Question for all you folk that work out. I've had 3 open surgeries on my abdomen (my incision is about 10 inches long, from about 2 inches above my belly button, right down to the pubic bone). I've been exercising and going to the gym regularly for almost a year now, in addition to other activities such as horse back riding and yoga. I'm toning up everywhere but my stomach, despite situps, core strengthening, etc.

My concern is, because I've had my abdominal muscles cut so many times, am I doomed to have permanently weak abs? The skin does indent a bit where the incision line is; I can feel some muscles underneath but the area in general seems weak.

Also, has anybody figured out a good exercise or way to strenghthen the abs?

How were your abs prior to surgery? Because genetics/age can come into play and there is not much you can do to change those things. I have not had washboard abs since I was about 12 years old. And now that I am 47 I doubt it is going to happen for me even if I could do a million sit ups a day.

It's not clear to me from your post whether you are concerned about some perceived muscular weakness in the abdominal area or if this is one of those cosmetic self esteem type issues that some people have. Either way, it might be a good idea to get with a trainer, perhaps have your body fat tested etc. Tight abs are nice to have, but it reminds me of that commercial with Peyton Manning a few years ago :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGmX6m78zDM

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DJBHusky,

Dear spooky
with a little hard work and sweat anyone can get those 6 pack abs, but to get to my level of looks it takes years of work. These are the steps you have to take.


1: sleep as much as you can! Rest is very important

2: eat as much as you can! After the surgery it can be hard so go to the fattiest thing you can

3: inactiveness! Think like a sloth slow and steady will get you there

If you stick to this routine for a year or two, those people with a 6 pack will look like a joke, when you pull up you shirt and show them your KEG!!


Im obviously not the person needing to reply to your thread but if my work out routine sounds like to much work try checking with one of those weak trainer girly men at the gym.

1

Very cute Snookums...
Spooky, I have had over a dozen open surgeries and my scar goes from nearly between my breast right down to the pubic bone...plus 1/2 dozen other scars and hernia repairs...that said, I have been very slowly working hard at getting my body back into shape...yes, yoga, pilates etc help and 'abs' do too but crunches and situps are not what is needed..there are much better ab exercises...a dancer girlfriend showed me one where you lay on your back both legs perpendicular to the ground gently lift one leg up 'higher' at a time trying to 'touch the ceiling with it'..it is a tiny movement and deceptively hard...and I am starting to get results...also the very deep breathing exercises too...
No 6 pack yet but I am starting to get mini twinkies!
Sharon

I do the elliptical machine without holding on. That uses core muscles to keep my balance. Also, if you make a practice of drawing your navel back towards your spine at all times, that tones your abs.

I'm thinking of trying the p90x system. Any one else used it?

Getting down to as low % of body fat as possible, by not only working out your abs, but eating good food as well.

You can still get good abs no matter how many times you had your incision opened up. The muscle structure is still there.

I think I've kind of accepted that I won't ever have a washboard stomach, but I'd like a little more definition. It's not entirely a cosmetic thing. With all my surgeries, I did very little core strengthening for a 3 year period. I know my abs got pretty weak. But it's good to know that the muscles structure isn't entirely compromised by the incision. I guess I just have to work harder!

Even if you cannot develop washboard abs or further definition, your cat is still going to love you, and need you.

Spooky, my surgery was also done open incision vs. laproscopically (sp?) and I was leary of abdominal exercises for many years as a result. I focused primarily on cardio (running & swimming). Several years ago my lower back & hip started nagging me so I traded some of my cario work for core strengthening. My back & hip have stopped bothering me and now, after 3 years, I actually have a few (and I emphasize the 'few') abdominal muscles. ;-) So it sounds like you're headed down the right path with your core work, just be patient and give it time; just like adjusting to a jpouch. :-) Kind Regards, Steve