How soon after surgery to exercise???

Luu2008 · July 11, 2008

I asked this question in the couch to 5K and didn't get an answer so please let me know what your experience with exercise was post surgery. I don't want to jump the gun and hurt myself but I also don't want to stay at the fitness level I am any longer.

How long before you began to jog/run if you did this prior to banding, after surgery? I'm currently walking hills with my son in a jogging stroller. I get my heart rate up and I do sweat, I just don't feel its enough. I am itching to start jogging. 2 weeks after surgery (almost 3) and I don't feel any pain anymore at incision or port sight. Do you feel this is too soon?

Very interested in other's experiences.

Thanks!

VegasGrace · July 11, 2008

Got to start out by saying I don't exercise. But I was told activity increases after surgery according to how you feel.

I was up and at 'em the day after. A week later I was back to normal.

So if I were a runner, I'd be doing that but if it hurt, I'd stop...and gradually work my way back up.

Hope this helps.

You've lost 18 pounds- congrats!!!!!

You are off to a great start.

Jachut · July 11, 2008

I think err or the side of caution but that said, I was walking the day after surgery and walking really hard and fast by 2 weeks.

DH was about the same, he's 4 weeks now and has started jogging on the treadmill for a couple of kilometres.

minou · July 11, 2008

I actually asked my surgeon this. He said that light cardio activities were good, I was back on the elliptical the 2nd week after surgery. He did tell me not to lift weights for 4 - 6 months though. Although, I'll probably be asking him if light weights for arms and legs are ok if I just avoid abdominal activities.

Be careful though, as advised above, stop if you feel pain and it's probably a good idea to wear a heart rate monitor to make sure you don't push it too hard. When I got back in the gym I could only do about 30 minutes of cardio rather than my usual 60 - 90 and my heart rate skyrocketed way higher than normal, so just be aware of your own body.

armywife4life · July 11, 2008

i want to ride my bike, im 2 weeks out myself, im gonna try it this weekend and see how it goes. Im healed up wel, feeling good but will stop if i have any dicomfort.

Luu2008 · July 11, 2008

So nice to hear other's experiences. Thank you!

I decided (after trying to jog) to wait another week and keep up with the hill walking and try again next week. I got a horrible tummy cramp after a few minutes of jogging, it felt like more the one you get when you are out of shape, but I wasn't sure so I stopped jogging, caught my breath, and was fine. I find I'm easily out of breath, amazing what not exercising for just a few weeks does to you.

livn4jesus · July 14, 2008

My Dr. told me he would not consider me healed until six weeks after the surgery. He said walking was good but that was it until six out. He said the first six weeks are for healing. The other more strenuous activity would come but he wanted me to heal first.