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!

[anneasquith]

Ed, you had whipples procedure ?

[AB Editor]

I did, for duodenal cancer.

[anneasquith]

did they remove your pancreas, obviously no reply needed if you would rather not .

[Sqad]

Asquith...if it was a Whipples then they would have removed at least the head of the pancreas.......if they didn't it wasn't a Whipples.

Ed......you have almost been eviscerated ;-) so don't expect too much too soon,from your endeavours to return to something like "normal."

Forget the gym and concentrate on short walks and swimming.....there are other things that you could do in the pool, like swimming on your back and even jogging in the water.
Good luck...don't expect too much too soon.

[jno]

my OH has been whippled and resumed Pilates after about 6 months. Not yoga though. I think the NHS will fund gym membership for a while? They did for OH.

[anneasquith]

I will remove myself from this post, leave it with the expert. Very very best wishes Ed with your recovery :*)

[calmck]

Agree short walks and walking in the swimming pool. In the pool lift bent leg then stretch leg alternating legs. Exercises in water are good as the water helps.

[xenoblast]

Walking everyday progressively for longer period of time is the cheapest form of keeping fit. Aqua Aerobics is excellent for post operative recovery and many local pools will provide these classes at levels from 'first timers' to extreme aerobics. If you don't want to join a class then walking and jogging in the shallow end is very effective for strength building and your heart health.

[calmck]

Amazon have some books on Exercise in pool that look interesting

[calmck]

Hope your recovery continues to go well. Spoilt here in Portugal with pool with solar cover which I will be using after abdominal surgery in a couple of weeks

[Rockrose]

Walking and swimming pool walking helped after my 2 tummy surgeries

[237SJ]

I was going to say the same as a previous poster - aqua aerobics. You don't have to do the arm movements if you don't want to.

[Patsy33]

Whatever you do Ed, take it easy for a while, then progress a little harder when you feel more comfortable. All the best. x

[jno]

yes, and don't read patsy's jokes, you don't want to split any stitches laughing.

[Patsy33]

^^^^
I think she's quite safe there, jno! :-)

[AB Editor]

Thanks all, I hadn't thought of doing other exercises in the pool - I'll look into it.

Anne - yes, the head of the pancreas is gone. I have so few organs left that I rattle when I walk now. ;)

[Lie-in King]

Ed - sorry, I can't offer you practical advice but I can send my very best wishes that your continuing recovery is as comfortable as possible x

[ChillDoubt]

Blimey Ed, you’ve been through the mill!
Hope recovery is going well.
As ever in such cases, I always advocate cycling.
Low impact, fresh air, bit of sightseeing and a general sense of well-being.
Good luck other your continued recovery.

[Mamyalynne]

Everyone has said it really, start gentle and listen to your body - you'll get there.

Best wishes.

M x

[Sqad]

LOL...2 mins dead on. ^^^