How long until you can really "exercise" again?

[DougNichols 124]

Hey guys, I'm undergoing the horrid process of insurance hoops at the moment, and wondering how long after the surgery were you able to really exercise again?

I am an avid weightlifter and normally do an hour on the elliptical (at level 15) on non-weight days. So that's a bit over average for "light exercise".

Would I be back to normal in 2 weeks or so?

thanks!

[BlackBerryJuice 349]

I'm also an avid lifter and hardcore exerciser, so I can relate to your concerns. According to guidelines from my doc: 1) walking should be started as soon as possible 2) swimming can be started after about 2 weeks, as long as you feel comfortable and the incisions are dry and no longer sore or itchy 3) strenuous exercise should be avoided for 4 weeks after surgery.

As far as personal experience - I find that I get tired much faster these days (the low calorie and Protein intake probably plays a bigger role than the surgery itself), so I wouldn't even WANT to do more than 10 minutes on the elliptical. I do have a fair bit of energy, I just run out of it very fast. I plan to try a short swim on Friday (10 days after my surgery) - probably no more than 300 meters - and see how it goes. If it's good, I'll use it as my main form of exercise until 4 weeks are up. At 4 weeks, I intend on starting with some very light weights and slowly upping it back to normal (e.g. I used to curl with 25s, and I plan to try 10s for the first time). I'm worried about muscle loss, but reality is, it's a lot easier to regain muscle later on than to fix a hernia from overexerting yourself and damaging an incision.

[DougNichols 124]

Thanks for the reply, that really helps!

[SParkle 4]

Just a word of caution..... I was told not to swim until my scabs had healed and dropped off - this took 3 weeks.

Also I wasn't cleared for any cardio work until 6 weeks out. Walking was fine, but nothing like running or yoga or the like.

Do take care - remember what you are going to put your body thru, the last thing you want is to stress your stomach and spring a leak....6 weeks allows the body to heal and then the risk is much less. If you're having it donw thru the insurance and something goes wrong due to the fact you're exercising too much too soon and would you not be at risk of paying for any revision?

[BeenThereWasThat 2]

I have to wait 6 weeks too especially for lifting. I even tried at 4 weeks to get released early... no dice.

[mellifrits 25]

Mine was 4-6 weeks. My dr told me to just take it slow until I know my body can handle it.

[selvester420 1]

is it okay to go for walks afterwards just walking????

[SParkle 4]

is it okay to go for walks afterwards just walking????

Walk all you want! Just listen to your body and don't over do things....I was up walking the same afternoon.... no rest for the wicked! :sad0:

[mellifrits 25]

Walking is a MUST!!!

[JulyBride 0]

My doctor gave me the clear for 30 min of cardio that gets the heart rate up on a treadmill, eliptical, etc. No lifting weights until 6 weeks out. Including laundry or vacuuming. Which my husband loves. :thumbup1: