Exercise Post Abdominal Surgery

[AB Editor]

Hi all,
I'm eight months post hysterectomy, and six months post whipple surgery. I'd like to lose a bit of weight off my belly and generally get a bit more active but my stomach still gets sore from anything too strenuous. Swimming isn't great as stretching my arms pulls on my side. So I'm looking for any tips for easing myself into some sort of exercise. I'm trying not to spend too much so don't want to join a gym. I like yoga but again, stretching too much might not be ideal so I haven't tried it yet. Any tips appreciated for things I can do or ways I can slowly build up exercise over time. Thanks!

[ummmm]

Walk as much as you can.

[MargoTester]

I would ask your doctor to refer you to a physiotherapist who could suggest best exercise programme

[Calicogirl]

I'm not really much use on this thread practically, but just want to wish you well in your continued recovery Ed x

[pixie374]

I wish you well too xx and agree with walking to start with. Don't push yourself too much, but gradually build it up as and when you feel ready.

[ducksie]

Wishing you well Ed, I'm 7 weeks post surgery (not the whipple bit though) and had to do some light walking at first, I'm walking a distance now at my own pace, enough to build up a faster heartbeat and also looking and doing small workouts from Youtube videos, there is an easy one on zumba and just dancing, I got myself one of those smart watches and while it can't be an exact reading of my steps or heartbeat etc., it is a great motivator, walking locally is great as I got to know all the dog walkers and just see things going on, even taking time some times to take pics of gardens to get ideas of what I'd like to do in mine, all you need is a good pair of shoes and a bottle of water, at your own pace
Speedy recovery to you x

[Mamyalynne]

Best wishes to you in your recovery too Ducksie x

[ducksie]

thanks mamya :) I'm doing good now

[The Builder]

//"I have so few organs left that I rattle when I walk now."//

Reminded me of Patsy Stone in "Absolutely Fabulous".

"Patsy had ALL of her internal organs removed - and hasn't eaten since 1967"

Jo Lumley still looks pretty good on it though. Very best wishes for your recovery Ms Ed

[jno]

yes, it takes a while, we're a year on since my OH's whippling (it was followed by chemo, but you may have done that already) and just about getting back as near to normal as we're likely to get, which is about 90% but tired more often. But OH is over 70, kids like you may recover better and quicker. Good luck whatever.

[Butterbun]

Very best wishes Ab Editor and a complete recovery.x

[AB Editor]

Thank you all, I am recovering very well and am quite amazed at how far I have come. Glad you are doing well ducksie, and best wishes to your OH, jno. No chemo for me, thankfully.

[marval]

I can't really add anything Ed. I just wish you all the best for a complete recovery.

[Eve]

How about hydrotherapy? You could see if they do it at a local rehab/physio unit and if you'd be able to get referred for some sessions. Or privately. It was brilliant when I went, not for post-op but was really helpful in terms of gentle exercises I could so which I could then do in a local pool. It was a small heated pool and much easier to get in and out than a normal pool.

As well as some exercises when I've gone to my local pool, I find just walking up and down is nice and relaxing as well as exercise. I like the noodles too, the long tube floats for additional support.

Wishing you all the best.