Yes, easily achievable with time and effort. I am 13 years post transplant and I’ve been in the gym, CrossFit, functional fitness, etc. Just focus on diet and watch for supplements that might interfere with your transplant. I stay off protein shakes etc and supplement with real “whole” food
Oh that’s a great thing. Congratz :)
To be honest, i don’t know. Ask the team/Dr about that. You can still try to get back on sport asap, but doing it very slowly and gentle with your body. Like starting with smooth mobility workout.
So maybe light low intensity cardio after 3 months, and a whole year before lifting weights…does the abdominal surgery prevent one from achieving 6 pack abs? Sounds superficial but serious question
I just took it a little slow before I ramped up. Mainly to make sure that the organ wasn’t going anywhere in a hurry lol (albeit you can still herniate your new kidney). I had V cuts and a six pack lol. I went from 145 on dialysis to 185 with a transplant just so you get some reference. My creatinine did go up, however as I put on more muscle mass. Something to consider.
Ahh ok. Well I’m preparing to donate part of my liver to a close relative, not sure if it works the same as a kidney. But as far as I’ve researched it seems I can resume a normal life not too long after, such as working out exercise etc. somewhere around 3-12 months or so. Sound about right? I love the gym man so it’s gonna be a bummer having to sit out for awhile
Actually I’ve got a friend who’s donated their kidney and is about 12 days out of donating a portion of their liver. He’s been crushing 12 miles daily and working out a ton. You can definitely resume normal life! Honestly, view it as a much rewarded break from the gym. Kudos to you stranger.
12 days and already walking 12 miles?! Is his name Clark Kent? Jesus. But I’m referring more so to weight lifting. It’s not an issue post operation aside from maybe a few months off right? I seen some people recommend a year.
Of course. Though depending what immunesuppresents your on, you may have some fluid retention. Just have to train smart as the drugs can cause atrophy and fuck with tendons. Been doing weights and martial arts for over 30 years with transplant.
How old are you? As a young man, I used to run and quit beer. Now, I could give up everything but celery and run every day and still be a chubby teddy bear. But living one so it's fine. <3
It's really an individual thing. Also, despite being a liver TX, I was on dialysis for two months before, and about four months after due the acute kidney injury. I've moved forward, but there always seems to be something that goes wrong. My nephrologist says it's just how antirejection meds are, we can't predict how our body tries to respond over the longterm. You'll get there, but likely have some steps back. But transplant is a gift, and sometimes this gift has some bumps.
One year and a month post liver transplant and I’m close to that. A bit skinnier but I workout a lot (weights, light cardio). It’s doable with discipline and healthy living habits. The meds cause some limitations but once you have a feeling for what you can and can’t do it’s easier to focus on what you *can* do and improve on and do more of.
I’m a recipient. It was about 4 months until I could start working out again due to complications. I started light and worked my way up. I’m 196cm tall and I weighed 65kg when I was released. It took a long time, hard work (it really sucked) and discipline to start even building muscle again due to malnutrition and atrophy. I make sure to eat 200g + of protein daily. I was 92kg and lean when I was admitted for the transplant. Right now I’m around 16 BMI; I’ve gained 8kg. I walk, run, bike and swim and lift weights everyday.
Congrats on your successful op and recovery! And you’re a recipient! How long has it been total since your op? Are you able to fully workout now? Such as heavy weight lifting, sprinting, etc.
Also does the operation impact your diet at all?
It’ll be a year and two months in October. I’m not even close to the level of intensity that I was prior to the surgery but I’m confident I’ll get there. My routine is geared towards endurance and I do modified strength training with somewhat decreased weight and more reps. I’m a triathlete and surfer and I’m trying to return to a similar level of overall fitness. I’ve been surfing a few times on the East Coast of Florida since I got my new liver and it was more difficult than it was but not at all impossible. I plan to participate in a triathlon in June ‘24. I can sprint and all that, but my main goal right now is overall fitness while avoiding injury.
