Weights and exercise after abdominal hysterectomy

[dgirluk]

Hi all

I go to the gym 3/week and do weights - one leg day, and a couple of upper body days. Mixed with a few minutes of jumping up /down off blocks etc. at the end.

I'm scheduled to have a hysterectomy in Feb, out through the tummy so a long cut, and I can't get a proper idea about when I can get back to the gym. Everybody seems to have a different idea. Surgeon says 6 weeks, physio says 8-12 weeks, internet varies...

The answer is probably "it depends" but has anybody here got any experience?

I had keyhole gallbladder surgery and was advised to be very careful for six weeks. I was back in the gym after two days BUT only for treadmill walking. After 4 weeks I started doing a few extra stretch/mobility type things very carefully. After 6 weeks I started working with weights but very light weights and nothing that would stress my abdomen. Then gradually built up from there. My coach may have been overcautious but I have come back stronger so I am grateful for that.

Thanks @Cranarc - how did you know how quickly to build up? I think what's messing with my head is... external cuts and damage are easy - if something hurts you don't do it. But when it's internal and I risk damaging something important, I'm more worried!

From my own experience, 6 weeks is far too soon. 8 to 10 sounds more realistic.

@dgirluk my coach reined me back quite a lot. Essentially when I started using weights I went to about a quarter of what I had reached before the op and then just saw how it felt. Obviously you will have more to contend with than I did but just concentrate on what you are doing and really pay attention to how your body is feeling as you do any movement. If you feel nothing you are probably OK to edge up a bit. If you feel something you may be fine to continue but do not then go at it all guns blazing. And be very mindful of how tired you feel afterwards. You will have more fatigue than you expect but if you feel ridiculously tired following an exercise session then you have probably done a bit much and should rein back a bit. Unless you are a lifter who tends to go hell for leather (in which case, don't!) you should be fine.

Haha no very much early in my weights journey! Plus a few other sports like running and mountain biking.

thanks for the reply :)