Exercise...? When did your doc clear you for it?

[mp8btpc 33]

I am 19 days post op and I wanted to start walking on the treadmill at the gym. I emailed contact at Dr. office and she responded I had to wait till week 4. I know every surgeon differs on the post op recovery. When did your docs consider it safe? Just curious.

[chilo1 62]

The doctor recommended me to start walking as soon as possible, so I started straight away (3 days after surgery) but not on the treadmill, just walking in the park beach etc. I'm cleared for proper exercise at the gym at 6 weeks, so I've got one more week to go, I'm excited and I never thought I would miss going to the gym! Besto do what your doctor says though.

[kansas1973 1]

Same as chilo1; walking right away and then six weeks until anything more intensive. I'm already up to 2+ miles each day; today is my six week surgiversary so I'm going to start doing elliptical and some light weight training.

[LovinLife 0]

My doctor cleared me after 1 week. From now until my 2 month check up he wants me doing at least 30 minutes of card 5 days a week plus 10000 steps daily. Oh and the steps taken during card do not count towards my 10000 steps! I was surprised that I can lift weights but he said to listen to my body and don't do anything if it hurts. I'm 15 days post op and I've been on the eliptical and lifting weights at the gym. Of course everyone should follow their own doctors orders.

[BlackBerryJuice 349]

I don't see why you can't walk on the treadmill, just take it easy, don't start at 3.5 mph right away. But why do it indoors, try to enjoy the weather while you can!

My surgeon said you can also start swimming around 2 weeks post-op, once the scabs have all fallen off and the wounds are closed. I find that I don't have the endurance I used to, and I need to bring something to drink with calories in it (juice or Protein shake) in between laps, otherwise my blood sugar drops after like 10-15 minutes. Otherwise, I enjoy swimming 300-400 meters at this point.

I think we get cleared for strenuous exercise at 6 weeks, which works well for me, as I signed up for 2 dance classes to start just then. I think I'll start with some easy stuff, like stretching and yoga, next week, once I'm 4 weeks out, but no weightlifting til 6.