exercise - when to start?

[Katie Loesch-Meyer 71]

I'm 5 days post op. I stayed in the hospital a few days longer than planned due to swelling where my hiatal hernia was repaired, so I couldn't really swallow anything for the first two days. I'm doing better now. I'm still fairly weak though. I got in 400 calories yesterday, probably less than 100 the days before that. I'm up and about in my house, doing things like making the bed, picking up kids toys, loading the dishwasher, etc. And today I had my teen drive me to Walmart and I shopped for a few things, walked around there for 20 minutes or a bit longer, then came home and heated up leftovers for the kids and some Soup for me. And now I'm exhausted and ready for a nap. I see people talking about going to the gym and I can't imagine it yet. How much exercise are you getting in the first week or two?

[Bufflehead 6,358]

When to start? When your doctor clears you and feel up to it. I wasn't doing any more than leisurely strolls for several weeks after surgery. Don't try to look at what everyone else on the internet is doing and copy them -- do what your medical team advises and what feels right for you.

[Musicmom65 12]

I'm 8 days out and I've just begun to really move. I've done the Walmart and grocery store thing which is great. I'm keeping track of my steps. When you need to stop you stop and rest. Little things add up. I was told everyone goes at their own rate. I walked down the street and back for the first time today. Hydrate constantly! That is what is helping me.

[Katie Loesch-Meyer 71]

Yeah, I've had a hard time hydrating because of the swelling from the hernia repair...when they did a barium swallow to look for leaks the Fluid just sat there in my esophogus for a while, before it started to barely trickle through. Yesterday I got 40oz of liquids which was a high for me, the day before it was only 30 oz. Today I've had only 12. I imagine I'll feel perkier when I get more liquid in.

[ShrinkingPeach 1,291]

Agree with @Bufflehead. Listen to your medical team. At this point you should be moving around. Sounds like you may be overdoing it a bit, but if you feel fine then definitely take rest breaks. I wasn't allowed to bend down until 2 weeks out. Just stroll around to get moving and add a bit more time when you feel ready. You are still healing at this point and you need the rest also to heal. Good luck!!

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

better now - weak

@@Katie Loesch-Meyer

"official" or not you are getting a lot of exercise from your daily routine

going shopping, making beds, cooking meals

that sounds like a lot for someone who is tired, weak

try and take it slower

i can only imagine it must be hard for you to deal with the kids daily needs

can someone help you???

family/friend/me???

hubby or significant other??

THEY need to pick up the slack!!

during the day, or night ,hubby or other might be working

hope you can find someone to come over and give you a break so you can rest

even if its only a few days

i'm available on tuesdays and thursdays when the kids are home

i can help with the cleaning

(you don't want to taste my cooking)

ask your doc about when you can go back to the gym

don't hold your breath, gym might be a bit in the future

don't rush it

you'll hear good advice, experience from others

but at the end of the day.......

ONLY listen to your doc/NUT (me too of course )

TRY and get some rest

sweet dreams

who deserves them more

good luck to you

kathy

[Katie Loesch-Meyer 71]

You are sweet! Yes, I have friends dropping off meals every day this week, so all I had to do was put things on paper plates and heat them up, no actual cooking. The most cooking I've done is to make some creamed Soup on the stove with campbells condensed soup. My husband is working, but my teen has helped some, with say getting the laundry out of the washer for me since I can't reach in, and putting the basket on the bed so I can fold it. And he drove me to Walmart, so that was a help as I am not strong enough to try driving yet.

I think you are right, I'm getting plenty of movement for now, I will stop worrying about it. I'm wearing my fitbit and just checked, I have nearly 3k steps today, and it isn't 2pm yet. Time for a nap!

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

Time for a nap!

@@Katie Loesch-Meyer

put yourself on the front burner!!!!

its time for you to take care of you

you are the important one now(

always should be )

"if" you forgot

you just had major surgery

you know you must drink more Water

you will/should feel better the more you drink

rest, rest, rest, and then rest

kathy