Exercise Hell

I'm seven and a half weeks out post my plastics...got the green light about a week ago to resume all normal exercise and weight lifting. Soooo being that I LOVE to run and was running six miles three times a week prior to surgery, I couldn't wait for my go ahead!

This is my second attempted this week on the treadmill and its PATHETIC!!!! I can make it about fifteen minutes but than my stomach muscles tighten up and I feel like I'm being pulled apart. So after my running, I finish up with weight lifting. Just a couple of five pound weights, to work out my arms. I do push ups and sit ups...well the sit ups are about impossible! My stomach muscles HATE me after exercise and I am feeling discouraged.

Anyone back to exercise? And how the heck did you work your way back into it? I don't feel like I'm over doing it by any means, so why is it so difficult???

I miss the exercise and when I do I'm left feeling depressed it didn't go better, and in pain from the swelling and tightness. Any and all suggestions wanted! HELP!!!

I can't relate.. But wanted to say that I had a check up today at five weeks sand my dr said to see him again in two months, and then I may be cleared for exercise. Maybe. Three months or more.. He said he thinks people go back to it too early.. Just a different perspective.. Be well, and do not hurt yourself!

Oh geez....  this is exactly what I fear!!!  I feel your frustration.  I think the anesthesia stays with us for a longer time than we'd like to think.  So I'm already planning on ways to modify my routine -----> less weight more reps...  at this point (2 weeks) washing my hair is a big deal!

Running did the exact same thing for me!! Such serious cramps in my vertical abdominal muscles!! Bad enough that I could not continue running. And my tummy was numb for about 2-3 hours after.

I took a step back and ran shorter distances (walking in between) for awhile. I found if they started to "lock up" (that's what it felt like to me anyway), they wouldnt unlock for hours. So I needed to run less than the time needed to have that happen. Except on my last interval - I'd go until it kist started so I'd know how I had progressed.

Before my second plastics last month (8-9 months out) I could run my whole 5k like before, but would still have that tight sensation afterwards. Not as painful but still locked. Sit-ups were fine though.

Be kind to yourself!!!

I did not have a tummy tuck, but I've had abdominal surgeries before and it's brutal.

I think you should start back with intervals. Even if you didn't have surgery, you would not be back to your previous level in a snap. You are going to have to build back into it.

I had an arm lift and didn't run for 2 weeks. I started with intervals! First walking, actually. Then 3 min intervals every 5 mins. Then 5 mins intervals every 3 mins or whatever the sequence you want to go. It took about a week for me to work up to running a 5k.

I also think even though the doc says you are cleared, doesn't mean your body is ready! As far as the weights are concerned, I'd start very slow and with crunches to build back your stomach muscles. Anything you do, requires good core strength, so don't screw that up!

Start slow!!! You just had major surgery. I understand wanting to go full steam ahead, but it's not worth injury and pain.

I followed my pain levels when I got back into it after my surgery.

I am six months out and still get swollen after doing my workouts. Not as much but it is still there. I still feel tightness in my muscles once in awhile. I wastn't allowed to begin working out as early as you were-especially abs.
Just take your time and if it hurts stop.

Kim

One other thought: I still work out in my compressions. Have you tried wearing a spans type garment while exercising? It may keep you from feeling so loose.