Abdominal exercise after surgery - when?

[kiik]

Hi everyone! I had two open surgeries in June (one was an emergency surgery 4 days after the first due to a leak and a big infection) and was in the hospital for almost 3 weeks total. However, 2 months later, I now have essentially no pain and my energy levels are much better.

When I asked about exercise the doctors just said take it slow and see how you feel, but I didn't think to ask specifically about abdominal exercises (eg. sit-ups, etc.). I know they said don't use your abdominal muscles for heavy lifting for at least a month, but when can you start? Should I just start doing a few easy exercises or am I still at risk for a hernia or something like that?

 

[nogutsnoglory]

They give you standard healing times but the body can take a while to recuperate. I wouldn't hesitate calling back but certainly everything very slow, no weight or pressure and just ease your body into it.

Trust me I felt so good after surgery and got stubborn and lifted my nephew when I saw him. I developed a hernia and had so much pain. Who wiuld think a little kid would be too heavy? My family was mad at me for going against the timeframe of not lifting over 10 lbs.

 

[kiik]

How long after surgery did you lift him? They told me not to lift over 10 pounds for 4-6 weeks I believe, but that was really the only strict guideline given. Driving, running, swimming, even having a bath was all just "when you feel up to it, don't overdo it".

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I think around 4 weeks after surgery.

 

[annawato]

My Gi said to google pregnancy exercise - although I think he meant post pregnancy. These tummy exercises will ease you into strengthening your abdominable core so you can resume normal exercise.
Hmm abdominable - is that the correct word? sounds like abominable which my tummy certainly is!

 

[hainman]

I think i might have jumped in to soon but had ileostomy and pan-proctocolectomy on the 24th july,so yesterday decided to go out with my mates on the mountainbike and do a 30km ride,was rather shattered at the end running on empty but dont have any pain,hope i havnt done any unseen damage and set myself back any,