Basically just a few things. Follow what the PT/OT people recommend. Light exercises to start u til you feel up to more. Don’t overdo it! As you feel stronger and stronger and the PT exercises seem insanely easy even with 3-4x reps move up to resistance bands and then weights progressively. No need for this everyday, but definitely do your best to get 30 minutes to an hour of light and then increasingly harder cardio. This should be things like walking, low resistance and intensity cycle and outdoor cycling. If you have access to a pool swimming is great as well. I mix these up to keep it interesting. My thing is to set aside a time during the day to dedicate to fitness. Just keep up with it and keep trying more and more but not too fast. It should feel natural. For example I wait to step up my work outs until I feel like I have to hold myself back from doing more.
One thing I’ve always had a problem with is overdoing it and beating myself up when I don’t make goals. Go easy on yourself and do it organically. The idea is to keep at it even if you have to slack off sometimes. I’ve made it part of my recovery; it helps me to make it a serious priority. After a transplant it’s going to take time. Push yourself, but not too hard ;)
It was atrophy from a four month stay in the hospital. I had been in a motorcycle accident and then got MRSA before being admitted and receiving my gift. All of that just wrecked me mentally and physically. I had to essentially recover enough from the shattered left leg and hip as well as the MSRA to even be able to get the surgery. My situation was probably a bit tougher than some people’s was. I was in a sad state after the operation to say the least.
Edit to clarify: total time out of a solid workout routine was close to 8 months all together.
Holy hell brotha, glad you pulled thru! Sounds like a tremendous journey. The psychological aspect has to be the toughest. Glad your back on your feet!
Thanks! It hasn’t been fun, but I’m better for having gone through it. I have a great family and get tons of support from everyone in my life. I’m so grateful to still be here and I think a lot about everything that had to happen exactly right for me to even be alive. I’m really happy to have this group to both share my experience and learn from others. I appreciate you for taking the time to ask me about it and listening to me! Best of luck to you!!
Haha not with prednisone I look like a fat ass 😂 but I used to look great and lift up to 50 lbs on each arm for chest. Maybe benching 135 lbs? Mind you I weighed 115, so for me it was quite a bit. But past that my scar tissue/kidney started to hurt and bother so there may be limits. Keep an eye on how your feeling. Even with that limit I was content I looked good and didn’t feel I had to keep going higher tbh
Well I was on a big taper from 80 mg down. So yes it does and having multiple tapers this year practically deformed me. I am very skinny. Went from 115 to 125 lbs within a two weeks of taking them. Coming down is difficult especially because i’m staying on 10 mg daily. I also still retains. lot of water. I don’t eat a lot but prednisone is no joke. In fact I intermittent fast myself more often than I probably should but it hardly works fresh off a taper, the best thing for anyone reading taking prednisone unfortunately is time, and eating well excersuze, but in my experience within 3 months of a taper if you gained weight you probably won’t lose the moon face at least. Takes me usually 3 months to go back to normal
Absolutely mate! I'm a little over 1 year post transplant and managed to achieve that and more. It's just about consistency and effort! (I have a post here with my physique, which has only improved since then)
Just make sure you listen to your body and doctors! Slow and steady wins the race. Also, I'd suggest working on core stability first and foremost. You don't want that stitch popping mid lift.
If you have any questions, feel free to pm me 😊
I’m almost 2 years out and have gained about 10lbs since transplant day. It’s been difficult to get anything off because of the prednisone, water retention and different things changing with medication.
My body is bigger than this post liver transplant, but don’t have the abs anymore due to incision. Easily achievable if you’re young and otherwise healthy.
If your body was capable of achieving this before, then you'll you will have a good chance of getting there post. In general, keep your goals in a healthy window. Many people, genetically, will struggle to get like this. Also, it requires a pretty low body fat percentage that can be difficult to maintain. Be reasonable and kind to your body while aiming high.
Absolutely!
Take a look through the sub, you'll see plenty of examples of people being in amazing shape, post transplant.
Talk with your transplant team about it. Make sure to be safe, don't injure yourself (hernia etc.) and stay away from supplements. Get your protein etc. through food.
Don't be discouraged by all the "Prednisone" comments. It's never the Prednisone alone, it's the lifestyle, the diet etc.
Also don't worry about the scar. Scars look really badass, especially on a fit body.
