I've never had any complications related to this approach.