Working Out After Surgery

[twil1980 2]

I'll be 4 weeks post op this Friday. I've lost 23 pounds and I would like to start working out. I am currently walking only. My doctor said no heavy weight lifting until week 6 but what about crunches, elliptical, yoga?? Anyone know if it's ok at 4 weeks? I know I could be doing better and I really miss the gym. Thanks!

[OneDollarBill 371]

I was hitting the elliptical at the 2 week mark. Just listen to your body and if doesn't feel right then go back to walking

[twil1980 2]

Perfect! Thank you for responding. I'm going to take it easy at first.

[SeahawksFan 444]

I did Yoga at 4 weeks but was very careful. I didn't do weights until 8 weeks. But at 8 weeks I could do everything just fine. I would say wait and be safe than possibly get injured.

~LA

[twil1980 2]

I think I will start with the elliptical and wait on the yoga and weights over 5 lbs. thank you!

[LaTrisha R. Lake 36]

I was ready to start at 4 weeks, but stuck to walking because rarely, but on occasion, I'd feel a "hitch" in my abdomen at my belly button. As soon as I went weeks without experiencing it, I started weight lifting at the gym. The machines tell you how much and I'm proud to say this morning I lifted 14,526 pounds with my workout routine. You're going to be great. Do what feels best for you!

[twil1980 2]

Awesome! Thank you

[NoBsVs 70]

My surgeon cleared me for any cardio equipment after 1 week post-op.

Absolutely NO abdominal exercises until you're 6 weeks post-op. When you had the surgery, they cut through your abdominal muscles, and it takes longer for the inside to heal than the outside.

As for weight lifting, my surgeon said that I can lift anything below twenty pounds. You might want to ask your surgeon before lifting more than that if you're not 6 weeks out. Some will approve you for it, others won't. My surgeon said that when I do go back to regularly lifting weights (which I'm not going to do until 6 weeks post-op, because I want to make sure I've given my body long enough to properly heal), to start with half of the weight that you'd normally lift and work yourself up from there.

I went to the gym yesterday and did a bit of weight lifting with 10lb. weights, and it's incredible how much strength you can lose in such a short amount of time. I'm itching to get back into it, but it's always better to be safe than sorry. Remember that you just had major surgery and should give your body the proper amount of time to heal. When in doubt, call your surgeon and ask.

Hope this helps.

[twil1980 2]

I made the mistake of trying some crunches yesterday. Ouch! I have my exercise appointment June 1st. So I'm going to ask lots of questions! Thanks so much for your help!