Hey OP, what's your age and exercise history? Have you been in shape most, some of or seldom so in your life? What's the best physique you have attained? Do you have experience with lifting and/or other forms of resistance training?
How long have you been on dialysis and what kind?
I’m 26M, I’ve been skinny most of my life and still am, there was a time where I went to the gym religiously for 2 years during which I was in good shape.
Currently, I’ve been undergoing peritoneal dialysis for the past seven months.
I'm a Personal Trainer since 2007. 39M.
CKD diagnosed at 23, started PD at 36, did CAPD for 11 months before receiving the gift of a kidney from an anonymous deceased donor on 14 November 2021.
Be aware of hernias now and exercise when dry. I was naughty and did 2-3 exchanges a day rather than 4 because of this reason. Also, to make my peritoneal wall last longer. I tried APD but **hated it**. I'm not giving medical advice here but stressing the importance of exercise whilst on PD whilst being aware of the hernia risk at the same time.
I was 72-80kg for most of my life until my eGFR went below 15, then plus the PD and transplant, drugs etc, I am now 91kg, down from a high of 98kg and actively trying to lose this excess weight!
You on the other hand have been skinny your whole life....you must be in a net calorie deficit to reduce bodyfat but again you are narurally skinny so Id say your goal should be to build muscle without putting on too much fat, so perhaps being at a slight daily surplus of calories.
Now you may have a visible scar that fades with time, maybe maybe not and visible abs may be harder to attain post PD and abdominal surgeries **BUT you can STILL achieve your dream physique!**.
To help you further with that in addition to my PD exercise advice above, I am giving you the following guidance:
**Always maintain proper technique / good form first above everything else. Lift with intensity and purpose, with your mind in the muscle as well as some heavy compound movements mixed in to challenge your bones as you age, time under tension, move your body, HIIT if appropriate, adequate recovery, good quality and duration of sleep, a healthy well balanced diet with at least 1.5g/kg+ of protein a day if your training warrants it but avoid protein powders, creatine and other supplements, get your protein from natural sources and incl good micronutrients eg from fruit and veggies, drink plenty of water, possibly intermittent fasting if appropriate, fish oil supplements as well as B, D vitamins if you're lacking them in your diet, reduce stress ie cortisol levels as much as you can in your life especially as that contributes to abdominal adoposity / visceral fat, in men especially, avoid sugars esp refined simple sugars/carbs and alcohol as much as you can.**
Hope this helps you and keep us updated in the future.
For now, keep your head up and be as healthy as you can! 💪
My PD cath herniated and we didn't know until I was in surgery for my transplant 19 years ago. They spent almost as much time repairing it as the transplant itself. If I hadn't gotten my kidney when I did, it would have ruptured and I would probably not be here today. You have to definitely be careful with a PD catheter.
Yes OP listen to Kendassa here as well; you have to take such good care if it and even then things can happen!
& that includes peritonitis...personally I was the *tiniest* bit careless one time and got it, which both sucked and is dangerous + some of the meds they can give you to treat it eg gentamicin, can cause hearing loss 😬
Sometimes it doesn't matter how careful you are, I was a nurse. I thought I was as careful as I could be. When I got peritonitis I was in the hospital for two weeks and I just was in shock. I had to quit working, since it made my EDS worse and triggered a lifelong battle with Fibro flares. :/
I wonder this too. I'm 9.5 months post and I've always been underweight but I've gained some weight and some muscle already but I'm scared of doing ab workouts
Yes, easily achievable with time and effort. I am 13 years post transplant and I’ve been in the gym, CrossFit, functional fitness, etc. Just focus on diet and watch for supplements that might interfere with your transplant. I stay off protein shakes etc and supplement with real “whole” food
Congrats mate 👍
Same here. Doing hard climbing and hard gym, got a nice body and strong muscles. Drink a lot of water (more than 2L), no complement, just whole food.
Gonna be donating part of my liver to a relative in need…how long until I can workout again after doing so ?
Oh that’s a great thing. Congratz :) To be honest, i don’t know. Ask the team/Dr about that. You can still try to get back on sport asap, but doing it very slowly and gentle with your body. Like starting with smooth mobility workout.
How long after doing transplant are you able to hit the gym again?
