We are getting an above ground pool...should be here & ready to swim in next week. :001_smile: I know swimming is good exercise & I plan to use it as part of my exercise for the rest of the summer. I will have to wait until my incision sites all heal completely before getting it, but other than that should I be concerned about swimming as exercise early on post op?

I know I shouldn't be lifting anything heavy for a few months, but I figure swimming would be very good for me & easier on my body. I just don't want to be doing it if I should not. Should I wait til I'm at least 6 weeks post op? I definitely don't want to mess anything up! (healing wise)

Legs dropping is typically a sign of trying to keep your head too high. Try pressing your shoulders down. It also indicates a slow pace, picking up the pace of both the stroke and kick might help If you're like me and having problems breathing then get a snorkel.

I swim 1 1/2 mile 5 or 6 days a week and I too find it's the only excercise I really enjoy. And as others have said as long as your incisions are healed well and you're up to it go for it. You'll get winded pret ty fast but just keep moving and you'll build up your strength in a few weeks.

To add to what Rootman says....make sure that when you are swimming, you look straight down at the bottom of the pool. Many people new to swimming have a tendency to want to look up when taking breathes instead of tilting the head just slightly to the sides. Just practice, practice, practice. Lastly, strengthening your core will help with sinking legs too!!!

thanx to all about the swimming facts - i never would have thought to put my head down, look straight down at the pool, shoulders down - tell me, would it be a good idea to hold on to the side of the pool and kick? with all the advice you gave - or that doesn't really work? kindof like a practice to the swimming?

thanx kathy

thanx fellow swimmers for your comments about legs staying afloat

if i were to hold on to the side/edge of the pool kicking/practicing would that help with my sinking legs problem

thanx kathy