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Thomas M. Recipient

Going to the gym

Three months after LVAD surgery I was back in the gym on the treadmill and lifting weights. I did not run on the treadmill, just walked briskly at about 4 to 4.2 miles per hour. I do not think running is necessary, nor do I think a gym is really necessary - but a brisk, daily walk is very important. I'm sure I looked quite amusing on the treadmill with my LVAD bag, but no one ever commented. I believe this and my diet were huge factors to my heart healing and my having my LVAD removed.

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Peter H.

Hallalujah Brother! I am all about exercise. I walked a half marathon here in Nashville, TN last April. I won't be getting a transplant nor will I be getting my VAD removed but I'm living a great life. Exercise and good food are the keys!

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Thomas M.

Hi Peter!! Good for you regarding the half marathon!! I still go to the gym 5 times a week, go for a brisk 1 mile walk and the lift weights, trying to convince my 53 year old body to look a bit younger! Exercise and diet (and a couple of other things) are critically important and I am convince why I was able to get off of the LVAD and back to my own heart.

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sheila k.

To all, I am so very happy how lvad can change your lives, and with my husband, he certainly has gotten his appetite back being 2 and 1/2 months post lvad. My concern, he does the recombent bike for 30 min in am and yes went back to work part time, but he goes to bed right after supper. I know he is tired, but he eats a lot and nothing furhter to burn those extra calories. He denies weight gain, yet he has been consistant at 200 lbs for 4 weeks, and his belt has gotten tighter and weight the same???? So I bought him a new scale, and yes there is an increase in weight by 10 pounds...... now after 2 days he tells me his weight is going down again. I think he is only hurting himself, no, I know it. I am not able to play his game. So admire your intense care of your health. I wished he had that.

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Thomas M.

Thank you Hope. I am currently writing a follow on book to my first, this one details all that I have done to become healthier over the last three years. One thing I strongly suggest you try with your husband is to eliminate all sugar (and sugar substitutes), wheat, soy and corn. This means, no processed foods at all. But, without any additional effort, he will lose weight. I call them the "Fatal Four" in my book, they are that damaging to our bodies. All the best!

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Shelly B.

Sounds like you are doing fantastic! I was just wondering why you will not be getting a transplant. I have the Heartware LVAD since July, 2010 and my antibody levels are very high so I'm getting a monthly treatment called IVIG to help lower my levels so I can have a transplant.