Jogging post-op

[Gaelsmom 100]

Hello,

I am 3 weeks post-op and doc said I can start jogging if I have enough energy.

I haven't tried but yesterday my toddler ran into the street and I tried to run/jog after him and four steps in I had to stop. Thankfully someone helped me out.

I had pain on my left side and my abs really hurt. I'm assuming it's weakness but I was hoping to start working out in a week or two (I've been walking a few miles every other day so far) but now I feel like I will not be able to do anything beyond walking for another month.

Thoughts or experiences anyone can share?

Thanks

[glitter eyes 1,398]

I probably took it slower than most when it came to exercise. I started walking right after I had my surgery. However, I did not start really working out until about month three. By then I had lost enough weight that I felt like I could do more. I also had plenty of energy. I don't feel this put me at any disadvantage. I lost a total of 123 pounds. My surgery was a year ago in June. I now can run, hike, swim, kayak; and keep up with anyone!!

Listen to your body and it will eventually happen, one day you will be running and leaving people in your dust!! Good luck.

[chasingpolaris321 214]

I'm not a doctor and this is entirely anecdotal, but from what I know running is very hard on your body and you can do damage if you aren't doing it properly or are out of shape. I would start with something lower impact like power walking and improve your overall fitness level before putting your body under that much stress, especially when you are recovering. If you do want to jog, maybe do something like couch to 5k which is an app on your phone that helps you work up to greater distances. I'm a year out and I still prefer to do strength training/hiking/walking over running. Lots of people on this site seemed to have really embraced running which is awesome, I would just urge caution until you are more recovered and have worked up to it.

[Chrystee 838]

If you have never ran before, you need to take it slow. Start by walking, then walking faster.. getting to a power walk. Eventually begin adding in 30 seconds of jogging with 2 minutes or so of walking and do that for 20 minutes... after that gets comfortable you can increase your jogging time..

[Gaelsmom 100]

So prior to surgery, I was jogging/walking 5 miles. I just didn't think it would be painful to run four steps. But I will hang in there. Thank you all for the feedback!

[rnsamantha 352]

I held off on exercise/cardio for the first 6 weeks postop mostly due to lack of energy. At 3 weeks out I still had some pain at my left sided incision with bending/twisting. I can see how jogging would put some stress on it and probably cause pain. It will get better!

[Chrystee 838]

So prior to surgery, I was jogging/walking 5 miles. I just didn't think it would be painful to run four steps. But I will hang in there. Thank you all for the feedback!

Gotcha! I was back to jogging not long after surgery, but def. be careful with pain.. Try again in a week or so.

[IncredibleShrinkingMan 437]

Pain is an absolute red flag at this point. About a week out I was running to catch a train (I couldn't drive yet) and my incision sites (which have since healed) totally rebelled, especially the drain site. I had been tempted to start jogging during my evening workout that night, but totally scrapped those plans in light of that experience. Now, 26 days out, I am giving it another shot. I will still listen to any signs of pain, as I am a best man this weekend and can't injure myself. Good luck!

[AngelaWilliamsMD 290]

I was advised to avoid major exercise for the first six weeks. Walking was the only thing I was allowed to do.

[AlanaRN 419]

I started walking right away but didn't do anything else until after 6 weeks post op. I started jogging at 12 weeks post. I had never jogged before so had to start slow!

[TammyDTM 391]

You were in a shock because of your child running into the street and you probably jerked your body and that's what caused the pain.

I'm sure that you will find a way to gradually work your way back to your jogging/walking status.

So prior to surgery, I was jogging/walking 5 miles. I just didn't think it would be painful to run four steps. But I will hang in there. Thank you all for the feedback!

[Gaelsmom 100]

TammyDTM. I think you are right. I know it will get better but here's to hoping no running after child in danger for at least two more months.

[Gaelsmom 100]

I guess I can finally answer my own post. Lol

Just did first 5k straight slow jog on treadmill. Things do get better and you just push past your own limitations in your mind. I can also catch my own brat. The first five weeks post op were a real transition time.