I am 7 1/2 weeks post-op and last week started working out at the gym with a trainer. I was under the impression that 6 weeks post-op you can resume abdominal excercises. Monday I had an appt with the nurse praciticioner at the bariatric office who said that I can no longer do crunches forever and have to be careful with other ab moves as well. Anyone else told this as well?

I am aware that the port if stitched into my abdominal wall and that I have to be careful but how can I accomplish a good work-out of my abs then? Any suggestions?

Well, if that's true I'm in trouble, I do crunched and Sirius and everything 6 days a week at kickboxing. Yes, I do feel the port pull sometimes, and I've been doing it since about 3 months post op.

I've never heard of a doc not allowing you to do AB exercises.

You may want to confirm with the actual surgeon about that. There are many times that the nurse practitioner does not relay the correct policies.

Ab exercises are fine. I used to do them daily, until I realized that they're pretty futile. Core exercises are much better for developing abs. But..abs are made in the kitchen. Low body fat = visible abs.

I just called my surgeon about this yesterday and was told as long as they are done in moderation and it dont bother me to go ahead!

Thanks ladies for your response!

I'm doing core strengthening instead of crunches but I was told I could do crunches whenever I want so long as I tolerate them and I do just fine with them.

i was petrified to do any ab work. i am a little over 2 months out and have had no problems with ab routines. my trainer always checks in and make sure i'm ok with whatever he has me doing. the only exercise machine that i cant do is when you lay down on the machine and curl the bar up towards your butt. this presses on my port and is uncomfortable for me.

Went to my support group tonight that is run by one of the nurses from the bariatric office and asked her about the exercises. She explained that the only one they really want me to stay away from is going from a laying down (flat on back) to a full sitting up position. That move is uncomfortable for me anyway so I guess really nothing to worry about :-)

Thanks for starting this thread because I have been wondering the exact same thing. I am 7 weeks post op today and I'm happy with what I have lost, which is about 28 pounds. The thing I am not happy with is the bi lump of fat that is not budging in my belly. Ab workouts are calling my name!

*big