Exercise pre surgery?

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aubyshortcake
aubyshortcake Posts: 797 Member
in Fitness and Exercise

Hi, in just under two weeks I'll be having laparascopic abdominal surgery. Since July of last year I've been pretty consistent with working out 4 or 5 days a week (beachbody 21 day fix real time), and my strength and fitness has definitely improved.

In the last month or two I have been less consistent and taken gaps of time off. I feel like starting it back up right now before surgery might not be a good idea since I know my body will be sore and trying to recover, so I was thinking of maybe doing some yoga in the days leading up to it instead.

Does anyone have experience with this they can share, or can anyone point me toward a YouTube option for yoga (roughly 30 min sessions) that would be good for maintaining as much strength as possible?

Replies

  • tomcustombuilder
    tomcustombuilder Posts: 2,497 Member

    get back into training the way you were just take it easy and work up to it dont just jump in there with all blazing right out of the gate.

  • claireychn074
    claireychn074 Posts: 1,865 Member

    I trained right up to abdominal surgery, but just don’t overdo it. And eat at maintenance and well to help your recovery. Defo eat well after - your body will need it.

  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 37,129 Member
    edited May 8

    Yoga by Adriene on YouTube is a frequently-recommended option here. I think I did one of her videos way back when, don't remember my personal reaction, but would remember it if I thought it was bad. (Usually if I do yoga, I either take a live class, or just do it on my own. I've had enough classes over many years, and even had a consistent practice at times, plus videos don't suit me well in general, no diss to Adriene.)

    Another option you could consider would be doing some exercise videos that are similar types to what you'd done before with Beachbody, but shorter and less intense. There are varied free 10-15 minute beginner workouts from outfits like HasFit, Fitness Blender and others, for example. If you're used to doing strength work, try lighter weights or fewer reps/sets, even. Short beginner bodyweight routines could be OK, too.

    I can see the point of avoiding soreness before surgery, and of course you'll want to follow your doctor's instructions to the T about resuming exercise post-surgery, too. It was several weeks before I was cleared to do anything other than walk.

    One other thing you didn't ask about, but that I'm going to mention because my doctor didn't mention it and I screwed it up myself: If you're in a calorie deficit for weight loss, I'd strongly, strongly encourage you to go to about estimated maintenance calories during the acute phase of healing, probably a few weeks. For best healing, we need calories and nutrition.

    I had laparoscopic gallbladder surgery during weight loss, kept the calorie deficit, and would never do likewise again. Fortunately, my body prioritized healing, but I ended up getting weak and fatigued, then took several weeks to recover normal strength and energy. No one needs that.

    Also, expect a scale jump right after the procedure from healing-related water retention, and don't let that freak you out, even if it's multiple pounds/kilos. Ride it out, and it will gradually drop off as healing proceeds.

    Best wishes for smooth surgery and recovery!

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