Recovering from surgery

SaraMoore88

Hi everyone,

I've never posted before, but I thought I'd see if any of you have ideas for me! I am recovering from surgery (outpatient, but still have been told not to do anything strenuous). I just had the 2nd of 3 surgeries and am on my 2nd week of recovery, if that makes sense. Before this, I did yoga, zumba, and the elliptical machine every week. I am feeling like it's all going down hill now because I can't do those things! I am resting all the time, also, so I just feel like eating. Any tips for me? Are there any exercises I can do so I won't die when I start working out again (and are not too strenuous/don't require lifting)? Have any of you been through something like this while trying to lose weight? How did you stay on track?

Thanks in advance!

Chiquita_Banana

i would say for now walking, unitl you feel like you can gradually increase to what you were doing before

Lomestar

Hi SybillVane,

Several years ago I had to have surgery and the recovery time was six weeks. I was in the process of losing weight at the time and had beeen very active leading up to the surgery so laying around waiting to feel better drove me bonkers. I used to work in a physical therapy office and the patients who got up and got moving shortly after their surgery ALWAYS recovered more quickly. I kept that in mind and set out to feel better. The first thing I did was stop taking the narcotic pain pills. I felt that my pain could be managed with over the counter meds better than with narcotics because those types of drugs make me feel like a zombie. Everyone's level of pain tolerance is different so please do not think I am telling you to stop your meds; follow your doctor's advice and moderate accordingly. The next thing I did was eliminate the junk, or "comfort" food from my house. Starchy food (chips, potatoes,bread, etc.) helps your body hold toxins, natural foods (fruits, veggies, whole grains like oats, etc.) helps your body release the toxins. Third, I got up and got moving. The first day I walked to the end of my street. The next day I walked around the block, the day after that I walked 3 blocks, and the day after that I walked a mile. I felt great and was fully recovered in three weeks. Just a note, I was safe when I walked and did not walk alone the first several days because I was wobbly, but the combination of fress air and aerobic activity really helped. Walking is not strenuous and it's FREE! I hope this helps, and good luck to ya.

SaraMoore88

Thank you so much! Great tips, and I agree with you about the pills. It's very inspiring that you got up and started walking the next day! I'll try it tomorrow.