When is it okay to start exercising?

[Stephen T 6]

I'm sure it varies depending on your Dr but I'm just looking for a consensus on when you were able to start working out after surgery. During my six months wait I've become addicted to the gym and with my surgery date approaching fast (3/17) I'm just wondering how long before I can get back to working out ( I will be asking the doc)?

[Danni-doinit4me 140]

I walked right away. I was released to do any strength training for 6 weeks. I would go to the gym and walk on the track. Then I progressed to the treadmill. I could have walked outside on some days but wanted to stay in the routine of going to the gym.

[Miss Mac 6,262]

I was allowed to walk to my heart's content. At two weeks, I was allowed to lift light weights only - no more than five pounds, but at the time, 2 was enough. At eight weeks out now, I can pretty much do what I want, but weights are still restricted to five pounds.

[Stephen T 6]

Thanks, looks like it will be a lot of Cardio for a few weeks.

[Fiddleman 4,376]

Stephen - not to dampen your enthusiasm for working out in the gym (truly a great thing), but you will have to do much less than the cardio you are used to, at least for the first few weeks. Nothing strenuous where you are maxing out your pulse until 3-4 weeks post op. No lifts until 5-6 weeks post op. Before that, it is a good time to get really good at walking. And a lot of it. The doctor will probably tell you something along these lines. You need to spend these initial weeks healing before you get back into your typical gym vigor.

[Stephen T 6]

Thanks Fiddleman I just plain on walking on the treadmill and nothing strenuous for a while.

[HealthyNewMe 1,935]

I was allowed cardio right away. I did stationary bike for a couple of weeks and then moved back to elliptical. I wasn't cleared for weights until 6 weeks out.