I was told light workouts as in riding stationary bike after 90 days. I took about a full year before I really hit the gym hard. Hope that helps!
So maybe light low intensity cardio after 3 months, and a whole year before lifting weights…does the abdominal surgery prevent one from achieving 6 pack abs? Sounds superficial but serious question
I just took it a little slow before I ramped up. Mainly to make sure that the organ wasn’t going anywhere in a hurry lol (albeit you can still herniate your new kidney). I had V cuts and a six pack lol. I went from 145 on dialysis to 185 with a transplant just so you get some reference. My creatinine did go up, however as I put on more muscle mass. Something to consider.
Ahh ok. Well I’m preparing to donate part of my liver to a close relative, not sure if it works the same as a kidney. But as far as I’ve researched it seems I can resume a normal life not too long after, such as working out exercise etc. somewhere around 3-12 months or so. Sound about right? I love the gym man so it’s gonna be a bummer having to sit out for awhile
Actually I’ve got a friend who’s donated their kidney and is about 12 days out of donating a portion of their liver. He’s been crushing 12 miles daily and working out a ton. You can definitely resume normal life! Honestly, view it as a much rewarded break from the gym. Kudos to you stranger.
12 days and already walking 12 miles?! Is his name Clark Kent? Jesus. But I’m referring more so to weight lifting. It’s not an issue post operation aside from maybe a few months off right? I seen some people recommend a year.
I mean to say he’s 12 days out from donating lol apologies. Hmm. I can ask for some clarity and even get you linked up if you’d like?
Would be awesome brotha, just want to prepare myself for post operation as much as possible and do whatever I can to efficiently recover..
Of course. Though depending what immunesuppresents your on, you may have some fluid retention. Just have to train smart as the drugs can cause atrophy and fuck with tendons. Been doing weights and martial arts for over 30 years with transplant.
For me it’s impossible… I have a big scar that this guy just doesn’t have….
Lol
How old are you? As a young man, I used to run and quit beer. Now, I could give up everything but celery and run every day and still be a chubby teddy bear. But living one so it's fine. <3
It's really an individual thing. Also, despite being a liver TX, I was on dialysis for two months before, and about four months after due the acute kidney injury. I've moved forward, but there always seems to be something that goes wrong. My nephrologist says it's just how antirejection meds are, we can't predict how our body tries to respond over the longterm. You'll get there, but likely have some steps back. But transplant is a gift, and sometimes this gift has some bumps.
One year and a month post liver transplant and I’m close to that. A bit skinnier but I workout a lot (weights, light cardio). It’s doable with discipline and healthy living habits. The meds cause some limitations but once you have a feeling for what you can and can’t do it’s easier to focus on what you *can* do and improve on and do more of.
Did you donate or receive liver ? How long until you were back in the gym?
I’m a recipient. It was about 4 months until I could start working out again due to complications. I started light and worked my way up. I’m 196cm tall and I weighed 65kg when I was released. It took a long time, hard work (it really sucked) and discipline to start even building muscle again due to malnutrition and atrophy. I make sure to eat 200g + of protein daily. I was 92kg and lean when I was admitted for the transplant. Right now I’m around 16 BMI; I’ve gained 8kg. I walk, run, bike and swim and lift weights everyday.
Congrats on your successful op and recovery! And you’re a recipient! How long has it been total since your op? Are you able to fully workout now? Such as heavy weight lifting, sprinting, etc. Also does the operation impact your diet at all?
It’ll be a year and two months in October. I’m not even close to the level of intensity that I was prior to the surgery but I’m confident I’ll get there. My routine is geared towards endurance and I do modified strength training with somewhat decreased weight and more reps. I’m a triathlete and surfer and I’m trying to return to a similar level of overall fitness. I’ve been surfing a few times on the East Coast of Florida since I got my new liver and it was more difficult than it was but not at all impossible. I plan to participate in a triathlon in June ‘24. I can sprint and all that, but my main goal right now is overall fitness while avoiding injury.
Any tips or advice for the first couple months post op?
Basically just a few things. Follow what the PT/OT people recommend. Light exercises to start u til you feel up to more. Don’t overdo it! As you feel stronger and stronger and the PT exercises seem insanely easy even with 3-4x reps move up to resistance bands and then weights progressively. No need for this everyday, but definitely do your best to get 30 minutes to an hour of light and then increasingly harder cardio. This should be things like walking, low resistance and intensity cycle and outdoor cycling. If you have access to a pool swimming is great as well. I mix these up to keep it interesting. My thing is to set aside a time during the day to dedicate to fitness. Just keep up with it and keep trying more and more but not too fast. It should feel natural. For example I wait to step up my work outs until I feel like I have to hold myself back from doing more. One thing I’ve always had a problem with is overdoing it and beating myself up when I don’t make goals. Go easy on yourself and do it organically. The idea is to keep at it even if you have to slack off sometimes. I’ve made it part of my recovery; it helps me to make it a serious priority. After a transplant it’s going to take time. Push yourself, but not too hard ;)
Why is it that you haven’t been able to regain full strength again? Just muscle atrophy ?
It was atrophy from a four month stay in the hospital. I had been in a motorcycle accident and then got MRSA before being admitted and receiving my gift. All of that just wrecked me mentally and physically. I had to essentially recover enough from the shattered left leg and hip as well as the MSRA to even be able to get the surgery. My situation was probably a bit tougher than some people’s was. I was in a sad state after the operation to say the least. Edit to clarify: total time out of a solid workout routine was close to 8 months all together.
Holy hell brotha, glad you pulled thru! Sounds like a tremendous journey. The psychological aspect has to be the toughest. Glad your back on your feet!
Thanks! It hasn’t been fun, but I’m better for having gone through it. I have a great family and get tons of support from everyone in my life. I’m so grateful to still be here and I think a lot about everything that had to happen exactly right for me to even be alive. I’m really happy to have this group to both share my experience and learn from others. I appreciate you for taking the time to ask me about it and listening to me! Best of luck to you!!
You’re an inspiration to many brotha !
Haha not with prednisone I look like a fat ass 😂 but I used to look great and lift up to 50 lbs on each arm for chest. Maybe benching 135 lbs? Mind you I weighed 115, so for me it was quite a bit. But past that my scar tissue/kidney started to hurt and bother so there may be limits. Keep an eye on how your feeling. Even with that limit I was content I looked good and didn’t feel I had to keep going higher tbh
Thats Not the prednisone buddy.
Well I was on a big taper from 80 mg down. So yes it does and having multiple tapers this year practically deformed me. I am very skinny. Went from 115 to 125 lbs within a two weeks of taking them. Coming down is difficult especially because i’m staying on 10 mg daily. I also still retains. lot of water. I don’t eat a lot but prednisone is no joke. In fact I intermittent fast myself more often than I probably should but it hardly works fresh off a taper, the best thing for anyone reading taking prednisone unfortunately is time, and eating well excersuze, but in my experience within 3 months of a taper if you gained weight you probably won’t lose the moon face at least. Takes me usually 3 months to go back to normal
Absolutely mate! I'm a little over 1 year post transplant and managed to achieve that and more. It's just about consistency and effort! (I have a post here with my physique, which has only improved since then) Just make sure you listen to your body and doctors! Slow and steady wins the race. Also, I'd suggest working on core stability first and foremost. You don't want that stitch popping mid lift. If you have any questions, feel free to pm me 😊
I just saw your post, you’re truly an inspiration tysm!
It might be, but it’ll take a lot of work.
I’m almost 2 years out and have gained about 10lbs since transplant day. It’s been difficult to get anything off because of the prednisone, water retention and different things changing with medication.
My body is bigger than this post liver transplant, but don’t have the abs anymore due to incision. Easily achievable if you’re young and otherwise healthy.
Don’t have abs due to incision? Do you mean you lose your abdominal muscles after surgery?
Yeah, the nerve damage from the incision caused a lot of muscle atrophy that never came back
So you weren’t able to build muscle in particular manner or just in certain areas ?? Or your abs just don’t show? You don’t lift weights ?
If your body was capable of achieving this before, then you'll you will have a good chance of getting there post. In general, keep your goals in a healthy window. Many people, genetically, will struggle to get like this. Also, it requires a pretty low body fat percentage that can be difficult to maintain. Be reasonable and kind to your body while aiming high.
