Hello again!

What type of exercise are people able to do with their ostomies? How long after surgery were you able to get back into it? Are hernias always a concern? What are other potential complications???

I have had my ileostomy for almost three months and I'm really ready to get back in the exercise swing of things - running, biking, lifting weights, yoga etc. but I'm not sure what I can and cannot do and I obviously don't want to do ANYTHING that will cause complications. I'm now thinking about waiting until December to have the take down too, and there is no way that I can wait until January to start exercising again.

Any suggestions/words of advice??

You have to be careful about your abdominals. Most things are fine in moderation. Start out slow and see how your body responds. I see no problems with running and biking and gentle yoga, but lifting could cause you some big problems. Hernias will always be a concern because you've got a surgical site through your abdominal muscles, a prime way to get a hernia is through that incision. I've been told that I should never be lifting more than 35-40 lbs. Maybe working with a physical therapist could give you a better idea of what your body can do and what to avoid.

Agree with Marcene. Although you can get to a level where you should be able to lift again, depending on your surgery, and your overall general health, your starting point should be stabilization, conditioning, and strengthing.
Consult a PT or an exercise physiologist familiar with stoma's and start with core exercises. Yoga, stretching and pool is always good.
I know people who are very physical, play ice hockey, karate, jujitsu, run marathons, bike, surf.... just take it slow and get good education, and you should be fine!

Hi
After my surgery I gentle jogging on the wii fit and after discussing it with my scn's they said it was probably better to get a hernia support belt which will help to prevent a hernia. Also prevents the bag moving aound during any exercise.
Good luck
Shelly x

I was doing yoga within a month. I modified some poses for the first few weeks (mainly backbends), but I had no problems with stretches and bodyweight exercises.

My advice: start slowly, focus on cardio first (running etc), and when you're fitter add light weights. You should be fine if you maintain good form and don't try to do too much too quickly.

Good luck!