exercise guidelines: pre & post-op

Hi Ginlyn,

Happy New Year...so nice to hear that you are ok and looking forward to a new surgery (sounds strange but we all understand it) and finally a positive outcome for your life.

First off, any exercise is better than no exercise...2nd, what you are doing sounds quite reasonable...you might wish to up you deep breath, yoga positions, and pilates...it is all good...if cardio sends you running for the W.C. then don't over do it...you will have lots of time post op.

I would say that anything that can increase your lung capacity would be good...do not worry about the calorie count pre-op...you will lose the weight post op...

As for post-stoma creation...I am sure that others can speak better about it but as for me with a K pouch & stoma, I was never really limited other than avoiding things that could cause a direct hit to my abdomen (kick boxing and other combat sports...)

Just get through this and be healthy and you and your body will come to terms with what you can and cannot do.

Good luck

Sharon

maybe light resistance weight training. if you can go to a gym and get some basic free training on the machines from the staff. most gyms offer this. it will also help to give you some strength back. most people are intimidated by weight training but you would be amazed how quickly your body can respond to even modest light weight training.

and yeah some people have bowels that get overstimulated to running/walking so as that seems to limit that choice of activity for you I think some light weight training would be a good substitute. lighter weights and more reps. so think say 5 to 10 pounds or less or more and 20 reps in 3 sets should help. when you want to beef up then you would do heavier weights, less reps, more sets.

good luck in your upcoming surgery!

ps you might also consider having a brief chat with surgeon for their guidelines too especially post surgically but even before surgery they should be willing to offer guidance I would think.

Ginlyn, good for you for preparing for your surgery with activity. I would suggest gentle yoga before and after - it's so good for you mentally and physically. I'm a year out from perm ileo surgery and I do Pilates and a more advanced yoga now. The only thing I'm careful with are moves while laying on my front, and only if I sense any air in my bag, not for any fear of damaging my stoma. That little guy is tough! Other than that, careful core work is really good. Brisk walking is great. Take good care of yourself, listen to what your body needs and likes now and later and I hope this surgery brings you all good things!

I am glad to hear this, because the stoma nurse (new hospital, new nurse to me) was telling me that after my surgery I can never do sit-ups or even "sit up" normally, but must always roll to my side and push up -- for the rest of my life!!! I have never been told with any of my temp stomas that I could not sit up normally (after 6-8 weeks, stopping if there is pain, etc.), so I was kind of surprised about her saying that and very disappointed. I really enjoy Pilates and find it very relaxing; I would be sad to have to give it up permanently.

Lambiepie, do you do any modifications at all for roll ups and things on a regular basis? Truly none of the core work bothers you? I cannot tell you how relieved I am to hear that you are a year out and doing Pilates regularly!

And, yes, weight training is definitely in my future, I already know this! My family doctor is ready with a referral to a gym which specializes in physiotherapy and recovery, to get me started with weights. He is very concerned about my bone density with all the surgeries I've had.

Thanks, you all. This has taken a HUGE load off my mind!

Gin

Ginlyn, I do crunches sometimes, but mostly core work from planks, push-ups against the wall, etc. I definitely modify now. I don't push he crunches, I take breaks. Do you have a hernia? That could preclude you from doing core stuff. You say you do Pilates now - why not continue, with modifications after? I'm not a doctor, but I know that pregnant women continue their exercise regimens, with modifications, during pregnancy. Just modify everything after surgery, start at the lowest level and see what you can do and what feels right.

^ yes perhaps the nurse is concerned about herniation- especially immediately after surgery. the surgeon would be your best guide. go in with a specific list of questions, and ensure that he or she addresses them. if you just ask - can I exercise? you may not get a comprehensive set of guidelines. and indeed strength training will help with bone density, bone health. good luck.

It's difficult to advise of what exercise to do pre or post op as we don't know your current level of fitness, weight sex or age.

I wouldn't worry  about exercise at the moment; as long as you're fit for surgery thats all that matters; your surgeon would not operate if you wasnt.

If your Sugeon was concerned in regard to your fitness and or weight, he/she would send you to an appropriate department to assess your level of fitness and work with you.

Currently, your 20 min walk is more than adequate; although it would be benificial if you can maintain the same pace from start to finish.

I wouldn't worry too much about what the Stoma nurse has said.

No hernia here. Have just recently started back with Pilates -- seriously could not exercise pretty much at all (even short walks) without pooing myself until about 4 months ago, so have been building up the walking. (I live in the Netherlands, so biking is a normal part of my life as well.) I've been totally fine (a bit sore starting) and am enjoying it again. It is mostly things like the roll ups, v-sits, etc. that I was wondering about.

Believe me, I have a loooooong list of specific questions I am taking in with me.

Thanks again; I cannot tell you all how relieved I am.

Gin