So I am wondering how long you have to wait to work out your abdominal muscles? I really want to start working them hard so not to get to much extra flab.

6 weeks at least. You have to wait for the muscle wall to heal completely or you could give yourself a hernia. Some docs say 8, but I started at 6 doing Zumba and Pilates with no problems.

Counting down the days...I know that's a key for me

Yeah 6-8 weeks, make sure to talk to your doc. Communication is the key. He will be so excited to get you finding something you love, he may put you to work out sooner. Best luck, love

im 8 weeks and can do "crunches" just fine, but the scissor ball excercises (holding a big ball between ankles and doing sit-ups to xfer ball from hands to ankles) made me curl up and die!!

After 10 I thought I had ripped my stomach open! Pre-op I could do 25+ w/o whining!

I would say ask your doc after 6-8 weeks and try it slowly- dont push it too far. You dont want to risk giving yourself a hernia!

I started with personal trainers 8 weeks out and abs were no issue.

I think everyone is a little bit different, healing time depends greatly on varied factors like age and other health conditions. I'm sure the strength of your abdomen in general plays a factor too.

I got on my ab machine when I was 2 or 3 days over 6 weeks. I've had no problems.