This topic is about a person's journey to regain fitness after undergoing ostomy surgery. They are sharing their experiences and insights to offer hope and guidance to others who might be on a similar path. Here are some key points and advice from their story:

- Before the surgery, they weighed 170 lbs and could bench press 265 lbs. The gym was a crucial part of their physical and mental well-being.
- After the surgery, their weight dropped to 145 lbs, and they experienced feelings of loss and fear about their fitness future.
- Two months post-surgery, they were cleared by their doctor to return to the gym. They started slowly, paying close attention to their body's signals and focusing on easily digestible foods like fish, rice, and protein shakes.
- At the three-month mark, they are back to 170 lbs and can perform most exercises, including light abdominal work, without pain. They attribute their quick recovery to their previous fitness level and the laparoscopic nature of their surgery.
- The purpose of sharing their story is to provide hope, not specific advice, as everyone's journey is unique and involves some trial and error.
- They are planning two more surgeries and are using J-pouch.org for research and support from peers.
- Mentally, they fluctuate between celebrating new abilities, like traveling and walking their dog, and experiencing doubts about living with an external appliance.

Additional insights and advice from the community include:

- Emotional reassurance: It's normal to have occasional doubts. Recognize your progress and take pride in regaining important activities.
- Weight training and hernia risk: Long-term ostomates advise that heavy lifting can lead to peristomal hernias. It's important to build up strength gradually, use controlled movements, and stop if you feel any pelvic or abdominal pain.
- Long-term fitness proof: Members with decades of experience living with an ileostomy report that maintaining a consistent gym routine is possible and beneficial when done sensibly.
- J-pouch considerations: Research thoroughly to determine if a J-pouch is suitable for you, especially if you have conditions like Crohn’s disease. Ensure you have confidence in your surgeon and connect with experienced J-pouch patients online.
- Post-surgery exercise pacing: Activities like physical therapy, yoga, and Pilates can help safely rebuild core strength while protecting the stoma area. Adapt your workouts to your daily condition and healing status.
- Support resources: J-pouch.org is a recommended website for community advice on pouch surgery and recovery.