Losing Weight After Open Heart Surgery: One Woman's Journey

The Challenge of Losing Weight Post-Open Heart Surgery

Onamission2014 gained around 20 lbs after her open heart surgery, where she had a benign tumour removed. But she managed to lose 21 pounds over a 10-month period through diet and exercise. However, she still feels she has more to go. Losing weight after open heart surgery can be tough, as patients may have to be cautious with certain exercises to avoid damaging their chest. Onamission2014 had to try things out and find out what worked for her.

Diet Changes Were Key

One of the significant changes Onamission2014 made was to start eating a high-protein breakfast daily, something she often skipped previously. She also tried to eat healthier, cutting down on treats and alcohol. She never completely eliminated these, and instead tried to be mindful of how much she consumed. A food diary helped her understand her eating better, and meal planning was also beneficial.

Gradual Increase In Exercise

Onamission2014 also gradually increased her exercise. Previously, she was only attending cardiac rehabilitation classes and doing light exercise. From April onwards, she began doing cardio and weight exercises 3-4 times a week. Unfortunately, she couldn't lift heavy weights due to chest soreness caused by the surgery, except for squats. Onamission2014 found that keeping track of progress through measurements motivated her to keep going.

Results and Progress

Since starting her weight loss journey, Onamission2014 has lost 1 inch from each bicep, 2 inches from waist and each thigh, 3 inches from her bust and hips, and 4 inches from her belly. She posted multiple pictures on her Reddit post that showed her progress. However, she feels that she still has a long way to go, and is continuing to exercise and eat healthily.

Takeaway

Weight loss after any surgery can be tremendously difficult. But Onamission2014's journey shows that finding a personalized solution for your needs through trial and error can be successful. Additionally, it's important to keep a positive outlook and realize that progress takes time. However, it's always wise to consult with a health professional to ensure that any exercise routine is safe for you.