How soon after surgery do you all expect to be exercising? My surgery team told me to wait 6-8 weeks to begin weight training/abdominal exercises with weight above 5lbs, but I'd like to start speed walking soon if possible.

I was told to do a total of 60 minutes of "brisk walking" immediately post-op. That was supposed to be broken up into many walks throughout the day in the beginning, of course. I wasn't allowed to increase my intensity or do any strength training until 3 months post-op. At which point I started doing Couch to 5k. Now I'm 18 months post-op and training for a half marathon!

Thanks Jamie! I think I'll start doing this today if my energy levels are up!

I was told to do a total of 60 minutes of "brisk walking" immediately post-op. That was supposed to be broken up into many walks throughout the day in the beginning, of course. I wasn't allowed to increase my intensity or do any strength training until 3 months post-op. At which point I started doing Couch to 5k. Now I'm 18 months post-op and training for a half marathon!

I went back to doing step aerobics 3 weeks out from surgery. Of course I had to wait the 6 weeks to do any lifting. Just listen to your body because you will tend to tire quickly.

You'll start by walking and then increase it as you feel more energy. I think weight training and heavy cardio was around 6-8 weeks and again start slowly. The last thing you want to do is hurt yourself and be out totally for a while. Everyone recovers a little differently. I didn't have a ton of energy but had been working out 6 days a week prior to surgery so I was in a huge hurry to get back at it. Be smart and drink your Water. That will help.

~LA

I bought an elliptical that also doubles as a stationary bike. I do about 20 minutes of bike on the lowest setting and 10 minutes of elliptical which gets me about 100 calories burned. I also try to get out of the house and do some shopping and stuff to keep from sitting too much. I just started work again on Friday. I am going to ask my Dr. at my 3 week follow up about uping the resistance on my elliptical and about finding a support group since they expect us to follow up once a month with them...but didn't give me any resources for it. We shall see how it goes..

If you've been healing well. I'd say see what your body is asking for. I started with a personal trainer 2 months out and I'd get winded pretty quickly but 2.5-3 months out I now have to run instead of walk on the treadmill in order for my body to feel as if its working out. I've also added strength training.