how to stay on track after surgery?

SandyAnnP

I have just discovered that I have 2 hernias and will need to have surgery.
I am so worried about regaining the weight I have lost.
Since February I have lost around 29lbs. I have gone from a couch potato
to someone who has a 60-90 minute brisk walk every morning.
I had intended to join a gym that is opening up next month, for upper body strengthening exercises.
I feel sure there is someone out there that has coped with this situation.
Any help/advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Sandy.

senyosmom

consult your doctor - I think there are lots of cardio workouts for people with lower body injuries (like shadow boxing you can do sitting down). Explain your fears and ask them to help guide you to the best way to maintain some level of exercise while you heal.

Make sure you follow their advise - if you need to stop all exercise while you heal then do so. Make sure you are in the best condition when you are able to jump back in.

TGKvr

I'm interested to read these responses. I had knee surgery last summer, then just when it was all healed up I blew out my other knee and it's just now getting to the point where I can really start exercising again.

I've always been extremely active - hiking, climbing, paddling, etc. Until I was forced to be off my feet, I had underestimated the value of those weekend excursions and how fit I was. The knee injury became a convenient excuse for me to sit on my *kitten*.

Now it's summer again and I can't fit into any of my clothes from last year. Ugh! I am determined to get back to it, albeit in a limited manner. I can do short easy hikes now, and plan on just doing lots of walking. I have a stationary bike that I use and some weights for strength training. I just can't do a lot of weight bearing activities or lateral movements yet. The hardest part is the motivation to DO IT. I love my sleep, and always find myself staying in bed too late to be able to work out in the morning, then when I get home at night I can usually talk myself into the bike but it's hard to do more than that.
I was just browsing the success threads and wow - if you want some motivation, there are some really inspirational posts there!

My advice is to draw on whatever support system you have in order to maintain SOME type of exercise while recovering. I really wish I had not simply stopped everything... my thought was that I COULDN'T do it, but in hindsight I realize that there were a lot of things I could have been doing in order to work around my injuries. I expect it would be similar in your situation... just find out the simple exercises you can do per your doctor's instructions and motivate! I'm still working on it - it's a daily struggle... but I know it can happen!

SandyAnnP

Thanks for your replies. I really look forward to my exercise, I get up at 6am every day- sometimes I am awake even earlier, but I go a bit after 6, walk our small dog, bring her home then set off. I can't believe that it is ME that is wanting, and looking forward to, my big walk every day, I challenge myself to walk up steep streets etc. I think my body has been taken over by an alien. LOL
Anyway I will ask the doctor what I am able to do, and I will try and keep a very close watch on my calorie intake.

SandyAnnP

bump

seamonkey789

I also have a surgery coming up. Gallbladder removal. Mine's being done robotically.

I've had my second consult with the surgeon and I'm cleared for light cardio in 2 weeks and lifting in a little over a month.

They did tell me even my cello was too heavy to lift for 2 weeks, so missing music class is going to drive me nuts

poodlelaise

I had surgery a week ago today. My goal for the first two weeks is to not gain. I am in this for the long run, and a few weeks with less progress due to less exercise will not shake my resolve to eat healthier. I see my surgeon on Friday, and am hoping he will approve getting back to running, even if biking and eliptical have to wait. But my surgery was on my hand/arm, yours will likely be a different schedule.

Amazon_Who

Sandy, I hope everything goes well. When are you going in? Check out chair exercises they might meet your doctor's restrictions.