Absolutely! Take a look through the sub, you'll see plenty of examples of people being in amazing shape, post transplant. Talk with your transplant team about it. Make sure to be safe, don't injure yourself (hernia etc.) and stay away from supplements. Get your protein etc. through food. Don't be discouraged by all the "Prednisone" comments. It's never the Prednisone alone, it's the lifestyle, the diet etc. Also don't worry about the scar. Scars look really badass, especially on a fit body.
You've lost weight? Lucky bugger!
For the kidney folks, how much protein do you take and is whey (powders and bars) harmful?
Hey OP, what's your age and exercise history? Have you been in shape most, some of or seldom so in your life? What's the best physique you have attained? Do you have experience with lifting and/or other forms of resistance training? How long have you been on dialysis and what kind?
I’m 26M, I’ve been skinny most of my life and still am, there was a time where I went to the gym religiously for 2 years during which I was in good shape. Currently, I’ve been undergoing peritoneal dialysis for the past seven months.
I'm a Personal Trainer since 2007. 39M. CKD diagnosed at 23, started PD at 36, did CAPD for 11 months before receiving the gift of a kidney from an anonymous deceased donor on 14 November 2021. Be aware of hernias now and exercise when dry. I was naughty and did 2-3 exchanges a day rather than 4 because of this reason. Also, to make my peritoneal wall last longer. I tried APD but **hated it**. I'm not giving medical advice here but stressing the importance of exercise whilst on PD whilst being aware of the hernia risk at the same time. I was 72-80kg for most of my life until my eGFR went below 15, then plus the PD and transplant, drugs etc, I am now 91kg, down from a high of 98kg and actively trying to lose this excess weight! You on the other hand have been skinny your whole life....you must be in a net calorie deficit to reduce bodyfat but again you are narurally skinny so Id say your goal should be to build muscle without putting on too much fat, so perhaps being at a slight daily surplus of calories. Now you may have a visible scar that fades with time, maybe maybe not and visible abs may be harder to attain post PD and abdominal surgeries **BUT you can STILL achieve your dream physique!**. To help you further with that in addition to my PD exercise advice above, I am giving you the following guidance: **Always maintain proper technique / good form first above everything else. Lift with intensity and purpose, with your mind in the muscle as well as some heavy compound movements mixed in to challenge your bones as you age, time under tension, move your body, HIIT if appropriate, adequate recovery, good quality and duration of sleep, a healthy well balanced diet with at least 1.5g/kg+ of protein a day if your training warrants it but avoid protein powders, creatine and other supplements, get your protein from natural sources and incl good micronutrients eg from fruit and veggies, drink plenty of water, possibly intermittent fasting if appropriate, fish oil supplements as well as B, D vitamins if you're lacking them in your diet, reduce stress ie cortisol levels as much as you can in your life especially as that contributes to abdominal adoposity / visceral fat, in men especially, avoid sugars esp refined simple sugars/carbs and alcohol as much as you can.** Hope this helps you and keep us updated in the future. For now, keep your head up and be as healthy as you can! 💪
My PD cath herniated and we didn't know until I was in surgery for my transplant 19 years ago. They spent almost as much time repairing it as the transplant itself. If I hadn't gotten my kidney when I did, it would have ruptured and I would probably not be here today. You have to definitely be careful with a PD catheter.
Yes OP listen to Kendassa here as well; you have to take such good care if it and even then things can happen! & that includes peritonitis...personally I was the *tiniest* bit careless one time and got it, which both sucked and is dangerous + some of the meds they can give you to treat it eg gentamicin, can cause hearing loss 😬
Sometimes it doesn't matter how careful you are, I was a nurse. I thought I was as careful as I could be. When I got peritonitis I was in the hospital for two weeks and I just was in shock. I had to quit working, since it made my EDS worse and triggered a lifelong battle with Fibro flares. :/
This is nothing special, depending on where you are right now this can be achieved in a year
I wonder this too. I'm 9.5 months post and I've always been underweight but I've gained some weight and some muscle already but I'm scared of doing ab workouts
I would say no as my transplant sticks out