Riding my Bike?

[deedee 5]

My surgeon said I needed to wait 6 weeks before incorporating aerobic exercise and weights back into my routine. I am supposed to be walking 2 miles or 40 minutes per day at this time instead. My question is do you think riding my bike--it's just a beach cruiser with no gears--would be okay? Did anyone else ride there bike 1.5 to 2 weeks post-op? I don't think it's much more strain on my body than walking, but I don't want to set myself back any. I can call the doctor's office on Monday, but this weekend is only supposed to be in the 80's and low 90's, so it would be perfect.

The more I think about it, I should probably just wait until I speak with the doctor, but I'd love to hear other's experience.

[cajun 46]

I agree...check with doctor. Biking uses different muscles than walking.

[WhiteRice 0]

It's not about the muscles used while doing it. It's about what happens to your body if you were to fall. And falling can happen to anyone... Ever seen the Tour de France? :confused1: I would guess if you asked your surgeon, you'd get a big "nope".

[MacMadame 81]

Falling isn't going to hurt your sleeve.

Some surgeons are conservative about getting back to exercise. My surgeon told me to knock myself out. :confused1: I was back in the gym on the stationary bike at 2 weeks and took up running at 1 month out. But anything that worked my core was too much. I waited about 2 months for that.

It sounds like your surgeon is conservative so I can't begin to guess what he'd say about a bike ride.

[WhiteRice 0]

Falling isn't going to hurt your sleeve.

Some surgeons are conservative about getting back to exercise. My surgeon told me to knock myself out. I was back in the gym on the stationary bike at 2 weeks and took up running at 1 month out. But anything that worked my core was too much. I waited about 2 months for that.

It sounds like your surgeon is conservative so I can't begin to guess what he'd say about a bike ride.

You're right. Falling probably won't hurt the sleeve, but it could hurt the abdominal muscles that are still knitting back together after having the lap ports jabbed through them. Better to ere on the conservative side, IMHO. Take it slow and follow your own surgeon's instructions. I know my own surgeon is VERY conservative...and that's just fine with me. :confused1:

[deedee 5]

Thank you for all the replies. I am definitely going to wait and call my doctor on Monday, I hadn't thought about the falling thing. I just saw my beautiful pink and white bike sitting there and the day looked perfect for a ride. In the end I decided to take a longer walk and I will do the same today.

Again thank you for the advice!