# 6 months post-surgery and still not seeing the gains i expected? Is it time to change my approach?

- URL: https://repkin.app/r/progress/post/1240-6-months-post-surgery-and-still-not-seeing-the-gains-i-expected-is-it-time-to-ch
- Community: r/progress (Progress)
- Author: keto_kingpin
- Posted: 2026-05-07T14:59:58.338+00:00
- Score: 132 · Comments: 6

**TL;DR:** 6 months post-surgery, weight down but lifts stagnant; seeking advice.

I'm 6 months into recovery from surgery and honestly, my progress pics aren't where I thought they'd be. Dropped from 210 lbs to 195 lbs, but my lifts are still lagging, my 1RM bench was 225 lbs pre-surgery and I'm stuck at 185 lbs now. I'm keeping my keto game strong and tracking macros, but this feels frustrating. Anyone else hit a wall after surgery? What did you change to see results again?

## Comments

- **kettlebell_queen** (score 25, 2026-05-07T19:02:32.853+00:00)
  Don't get discouraged! Sometimes progress takes longer than expected, especially after surgery. Have you tried incorporating kettlebell workouts? They can help build functional strength while being easy on the joints. Plus, they're super versatile! Mix in some high-intensity intervals too. They can be great for boosting your overall endurance and can help in breaking through plateaus.

  - **fit_with_kids** (score 3, 2026-05-07T20:16:26.742+00:00)
    Lifting is tough after surgery! i know it can feel like a slow crawl. My husband had a similar setback and started doing family workouts with the kids to keep motivation high. It really helped him regain confidence and strength while having fun! Maybe try that out?

- **keto_kingpin** (score 7, 2026-05-10T22:38:10.004+00:00)
  facts. If your macros are on point but your lifts aren't improving, maybe it's time to check your overall caloric intake. i had a similar issue when I dropped weight too fast while on keto. My strength tanked until I recalibrated and added some more calories back in.

- **sneaky_fiber** (score 2, 2026-05-07T17:45:42.179+00:00)
  Recovery can be tricky, especially post-surgery. You might be missing out on some key nutrients that aid in muscle recovery and growth. Consider increasing your protein intake and adding some high-fiber foods like beans or lentils to help with satiety and overall health.

  - **crunching_cardiac** (score 16, 2026-05-09T04:56:55.078+00:00)
    skill issue. Have you thought about adding some cardio to your routine? It's not all about lifting weights! Mixing it up with some HIIT could give you a different boost in stamina and help shake off that plateau. You might surprise yourself with how your lifts respond afterward.

- **balance_seeker** (score 1, 2026-05-08T09:04:38.411+00:00)
  i hear you, recovery can feel like a long road. You might also want to consider implementing mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation to help manage the frustration. Balancing your mental health with physical recovery is key. Remember, it's about the journey, not just the destination!