Looking for some input from those who have "been there done that"

I hunt with a PSE Vendeta #65 pull. Years ago I had a discectomy and things have been OK. A few back pains, but hey, I am an old guy.

Well, things went downhill rapidly and I am recovering from a bilateral laminectomy, bone spur removal, and discetomy. Totally pain free and see the Vet tomorrow for stitch removal and follow-up. Question will I be able to pull my bow without damaging things? I suspect he will say stop just to be safe. Any real world experience?

I do not, but I me thinks a little MAthews HELIM set at 60lbs will be all right for you....they are soooo smooth!

I've had shoulder and knee surgeries and they did nothing but help.

Back surgeries have a rep for being complication-ridden, however. Your Dr can't object to some prudent exercise, though!

I'd suggest getting one of those Mission Riot bows, since they can be adjusted over a huge range of draw weights and draw lengths - and they are very efficient across that range.

15-70#
19-30"

The draw weight is somewhat tied to the draw length, for instance at 29" draw you can only adjust between 31 and 70#. But by using very long D-loops you can practice all the way down to 15# draw. Below that the elastic bands they give you in physical therapy should get you started.

By starting at very low draw weights you can build back slowly to your new norm. With today's bows anything above 45# is surely ethical for deer and bear.

Mission Riot

Don is right about lower poundage bows being effective. My buddy routinely hunts with a 40# bow and kills elk and moose with it, you do have to be picky with your shots but then shouldn't you always? If you can't draw 40 or 50 pounds you could always switch to a proper smoke pole, that's my exit strategy when archery gets to be too much.

Sounds like your the perfect person to buy a cross bow.

OK guys, appreciate the input. All stitches removed, back really feels good. Will see the surgeon again on Friday, will certainly be "discussing" this at length.

Don G's advice about building up from lower weights, maybe using theraband to start is a pretty good recommendation.
If you are talking about your lumbar spine (low back) - most of the muscles used in drawing & aiming a bow stress the higher parts of your spine, start low, go slow & be careful anyway, but you should be OK - I would do all exercises with both sides to keep strength, muscle development, & stress on the spine symmetrical.
If the problem is in your neck, you will have to be a lot more careful. Talk with your doc- show him the movements you use, & the weight you are pulling. The 2 of you should decide what you will be able to do & when.
Good luck.

Your advice on doing symmetric exercise is very good. I've always been too cheap to buy an equivalent left hand bow.

Anybody got a spare?

Woohoooooooo Just returned from the Vet and he said there was no reason I cannot go back to shooting my bow after another four weeks. All of my issues were caused by bone growth into the nerves so its removal puts me back to ground zero.

Outstanding!