Exercising after Ab Surgery

[k2mills]

Hi,

I am 10 days post-op from a TAH, and feeling pretty good.
I have been walking on my treadmill since I got home from the hospital. I am up to 4-6 times a day for about 10-12 minutes at a stretch, slowly increasing my pace.
My restrictions are no lifting over 5-10 pounds and pelvic rest.
Can I attempt light weight-lifting (moves that don't affect the abs) or should I strictly keep to the walking? It feels so good just to be moving, as I was too fatigued the 2 months before surgery to do anything!

TIA,
k2mills

 

[fox2star]

Hi, not Cathe but I was very interested in your post since I will be having surgery Feb 24 and am very concerned about how long it will be before I can lift weights again. I was planning on using the treadmill exclusively as well, until I got the ok to start using weights. What does your Doctor say?

 

[Miss Lee]

Hi k2mills,

I saw your post and thought maybe I could help some. I'm a nurse but I retired years ago so post-op guidelines may have changed since then. You should definitely call your doctor for full instructions regarding your limitations.

The reason you need to avoid certain activities is because of the trauma it may cause to your incision. Aside from the surface incision, you have many, many internal sutures. These can pull and tear during activity and result in bleeding, herniation, and the formation of scar tissue (adhesions). While the external incision will close rather quickly, your internal incisions take 6 months to a year to heal. I'm sure your doctor will not impose limitations on you for 6 months, but I would guess at least a number of weeks-- 6 to 8.

Again, please do not hesitate to call your doctor if you have any questions.

Take care--it sounds like you're doing great!!

Michele

 

[kelley111]

You definitely need to ask your doctor as each person is different. I have had 2 c-sections and was doctor approved to go back to doing ab work after only 3 weeks. I was excellent condition. I wasn't lifting weights at that time, but I do remember being back to all my regular exercise and horseback riding at 5 weeks.

 

[Miss Lee]

Oh, by all means, you must call your doctor and ask him/her to clarify their instructions. I would just point out that there is quite a big difference between a C-section and a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAH).

A TAH is a more invasive procedure where the doctor goes deep into the abdominal cavity to remove an organ/s. It requires more time, more anesthesia, more sutures, etc., thereby requiring a greater recovery period.

Again, it varies somewhat for each individual so it is always best to check with your doctor.

Michele